The DoD Disability Process
Topics:
Referral
The Exam
The Medical Evaluation Board
The Physical Evaluation Board
After the Physical Evaluation Board
Appeals
Preparing for the DoD Disability Process
When a service member develops a medical condition that may make them Unfit for Duty, they begin the DoD Disability Process. The goal of the DoD Disability Process is to determine 1.) if a service member’s conditions qualify for DoD Disability, and 2.) if at least one condition does qualify, the exact type and amount of Military Disability Benefits the service member will receive.
In 2009, the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) was created to combine the DoD Disability Process and the VA Disability Process to make both processes much faster and easier for the service member.
Now, all service members are automatically enrolled in the IDES when they are referred for a medical discharge, however, if the service member does not want to claim VA Disability, they can request instead to enroll in the Legacy Disability Evaluation System (LDES) which consists solely of DoD Disability without the involvement of the VA.
Below, we discuss all the steps necessary to receive DoD Disability, whether through the IDES or LDES.
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Referral
In order for the DoD Disability Process to begin, a service member must first be referred to the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) by a military physician. A service member who feels that their medical conditions make them Unfit for Duty can speak with their military physician and request for a referral to be made. If the physician agrees, they will officially make the referral.
After the referral, a PEBLO (Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer) is assigned to every service member to guide and assist them throughout the DoD Disability Process.
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The Exam
Once the MEB receives the referral, the service member must undergo a medical exam. In this exam, all of the service member’s medical conditions are assessed in order to help the Boards determine 1.) if the conditions are service-connected, 2.) if the conditions make the service member Unfit for Duty, and 3.) how the conditions should be rated for compensation.
All unfitting service-connected conditions qualify for DoD Disability and are rated based on their severity at the time of discharge, so this exam is essential for documenting the current severity of the conditions.
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The Medical Evaluation Board
The next step in the DoD Disability Process is the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). This phase is referred to as the MEB Process.
The MEB reviews all of the evidence, including the results of the exam, and determines the medical acceptability of the service member’s conditions. If none of the conditions are considered medically unacceptable, then the service member is returned to full duty and the DoD Disability Process ends. If, however, at least one condition is medically unacceptable, the MEB forwards the case on to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).
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The Physical Evaluation Board
The third step in the DoD Disability Process is the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). This phase is referred to as the PEB Process.
The PEB has the authority to decide if a service member’s conditions qualify for DoD Disability. For a condition to qualify, it must meet the requirements for Service-Connection and Unfit for Duty.
If no conditions qualify, then the service member is returned to full duty and the DoD Disability Process ends.
If, however, at least one condition qualifies, the PEB assigns Military Disability Ratings to the qualifying conditions, and the decision is sent to the PEBLO for the service member to review.
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After the Physical Evaluation Board
Once the service member agrees with the PEB’s decision, the DoD Disability Process ends.
If the PEB determined that no conditions were unfitting, then the service member is returned to full duty.
If the PEB determines that at least one condition is unfitting, then the service member is either placed on TDRL or medically discharged.
The Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) is used when a condition is unfitting and unstable, meaning that it is expected to get significantly better or worse within the next three years. The condition is reevaluated periodically during this period. If the condition improves enough, the service member is returned to duty. If the condition gets worse or stabilizes, the service member is medically discharged.
For a medical discharge, the service member is either medically separated or medically retired, depending on their Total Combined Rating.
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Appeals
During the DoD Disability Process, the service member has the right to review both the MEB’s and the PEB’s decisions.
If the service member disagrees with the MEB’s decision, they submit a rebuttal. The MEB will review the service member’s disagreements and then forward their final decision on to the PEB.
If the service member disagrees with the PEB’s decision, they can request for the case to be reviewed by the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB).
If the service member disagrees with the FPEB’s decision, they can submit an appeal. The case is then reviewed again and a final decision made.
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Preparing for the DoD Disability Process
What is by far the number one most important thing you need for the DoD Disability Process? DOCUMENTATION!
All Military Disability decisions are based entirely on the evidence that is submitted at the start of the DoD Disability Process or gathered at the exam. It is therefore vital that you properly compile all the essential information needed to ensure that your case is correctly judged and that your conditions are given the most accurate Military Disability Ratings possible. Additional evidence can be submitted after the DoD Disability Process begins, but it will most likely delay the entire process.
Here is a list of necessary evidence that must be submitted to the MEB:
- All medical records that document important evidence about your conditions
- A statement from your commander that notes how your medical conditions affect your ability to do your job
- A personal statement (this isn’t required but may be submitted if you feel that there is additional information that was left out by your physician or commander)
To understand what evidence is needed to properly rate your conditions, Find Your Conditions on our site. You can then ensure that this information is included in the evidence that is submitted.
For example, if you have a wrist injury, you’ll find on our site that most wrist conditions are rated on limited motion. It is vital, then, that the physician in your exam clearly records your exact range of motion measurements for your wrist. It is not enough for them to say that the wrist’s motion is limited. The exact measurements must be taken in order to rate the condition.
Be proactive to ensure that your DoD Disability Process goes smoothly.
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FAQs
How long does the DoD Disability Process take?
The DoD Disability Process usually takes 3-6 months from referral to separation.
Am I eligible for DoD Disability?
You are eligible for disability benefits from the DoD if you have one or more medical conditions caused by your military service (service-connected) that also make you Unfit for Duty.
How do I apply for DoD Disability?
You do not apply for DoD Disability but are instead referred to the Medical Evaluation Board by your military physician. This referral starts the DoD Disability Process.
If I qualify for DoD Disability, what benefits will I receive?
The benefits will depend on your Total Combined Rating. If you are rated 20% or less, you will receive a one-time separation payment. If you are rated 30% or more, you will be considered medically retired and receive retirement benefits.
How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?
You will receive your first payment within 1-2 months after discharge.
What is the Medical Evaluation Board?
The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) is the first board in the DoD Disability Process. They review your conditions and forward your case on to the Physical Evaluation Board if they feel you have one or more conditions that are medically unacceptable.
What is the Physical Evaluation Board?
The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) is the final Board in the DoD Disability Process. The PEB reviews your case and makes the final determination on which service-connected conditions make you Unfit for Duty and assigns them ratings.
What if I don't agree with the PEB's decision?
You have the right to appeal the PEB's decision. Your case will then be reviewed by the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB).
