Reform of the Army Physical Disability Evaluation System
Abstract
The medical disability evaluation process for Army Soldiers has been a source of significant confusion and frustration for many years. Although the United States Army Physical Disability Agency was not established until 1967, the historical roots contributing to this problem can be traced to the post-Civil War era. The increased number of Soldiers requiring disability consideration as a result of injuries sustained during current contingency operations has brought renewed attention to this long-standing problem. The current process is cobbled together by multiple governing Statutes, Defense Directives, Defense Instructions, and Army Regulations. Reform of the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) that severs disability adjudication from the Army will promote improved process efficiency without decrement in the access or quality of medical care provided to Wounded, Ill, and Injured (WII) Soldiers. It will clarify the delineation of responsibilities that allows the Army to focus on medical treatment and fitness for duty. Further, it will present the opportunity to re-evaluate and potentially revise national compensation and benefits policy for retired disabled veterans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508305
Entities
People
- James A. Polo
Organizations
- United States Army War College