What are the pros and cons of an Administrative OTH Discharge from the USAF versus a Medical Discharge?

Question

The medical problem is a mental disorder known as Asperger's Syndrome.

4 years of service.

Commander is pushing for the OTH and not open to a medical review board - Area Defense Counsel not much help - what options are there?

Answer 1

Well there are a lot of pro's to a medical discharge. One is that it is a honrable discharge. Might not mean anything really but to me it means a lot to get a fully honarable discharge. Another pro is when you go to the VA it will be right there on the DD214 long form that you were discharged because of a medical condition. Not sure if it makes a differance in there descision makeing but i would bet that it does. Myself i was asked if i had any records of the medical board descision. Very glad i kept the "informal" information by printing out a email i had with the process in it because i did not press the issue for a formal medical board and i went with the informal board descision. If anyone has mentioned a medical board and someone gives you the option for a "quick out" dont take the quick out stick it out to get the medical board it will help you get the medical attention you require later not to mention a Honarable dischage and all the benefits that go with said discharge along with federal hiring preferance.

I forgot to mention severance pay and possible monthly check with medical discharge. I think it is 30% disability and higher and you get a check from your branch.

On the good side you recive 2 types of your DD214 1 that will say reason for discharge at the bottom which will say physical or mental disability. TheDD214 short will not have that block it will simply describe it as a honarable discharge. If you only give employers the DD214 short they will not know and you do not have to tell them your medical past.

I am guessing next poster does not know about SVLI cheapest life insurance i have ever seen offered exclusivly to veterans ALL veterans. There is also the chance if you get a medical discharge that you might be able to get free life insurance from the VA. And as far as security positions go. Your medical record is considered sealed and not open to anyone unless you pose a seriouse risk to others or yourself (ie severe depression)

Answer 2

Asperger' Syndrome should have disqualfied you for enlistment, but I can understand how the nature of the syndrome would not be evident at time of examination without knowing you suffered from it. As such, you should receive a general discharge under honorable conditions for a disqualifying condition which existed prior to entry. Unless you have completed at least three years of active service, there is no presumption of it being aggravated by service.
Asperger's being a syndrome associated with developmental disorders, you should be eligible for after-service care with the VA. In addition, the National Institutes of Health are doing pioneer work on it, at no cost to the patient. In short, push for a medical board report which will recommend your discharge for a condition which existed prior to entry.

Answer 3

Well the biggest difference is with a Medical discharge, you will receive a check every month for the rest of your life and your mental illness health care should be covered as well.

Admin Discharge, you will have to go through the VA and try and get disability, long process.

Medical is the best way to go.

Answer 4

Give me a medical discharge any day!
That you don't have to explain or make exciuses for.

An administrative discharge means "you're fired."

Answer 5

I'll disagree with two previous posters for one reason. Once you get medical'd for a mental illness/disorder, you're in for a fight if you want life insurance, looking for work that calls for you to be in a position of trust (security clearance, bearing firearms).

Answer 6

Take the medical, ASAP!!