Also keep in mind that LTD as a reservist isn't easy to get (I know from experience). The military's med board process for reservists is more like "guilty until proven innocent" and the write ups for the IPEB typically question whether you're lying or not, or whether it's service connected or not. Only with AD are you covered for just about any injury anywhere at any time. Snowboarding accident over the weekend? If you're AD, it's service connected. Tinnitus from 10 years of reservist flying? Good luck proving that service connection with the VA even though it's a no brainer.

Make damn sure you document EVERY injury you've had while still AD so you can file claims for it with the VA for it when you're 65. If you don't document it while on AD, it will be much harder to prove service connection with the VA later on. And until you're 65, be extra careful with what you claim with the VA while flying in the civilian 121 world - they do audit checks and if you are getting VA compensation for it and didn't declare it with the FAA you can get in trouble. A friend of mine had PTSD from some hairy stuff in Afghanistan and was at 50% VA c&p for it, didn't declare it during an FAA flight physical and got in a lot of trouble.

First, Tricare is a good benefit, but IMHO it's not great. Nor is it THE item that should keep you on AD or grind out to 20 if you/your family/etc is burned out or doesn't know you because you're never around. You'll have solid options for care at any airline and as others have said, yes, it's not free but there are additional retiree programs + Medicare. Just thoughts to consider.

LTD where I am is that you burn your sick time, your vacation, then go to LTD; it'll be 3 months before you see that check. You'll also have disability benefits from your union, plus the company, and if you're set with VA disability rating, you'll be ok. Definitely able to pay the bills.

CAREFUL!

The VA disability advocate groups who will help you file a claim will try to ensure you get max credit for any and every possible injury, ailment, and condition... that's *mostly* OK but there a few things which the FAA will go hard-over on... PTSD, TBI, anything substance or mental health other than marriage counseling.

It's going to be pretty hard to get an FAA 1C while getting VA disability pay for stuff like that.

And don't file with the VA and then lie to the FAA... there are ex-mil legacy airline pilots who have been recently sent to prison for doing that. Assume the FAA has visibility on all VA (and potentially mil) medical data. Databases talk to each other in the 21st century.

Depends on the airline, details vary. Also it may or may not include medical, and may or may not allow you to work another job and keep your airline LTD.

Typically a pays a % (50-60%) of what you earned in the last year or maybe average three. If the company pays for it, that sounds good but it actually makes the disability pay taxable. If the employee pays the premium, then the disability pay is not taxed (fed).

At least one union offers LTD that you can purchase, and I think that's in addition to company LTD. Although some plans are offset by income from other plans or state SDI.

One other point on the cash flow side…due to years of lobbying the new ndaa has guidance forcing services to provide implementation language for ACIP parity in the guard and reserves. So if you hit your gates good chance you’ll see a full tax free ACIP amount (up to ~$1k) even if you’re in a desk job.

Implementation language due sep 2022. That’s a nice chunk.

I think USNR already gets that?

Hmm not sure. Army (and AF to my knowledge) guard/reserve is currently only prorated. Ie 1/30 of whatever your ACIP rate is per day served. So for a drill weekend you get 4/30 of a full month rate.

New language should give you the full amount (tax free) regardless of days actually performed. Assuming you meet other requirements. Up slip every year, gates, etc.

Pretty sure USNR is pro-rated.

I have a friend who was in Fallujah and got diagnosed with PTSD. He went through some insane **** and any normal person would've responded the same way, but he worked through his issues the right way, which, unfortunately, left a paper trail. I passed along Rick's advice, he was upfront about his PTSD to the FAA, and he had to jump through rings of fire to prove he's completely recovered, but he was able to get his Class 1 medical. He's working on his 1500 hours now.

If it happened, you cannot hide that. I'm just saying that you shouldn't try to get a VA rating for anything of that nature if you want to fly.

For the VA, you have to play up the condition.

For the FAA, you have to play it down.

You can't do both (and stay out of prison).