Different programs serving different purposes for different reasons. When you hire on at a job where they can put you in jail for not showing up for work or trying to quit, there should be solid framework to take care of what happens to you while working on that job.I have a buddy who was in Army for 16-18 years, he is now in the Guard until his retirement vests. He owns his own business and is 60% disabled for bad knee and shoulder and he said this has to stay above 50% to get his retirement.
That is why I made my initial post, I didn't really understand how you can be considered "disabled" but still be fit for duty and earn as much as you like. I know the general public, if 100% disabled....can not earn any money without jeopardizing disability.
When I was a roofer, I could quit or refuse to do anything unsafe I wanted, and the worst thing happened to me was that I moved on to the next crew looking for someone with experience. You don't have that luxury in the military.