Exit physical

[turkish]

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I’m ETSing this summer, and am fairly sure I need some sort of exit physical. I’ve checked with the VA clinic, they said “your unit does it” (???) and the unit says “go to SFL TAP”.

Are we supposed to have some sort of VA physical done to assess our level of broke-ness? How does one set this up. Apparently I’m the first person to ever get out of the Army, the way this whole process is being handled.

 

[colbgw02]

The VA doesn't have anything to do with your separation physicial from the Army, at least not on the front end*. I'm a little sketchy on the details because it's been a few years, but in general terms I just contacted the nearby MTF (clinic) and made an appointment. I seem to remember it being a multistep process whereby I had to get vision/hearing checked before seeing a "provider". Also, if you have your separation physical done before the semi-annual APFT, then you can opt out of it except for height/weight.

*Like all of your medical records, anything documented in your separation physical can be used by the VA to determine disability after separation.

 

[TheEarDoc]

I’m ETSing this summer, and am fairly sure I need some sort of exit physical. I’ve checked with the VA clinic, they said “your unit does it” (???) and the unit says “go to SFL TAP”.

Are we supposed to have some sort of VA physical done to assess our level of broke-ness? How does one set this up. Apparently I’m the first person to ever get out of the Army, the way this whole process is being handled.

One of the VA's I worked at was in the backyard of an Army base and another was in the backyard of an Air Force Base. We often times did SHA (separation health exams) for people ETS'ing out of the service. I think it can be done either way either at the local military clinic or they can farm you out to the VA to have it done.

 

[armytrainingsir]

Apparently I’m the first person to ever get out of the Army, the way this whole process is being handled.

You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.

 

[d2305]

I did physicals for separation, and most of the time it's routine. It takes a while when every box is checked yes.

 

[Gastrapathy]

Your separation physical is just to ensure you don’t have an acute issue that needs treatment before you leave and to document your health for reserves or return to AD.

The VA C&P exam is completely separate from your separation physical. Once you submit a VA claim, they will determine the exam(s) required to evaluate your claim. This can start while still AD if you are 180-90 days from separation or can be done after discharge.
Types of VA Disability Claims and When to File: VA.gov

“First time ever time” would be a great motto for the .mil.

 

[MTGas2B]

When I left active duty there was a VA service member advocate at the command. You could bring your record. They would scrub it and generate a list for a claim and submit it. The VA then contacted me for physical to evaluate.


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[Kingfisher]

I’m ETSing this summer, and am fairly sure I need some sort of exit physical. I’ve checked with the VA clinic, they said “your unit does it” (???) and the unit says “go to SFL TAP”.

Are we supposed to have some sort of VA physical done to assess our level of broke-ness? How does one set this up. Apparently I’m the first person to ever get out of the Army, the way this whole process is being handled.

Depending on the level your of "brokenness" will indicate whether you will need an actual VA physical.

If you are broken enough to want to file a VA claim for disability, then you will need do a VA physical. In the Navy, if you do a VA physical then you don't actually need to do a separation physical with the clinic. If you are not planning on filing a claim with the VA, then your local clinic should be able to do your separation physical. There should be an instruction giving the specifics on the physical. It's really only a physical in name only unless you have suddenly developed a bunch of chronic conditions for which you have never been seen.

 

[j4pac]

Hopefully you have your disability insurance policy

 

[Gastrapathy]

Hopefully you have your disability insurance policy

.

Get the policy between submission to the VA and determination.

 

[j4pac]

.

Get the policy between submission to the VA and determination.

You have to disclose medical issues on your disability insurance paperwork. If the VA has discovered pathology, it will be reflected in the cost of the insurance policy. I think that getting an insurance policy before the VA process is prudent.

 

[Gastrapathy]

The problem is that you can't get a good policy while still AD.

 

[IlDestriero]

Be cautious about what you try to claim in an effort to try to get a VA disability determination. Your future civilian disability policy may be at risk, especially if you have to pay for one yourself.

 

[pgg]

The problem is that you can't get a good policy while still AD.

It used to be that no one would underwrite a DI policy for an active duty physician. At least one company will now. I've had an individual policy with Mass Mutual for a few years. Own occ with a future insurability rider so I can increase the coverage without going through underwriting again when I leave the Navy.

 

[Gastrapathy]

^^thats important. Everyone should do it.

 

[MD Financial Services Scott]

Ideally we obtain a policy for someone while in residency then it can go into suspense while AD or if you buy the Mass contract at $2k it will stay active. Once you are active most carriers just won't issue a new policy until you have been discharged and a disability evaluation has been determined by the military so that the insurance company knows what if anything to exclude.

 

[j4pac]

Definitely more education needs to be put into this life insurance deal. I’m in the crowd for having to face incredibly high rates with pretty significant restrictions, all because it was simply something I didn’t think about on active duty. It’s a very big deal folks.