Military Medical Retirement Pay Calculator
If you are facing a medical separation or retirement from the military, understanding your financial future is critical. Our Military Medical Retirement Pay Calculator helps service members quickly estimate monthly retirement pay, annual income, VA disability compensation, and total combined benefits — including CRDP eligibility.
Whether you are being placed on TDRL (Temporary Disability Retired List) or PDRL (Permanent Disability Retired List), this tool provides a clear breakdown of what you can expect financially.
This guide explains how the calculator works, how to use it properly, and what each result means for your long-term planning.
What Is Military Medical Retirement?
Military medical retirement occurs when a service member is found unfit for duty due to a medical condition. Depending on the disability rating and circumstances, retirement can be:
- TDRL (Temporary Disability Retired List) – For conditions that may improve or worsen.
- PDRL (Permanent Disability Retired List) – For stable conditions unlikely to change.
Your retirement pay is calculated using either:
- Disability Percentage Method
- Longevity Method (2.5% per year of service)
- The higher of the two (in many cases)
Our calculator automatically compares these methods so you can see the difference instantly.
How the Military Medical Retirement Pay Calculator Works
The calculator estimates:
- Disability Method Pay
- Longevity Method Pay
- Monthly Retirement Pay
- Annual Retirement Pay
- Estimated VA Compensation
- Total Monthly Income (with or without CRDP)
It applies military retirement formulas and VA disability compensation rates based on your inputs.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Calculator
Using the tool is simple. Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Enter Your Monthly Base Pay
Input your current monthly basic pay (not including BAH or bonuses).
2️⃣ Enter Your Years of Service
Include total active duty time. Decimal entries (like 12.5 years) are allowed.
3️⃣ Select Your VA Disability Rating
Choose your percentage (10%–100%). This affects both retirement and VA compensation estimates.
4️⃣ Choose Retirement Type
- Temporary (TDRL)
- Permanent (PDRL)
5️⃣ Enter Number of Dependents
VA compensation increases if you have dependents and a rating of 30% or higher.
6️⃣ Select Calculation Method
Choose:
- Disability % Method
- Longevity Method (2.5% per year)
- Higher of Both
7️⃣ Indicate CRDP Eligibility
Select “Yes” if:
- You have 20+ years of service
- AND a 50%+ disability rating
Then click Calculate to instantly view results.
Understanding Each Result
Here’s what each output means:
Disability Method Pay
Calculated as:
Base Pay × Disability Rating %
Example:
$4,000 base pay × 60% = $2,400/month
Longevity Method Pay
Calculated as:
Base Pay × (Years of Service × 2.5%)
Capped at 75%.
Example:
20 years × 2.5% = 50%
$4,000 × 50% = $2,000/month
Monthly Retirement Pay
Based on your selected method:
- Disability
- Longevity
- Or whichever is higher
Annual Retirement Pay
Monthly retirement × 12.
VA Compensation (Estimated)
The calculator uses estimated VA disability rates and adds dependent bonuses when applicable.
If:
- Rating ≥ 30%
- Dependents > 0
Additional compensation is included automatically.
Total Monthly Income
This depends on CRDP eligibility:
- If CRDP eligible → Retirement Pay + VA Compensation
- If not eligible → You typically receive the higher of the two
This is one of the most important financial distinctions for retirees.
Example Calculation
Let’s walk through a real-world scenario:
- Base Pay: $4,500
- Years of Service: 18
- Disability Rating: 70%
- Retirement Type: Permanent
- Dependents: 2
- Calculation Method: Higher of Both
- CRDP Eligible: No
Results:
- Disability Method: $3,150
- Longevity Method: $2,025
- Monthly Retirement: $3,150
- VA Compensation: Estimated with dependent bonus
- Total Monthly Income: Higher of retirement or VA
This shows how disability percentage can significantly outweigh longevity pay in certain cases.
Key Financial Insights for Service Members
1. Disability Ratings Matter
A small change in percentage can dramatically affect monthly income.
2. Years of Service Still Count
Even with high disability ratings, longevity may provide competitive benefits.
3. CRDP Is a Major Advantage
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay allows you to receive both payments without offset — but only if you qualify.
4. Dependents Increase VA Compensation
At ratings of 30% or higher, dependents increase your total monthly benefit.
5. Temporary vs Permanent Retirement
TDRL may guarantee minimum percentages in some lower-rating cases.
Who Should Use This Calculator?
This tool is ideal for:
- Active duty members facing medical boards
- Service members entering IDES
- Those preparing for MEB or PEB outcomes
- Veterans reviewing retirement options
- Financial planners assisting military families
Why Use This Calculator?
✅ Fast and accurate estimates
✅ Side-by-side method comparison
✅ Includes VA compensation
✅ Accounts for dependents
✅ CRDP eligibility built in
✅ Free and easy to use
Planning your financial future after military service requires clarity. This calculator gives you that clarity in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between TDRL and PDRL?
TDRL is temporary and reviewed periodically; PDRL is permanent and stable.
2. How is disability retirement pay calculated?
Using either disability percentage or years of service (2.5% per year), whichever method applies.
3. What is the 2.5% rule?
Each year of service equals 2.5% of base pay toward retirement.
4. Is retirement pay capped?
Yes, longevity calculations are capped at 75%.
5. Do I receive both retirement pay and VA disability?
Only if eligible for CRDP (20+ years and 50%+ rating).
6. What happens if I’m not CRDP eligible?
You typically receive the higher of retirement pay or VA compensation.
7. Does base pay include BAH or bonuses?
No, only basic pay is used for retirement calculations.
8. Do dependents increase retirement pay?
No, but they increase VA disability compensation.
9. What rating qualifies for dependent VA benefits?
30% or higher.
10. Is VA compensation taxable?
Generally, VA disability compensation is tax-free.
11. Is military retirement pay taxable?
Yes, in most cases (federal taxes apply).
12. Can TDRL payments change?
Yes, they are reviewed and may increase or decrease.
13. What is CRDP?
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay allows dual payments without offset.
14. Does this calculator guarantee exact pay?
No. It provides estimates for planning purposes only.
15. Should I consult a financial advisor?
Yes, especially for long-term retirement planning and tax considerations.
Final Thoughts
Medical retirement can feel overwhelming, but understanding your financial outlook shouldn’t be. Our Military Medical Retirement Pay Calculator gives you a reliable estimate of what your monthly and annual income may look like — factoring in disability ratings, years of service, dependents, and CRDP eligibility.
Use it to compare scenarios, prepare for retirement decisions, and plan confidently for the future.