Transformation of the Army's Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES)
Abstract
Concerns about the processes used to evaluate disability in injured military service members continues today with the ongoing conflicts in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. This study will attempt to analyze the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) in the Army and make recommendations to transform and revolutionize the current system. The current Disability Evaluation System (DES) is inadequate and does not effectively support volunteer force and requires maintaining a large number of Wounded, III and Injured (WII) Service Members in uniform while they navigate an inefficient system of disability adjudication. The value of the study is its potential benefit for Soldiers undergoing disability review, and to the United States Army personnel and medical system. Recommendations in this study could benefit the medical community by possibly decreasing the time Soldiers remain on protracted active duty in the Military Treatment Facility without decrement in the access of quality of medical care provided to wounded, ill and injured Soldiers. Recommendations could also benefit Soldiers by enabling returning to duty or being allowed to enter the civilian community in a more expeditious manner. Lastly, the recommedations could also positively affect the overall readiness of our Army.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 06, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA543642
Entities
People
- James R. Andrews
Organizations
- United States Army War College