Beginning 10/1/49:

1. a. 

   A disability resulting from the performance of active duty will not be based on the direct crediting of years of active MS (i.e., years of active MS are not a requirement for eligibility). Therefore, pre-1957 wage credits may be granted.

2. b. 

   A disability not resulting from the performance of active duty is treated as longevity retirement in determining whether MS wage credits may be granted. Thus, pre-1957 wage credits would be excluded.

Before 10/1/49, enlisted members of the MS, generally, could be retired for disability after serving a minimum (usually 20 years) of active MS. Commissioned officers did not need to serve any minimum time.

If the disability retirement before 10/1/49 required a minimum of MS, we treat it the same way as a longevity retirement when determining if pre-1957 MS wage credits may be granted.

If the disability retirement is based on longevity computation, pre-1957 wage credits are precluded (see archived military service POMS for exceptions for the 1951–1956 period). However, a veteran may be eligible for, and elect to receive, a VA disability compensation which is nontaxable or which may be higher than the military retirement. To receive a VA disability compensation, the military disability retirement must be waived either totally or to the extent of the VA payment.