Disability Evaluation System Analysis and Research Annual Report 2015
Abstract
The Disability Evaluation System (DES) process follows guidelines laid out by the Department of Defense (DoD) and public law. The disability evaluation is administered at the service level with each branch of service responsible for the specific evaluation. While interservice differences exist, the disability evaluation process for all services includes two main components: an evaluation by the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB), and a determination by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) of a service members ability to perform his/her military duties [1,2].The disability evaluation process is described in Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI)1332.18 and serves as the basis for each services disability evaluation [3]. The process of disability evaluation begins when a service member is diagnosed with a condition or injury at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). If the condition or injury is considered potentially disqualifying or significantly interferes with the service members ability to carry out the duties of his/her office, grade, or rank, the case is referred to the MEB. Service members who meet medical standards or deemed capable of carrying out their duties are returned to duty [1-2,4-6]. Those unable to perform assigned duties are forwarded to an Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) for a medical record review, where a determination regarding a service members fitness for continued military service is made. Members deemed fit are returned to duty, while those deemed unfit are discharged or placed on limited duty. In the event a service member is dissatisfied with the determination made by the IPEB, he/she can appeal to the formal PEB (FPEB) and eventually to the final review authority (which varies by service, as detailed below) if the case is not resolved to the service members satisfaction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1005611
Entities
People
- Amanda L. Piccirillo
- David N. Cowan
- Elizabeth R. Packnett
- Hoda Elmasry
- Michael R. Boivin
- Paul O. Kwon