Medical discharge from the National Guard??

Question

I am in the Army National Guard. I have been having bad lower back and neck problems. This has been since basic training. Although it has worsened aver the past 6 months. My question is, how would i go about getting a medical discharge? Do i go through a military doctor and let them know i want a medical discharge? Should i go through a civilian doctor and get the proper documentation? Who would i bring this documentation to?

It's been like pulling teeth to get a military doctor to see me. This is why i am seeking some information here. Has anyone gotten a medical discharge? What were the steps?

Thanks for all for looking. And please, if you plan on leaving a neagtive comment, don't! Some may think i just want out but that is not the case. Some people really do have medical issues that does not allow them to perform the military duties. I can barely perform my civilian duties.

Answer 1

I have suffered with lower back pain since I was 12.  I also spent six years in the Marines and received an honorable discharge.  Question is, how bad is it?  The bad thing about medical discharges is that it limits the jobs that are available to you when you are released.  

Answer 2

unfortunately, only a military MD can initiate this. It all starts off with a single appointment or sick call.  The referral is made if warranted.  Wait until your next drill if you can to see a military MD so they don't fret about costs.

You can always go to an Active Duty Base and seek attention there.  

Be prepared for an uphill battle.  And though all of your problems are real and problematic for you, the ANG is thinking about the mission and to be brutally honest, they're thinking about them.

If you're doing this for the sake of attaining benefits after discharge, be careful.  It's easy for the NG to say your problems were preexisting or happened NOT while in reserve status.  Have good documentation handy.

I'd recommend seeking a VA assitance from the DAV.  You begin applying for VA benefits while in the ANG.  You can use alot of the VA proceedings to help support your claims for a medical discharge.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

I got a medical discharge but I didn't start it, it was discovered during my five year physical.  I did have lower back problems, but that is not what disqualified me for future service.  Get X-rays done, if you have been deployed overseas, you will have access to the VA system for up to five years after you return, they will perform the x-rays for you  Was your injury from basic training or a pre-existing condition?  If it was from basic, did you have a LOA filled out, if not you may be out of luck getting the military to pay for x-rays.  How close are you to your five year physical, any major problems will be found then.

That being said, it's pretty hard to get out for back problems, I was discharged for a eye condition that is destroying my eye sight in the left eye.  If you really feel that it will affect your ability to service, get doctors to write out what your limitations are and request a permanent profile for lifting or anything else that is affected by your back.  I'm not sure were the documentation goes, I'm in the Army Reserves, so I fall under a different rules.