Physical Evaluation Board System Overview

An overview of the Physical Disability Evaluation System, including the MEB and PEB. Also, important decisions at each stage of the PDES, benefits, continuation on active duty/active reserve ( COAD / COAR ), the eight year rule, and more.

Outcomes: Fit, Severance, TDRL, PDRL

A forum for discussing the outcomes of the Physical Evaluation Board.
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Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)

A Forum to discuss the IDES, where the Service makes fit/unfit determination and VA Rating Board determines ratings.
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News Feeds

A forum updated with content about DOD/Service specific/VA disability issues.
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2012 National Defense Authorization Act

A forum for discussions about the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
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2008 National Defense Authorization Act Forum

A Forum for discussing issues and questions regarding the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act and its impact on MEB/PEB cases.
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Physical Disability Compensation

A place to discuss all issues having to do with compensation from DoD for physcial disability.
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The question on most of our minds is this: How long is it all going to take? This is an attempt to answer that question, but it's going to take all of us to do it. The idea is to give a very detailed account of the timeline of each person's case. It's one thing to say "in February I was tumpy tumpy" but there's a world of difference and two pay periods between the beginning of the month and end of it. Somwhere there's the theory if the sample population (ours here) is large enough, it comes to represent the whole (all military members going through this). If there are enough people who take notes and are good at remembering dates, or do like I do and keep a monthly planner you can keep notes in, then it would go a long way to...
This post, like this site, is a work in progress. I realized recently that even though all the information on the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) can be found here, first time visitors probably need a guide to understand what is going on with their case. I will be posting a more comprehensive "Guide" in the near future. But for now, I want to put out this post to help newcomers and members alike understand how to use this site. First, in the Physical Disability Evaluation System Overview Forum, you can find some basic overview/information papers on understanding the process. The updated "Guide" that I will publish will eventually replace the info papers found there. But for now, you can get a grasp of the process. I...
I have an important advisory and issue of great importance for Air Force Reserve Component Members (Air Reserve and Air National Guard members). A few weeks back a colleague of mine called me and asked whether I had heard of ARC/ANG members being processed through the Legacy Disability Evaluation System (LDES). My friend shared a story of a client who was an AF Reserve member who was referred to the MEB and then the PEB notified his client that he was being processed by the PEB as an LDES case. The client had a current VA rating that was higher than the PEB decision. I was asked what I thought of this and I said that this made no sense and seemed patently illegal. I thought this was just an error or an aberration- until the next day...
Welcome again, everyone (well, as of now I am the only one registered here, but this is for all the future members). As I explained in the anouncement, I have created this site to provide US Military Servicemembers information about the MEB / PEB proccess. This is intended to be a one stop information resource center and discussion board. This is my first message board/website, so please bear with me as I learn more about this board's software and how to improve the user experience. Please feel free to offer suggestions. I know I won't be able to please everyone, but I will listen to input. Well, I hope this Board is helpful to the Servicemembers going through the PDES. I wish everyone the best of luck.
So, you are starting in the military disability process....you probably feel like the characters above. Let me point out several pointers and common errors that impact folks in getting to a favorable outcome. 1) Make an honest and fair evaluation of your situation and your goals as early as possible- then fight for your desired outcome. I have stated this countless times. One of the best things you can do to get the outcome you desire is to decide as early as possible what your desired outcome is. I have come across many cases where the member gets a bad outcome because they have "waffled" on what they want. For example, I have seen many cases where a member really wants to be found fit and continue their career. So, at the MEB...
Mind you these are all referenced to the Army, some may cross over to the other services those of you out there please post them on this discussion too! Thanks all!! Legacy-Old MEB/PEB process. IDES-Integrated Disability Evaluation System; new MEB/PEB process. DoD-means any military service/encompasses all. MEB-Medical Evaluation Board. PEB-Physical Evaluation Board. MMRB-MOS/Medical Retention Board. NARSUM-Narrative Summary. IPEB- Informal Physical Evaluation Board. FPEB-Formal Physical Evaluation Board. IPR –Independent Physical Review (Same as IMR). IMR-Independent Medical Review (Same as IPR). PDBR-Physical Disability Board of Review, for those out of the service already that need to correct a...
I was recently contacted by a staff member from the DoD Recovering Warrior Task Force. There is a panel discussion that they are holding in the Crystal City (Arlington), VA on Dec. 5, and they are looking for interested members going through the IDES. I was asked to post this announcement (which sounds like a good opportunity for people to have their concerns heard): The DoD Recovering Warrior Task Force (RWTF) is seeking Wounded, Ill, or Injured Service members who are in the Integrated Disability System Evaluation System (IDES) process, preparing for transition to civilian life, and willing to participate in a panel discussion. The RWTF was established by Congress in 2010 to provide DoD with advice and recommendations on...
Recently while on deployment I contracted COVID and shortly thereafter developed severe vertigo and tinnitus. Currently retained on active duty on MEDHOLD with a diagnosis of Ménière’s. I get severe attacks 2-3 times a week. When I met with military dr he suggested retirement in lieu of MEB as I am eligible to collect my retirement immediately. Is there any benefit to me to retire as opposed to MEB? With this condition, I will not be able to return to my Civillian job. I currently am on limited duty, work at home and work in office only as tolerated. I cannot drive, no sports or PT, no climbing or lifting. If I retire I will only get my small retirement and no healthcare. It’s my understanding if they med board me they have to hold...
Hello, My therapist informed me that I was being sent to AMRO because I've been in treatment for over 12 months. She made a really big deal about it and how my commander has to write an impact statement and her NARSUM and all and how she sees people get kicked out and retained with no rhyme or reason. I really tried to get more information from her, but she clearly doesn't understand a lot of the process and the AFI is confusing (referencing IRILO and AMRO independently and then as if they are the same thing). My commander on G-series is in name only (I've never met him) because I work in AFRL and it's heavily civilian with very little military involvement, so in order to engage my boss, I need to provide all the data and examples...
Hello Everyone, I am in need of some guidance or information. Back in 2015 I was deployed and was conducting PT in the gym and had what felt like a pulled muscle in my left calf. So, I drank more water and stretched my legs out and carry on with my day. This regimen continued on for the next 3 days. And on that third day my calf was nearly tripled in size, and I could not straighten my leg and walk was extremely difficult. I went to sick call and was transported to the hospital where I was told that I had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) I received a ultrasound that confirmed the clot and was placed on blood thinners. I completed my deployment and then was transfer into the WTU (warrior transition unit) for additional care. No one could...
This is my first time posting here, and wanted to know if it is possible to request to change my honorable discharge to medical retirement. I served just under 7 years (4 USMC, 2 years 7 months Army). I was infantry with one combat deployment and 2 training deployments throughout South East Asia. I was on a profile basically my entire Army enlistment due to back problems and PTSD. When going over my options with my Medical Officer in Korea he informed me that a med board would likely hold me past my ETS for close to a year and he wouldn't recommend me for much of a rating, he told me it would be a waste of time so I went ahead and finished the rest of my contract on a profile and applied for a voluntary early release to attend college...
Hello everyone. Im an airman currently in a code 37. I was placed in a code 37 approximately July 31, my official MEB 469 was input August 5th. So about 2 months. Ive been dealing with chronic back pain with bulging disks, degenerative changes, etc. i am Security Forces defender and for the past two years I have been on countless profiles and DNA due to mainly gear profiles (no wearing gear), and medications primarily. Ive been in for over 3 years, and my new assignment ive been at for a year is much more high speed and physically demanding which really did a number on my condition. I have not heard any updates on my case yet. I believe my PCM submitted the NARSUM about a month ago. I was curious if anybody can give me just a...
For mental health issues. Can the Army start a MEB without first having a permanent profile? For instance, some physical conditions result in a profile and then a MEB, but for mental health issues is it the same? If I wanted a MEB for mental health, do I need a profile first? I’ve been being treated for 18 months, but have been trying to avoid a MEB, but if I get one for another condition (Chrohns) I’d want the mental stuff added too.
How long does the IPEB take? I go and sign my NARSUM this Friday and they are sending it off. I've been dealing with this Med board for almost 2 years just ready for it to be over. How does the process work after signing NARSUM and it being sent .
Sorry if this comes off as a rambling mess but this morning I found out I was going to be a guest OC/T at NTC. That wasn’t the issue or am I trying to complain. The main issue is that my PCP changed the profile restrictions to allow my battalion to send me on this tasking without consulting me or my orthopedic doctor. Is there anything I can do? As I am preparing for a MEDBOARD once I am reevaluated.
Hello, I had a foot surgery Jan 20204. After that i had pain and diagnosed CRPS and taking a lot of medications for pain and mental health. Right now. I have nerve damage and pain and so numb I cant move my foot even toes. Any kind of contact to my foot cause serious pain like burning stabbing and throbbing and constant pain for 24hrs. so I cant walk my self. Using crutches almost 1 year and it causes additional back neck and shoulder pain. Long story short, podiatry, rehab, pain management tried all kind of treatments to fix my foot but failed and no improvement.(a lot of injection treatments and now putting fentanyl patches). My off post doctor diagnosed that my foot is functionally unusable. Just got medboard recommendation from...
Good afternoon Team -- I hope you all are doing well. I got a quick question. According to my PEBLO either the eMEB, ePEB, or VTA system is down for an unspecified amount of time. The PEBLO mentioned he is not sure when the system will be back online but estimated it will take some time for it to come back online. Has anyone with insider information heard about this or how long it may take for the system to come back up?
@RonG Good afternoon Ron and Team! I hope you all are having a great day! I had a question pertaining to CRSC. I am a full time National Guard Soldier with less than 20 year of service going through a MEDBOARD (IDES) and have been on continuous active duty status since December 2021. I am wondering two things: I received my NARSUM and DA Form 3947 (Medical Evaluation Board Proceedings) where Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); also diagnosed by the VA as Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress; also claimed as Depression and Anxiety was annotated. The NARSUM and C&P exams annotate that “The Initial PTSD C&P exam (13MAY2024) indicates DSM-5 criteria are met for a diagnosis of PTSD related to witnessing an injured...
My DBQ was not helpful for the VA due to it being a "Rare condition", but I can not find anything on the VA 38F chapter book for my condition. Does anyone know a possible percentage for this, especially since I'm on MEB for this issue? I saw my BEL claim was closed on the VA, but it got sent 18SEP2024 and I'm suppose to get the results no later than 30SEP2024.
Hey all, I've been a lurker here for a good while since I was initially referred to the MEB last month. Quick background, I'm an AM2 stationed at a sea duty squadron. I just completed my last C&P exam a couple days ago and am only waiting for my head to toe to be uploaded. My case is weird, since I wasn't placed on LIMDU (Somehow, I went an entire year almost on 30-day LLD chits in succession because medical refused to refer me for LIMDU) so currently I'm still at my sea duty command being basically a paper pusher for my shop while I wait for my board to process. I just reached out to the Skillbridge coordinator and he says I can't do anything until I have a separation/retirement date. Is there anything else I can do that would benefit...
How does a periodic assessment work on TDRL if you are discharged at an older age? Is it condition related? Like if a 45 year old gets a PEB unfit TDRL will they still have to get looked at again in a few years? When is the first review, when is the last one? I think SSDI stops periodics after a certain age. Or would you be more likely to get PDRL as a 45 year old vs a 25 year old? Or does age not matter for PDRL TDRL? Hope this makes sense.
Good day all and Happy Monday! I had a quick question. Today I am going to do my NARSUM review with my PEBLO. He sent a variety of documents including a DA Form 3947 (Medical Evaluation Board Proceedings). Below are screen shots from that form. There are two claimed conditions that do not meet retention standards IAW AR 40-501. In block 12a stating if there are conditions listed that cause the Soldier to fall below medical retention standards, per AR 40-501, it is marked 'No'. I believe this is a typo and should be 'Yes' an in 12b annotate these two disqualifying conditions. Can anyone confirm if I am correct about this? I have contacted my PEB counsel to discuss this as well.
I recently was put on a P3 permanent profile which automatically starts a MEB for Army. I had my entire colon removed a year ago due to severe ulcerative colitis and have been living with an ostomy bag for the last year. I will be having my takedown in a few months so I will not have the external bag after that. I was just wondering if there’s anyone else here who has been through a med board with a j-pouch and what kind of ratings I could expect. I am technically “cured” of ulcerative colitis because my entire large intestine was removed so I am not sure where I’d fall under AR 40-501. Also, if I try to fight the MEB to continuing serving on active duty what are my chances of being found fit for duty. TIA
I was just told that our MSG(Group) CC disapproved my Skillbridge. My application went up to the MSG commander because my former commander got relieved of command recently...and she said she was going to approve it so I'm hitting myself for taking too long so I can research who to do skillbridge with... UGH I saw that the system automatically rescinded my Skillbridge application in AFVEC though because of the dates I put in the application. I asked for the reason and my SEL shrugged and stated that maybe it's because he didn't see that it was for the best interest of the Air Force. I did not get anything in writing though as far as the reason why he is against it. I literally don't have any work at my unit because of the situation I am...
Not alot of information out there that I can find regarding Estimated Separation Date while undergoing MEB for Skillbridge. So far: 1. Go through Education Office directly, not AFVEC... 2. Convince command that you are out the door and a really cool dude. 3. The following - The ETP is worked through your education office/MAJCOM and not your CC. I was able to get mine signed/approved in two days. Don’t let people tell you no because they simply do not know. Once you have your FL-4 from the PEBLO saying to push with a full MEB you are eligible to apply for the ETP and begin SkillBridge. Your 180 day SkillBridge window starts once you receive the FL-4 according to HAF. DAFI36-2670, 6.10.2.1.4. Expect to be discharged or released from...
Mods Im not sure where to ask TDRL questions - please advise if wrong forum. Gist of it is I have recently got VA MH increase while on TDRL(From what I hear its not optimal in order to get the board to place you on PDRL as its "not static" condition due to change). Do AF boards typically move you to PDRL via record review or is it a crapshoot? Doing timeline math VA reeval will expire(18 months) within my 3 year TDRL window with couple of months to spare. Is it worth reaching out to disability counsel for specific advice?
I was offered to options for a MEB with either my shoulder injury (bursitis, tendonitis, torn rotator cuff) or for behavioral health (depression and anxiety). I am deciding which one would be the best option. My nurse case manager stated that there may be a chance I get 30% disability from my shoulder, and it would be permanent. The behavioral health would give a higher rating she stated but it would be on the TDRL. I am inclined to take the behavioral health option but am worried about the re-evaluation and ending up lower than 30%. Any advice would be great as I am struggling to decide which option.
Good day everyone. I am currently in IDES pending NARSUM assignment according to my PEBLO. Would anyone know where I can see an example of an Army NARSUM and/or 199 just to see what might be expected? I also spoke with my MSC from the VA today that said my conditions should equate to a rating that "I am not mad at at all" but couldn't tell me what he'd expect. I told him my referred condition was for an autoimmune disorder which on 38 CFR shows 100% based on diagnosis which I have and am being treated for. Can anyone help me understand that 6524 Granulomatous rhinitis:Wegener's granulomatosis, lethal midline granuloma which is rated at 100 percent will be the rating I'll recieve? Thanks as always for the help.
Good Morning.. I have a question regarding receiving a permanent or temporary profile. My husband is going through the IDES process. He has been rated as 100% Permanent and Total on the VA side and 90% on the DOD side. Additionally, he has 100% on the VA side even without PTSD. PTSD is not listed on the DOD side at all, and he still has 90%. He is trying to get his PTSD, which is 70%, added to the DOD side and rated as combat related to get the tax free benefits. It is noted he has a combat action badge to make his PTSD combat related which they currently don’t have it listed as. His PEBLO has told him if they add the PTSD to the DOD side his status will change to a temporary profile for 6 months. Is this true, even though he is at 100%...

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