This update has substantial revisions to policy and also reissues, incorporates, and cancels several DOD policy and other issuances.
Of particular note, this version states that:
"b. Service members will proceed through one of the DES processes: the Legacy Disability Evaluation System (LDES), or the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). DoD’s objective in all DES processes is to collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure continuity of care, timely processing, and seamless transition of the Service member from DoD to VA in cases of disability separation or retirement. It is DoD policy for Service members to process through the IDES unless a compelling and individualized reason for process through the LDES is approved by the Secretary of the Military Department."
(Emphasis added.)
