Physical Evaluation Board System Overview

Jason Perry · Nov 4, 2007

This post, like this site, is a work in progress. I realized recently that even though all the information on the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) can be found here, first time visitors probably need a guide to understand what is going on with their case. I will be posting a more comprehensive "Guide" in the near future. But for now, I want to put out this post to help newcomers and members alike understand how to use this site. First, in the Physical Disability Evaluation System Overview Forum, you can find some basic overview/information papers on understanding the process. The updated "Guide" that I will publish will eventually replace the info papers found there. But for now, you can get a grasp of the process. I...

Jason Perry · Jun 2, 2007

This thread is for discussing everything related to fitness and unfitness in the PDES.

RonG · Jul 16, 2019

CRSC questions, new CRSC information, and requests for CRSC estimates should be posted as a new thread in the CRSC Forum. This is the link to the CRSC Forum —-> Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Ron

Jason Perry · Sep 15, 2008

A copy of Mike Parker's Powerpoint presentation to the MOAA's Wounded Warrior Forum. It includes the entire brief with back-up slides containing detailed explanations.

Jason Perry · Apr 12, 2017

I have an important advisory and issue of great importance for Air Force Reserve Component Members (Air Reserve and Air National Guard members). A few weeks back a colleague of mine called me and asked whether I had heard of ARC/ANG members being processed through the Legacy Disability Evaluation System (LDES). My friend shared a story of a client who was an AF Reserve member who was referred to the MEB and then the PEB notified his client that he was being processed by the PEB as an LDES case. The client had a current VA rating that was higher than the PEB decision. I was asked what I thought of this and I said that this made no sense and seemed patently illegal. I thought this was just an error or an aberration- until the next day...

builtgypsy · Mar 1, 2008

The question on most of our minds is this: How long is it all going to take? This is an attempt to answer that question, but it's going to take all of us to do it. The idea is to give a very detailed account of the timeline of each person's case. It's one thing to say "in February I was tumpy tumpy" but there's a world of difference and two pay periods between the beginning of the month and end of it. Somwhere there's the theory if the sample population (ours here) is large enough, it comes to represent the whole (all military members going through this). If there are enough people who take notes and are good at remembering dates, or do like I do and keep a monthly planner you can keep notes in, then it would go a long way to...

Jason Perry · Jun 1, 2007

This thread is dedicated to special issues regarding the Temporary Disabled Retired List.

Jason Perry · Jun 1, 2007

Welcome again, everyone (well, as of now I am the only one registered here, but this is for all the future members). As I explained in the anouncement, I have created this site to provide US Military Servicemembers information about the MEB / PEB proccess. This is intended to be a one stop information resource center and discussion board. This is my first message board/website, so please bear with me as I learn more about this board's software and how to improve the user experience. Please feel free to offer suggestions. I know I won't be able to please everyone, but I will listen to input. Well, I hope this Board is helpful to the Servicemembers going through the PDES. I wish everyone the best of luck.

Jason Perry · Feb 21, 2014

So, you are starting in the military disability process....you probably feel like the characters above. Let me point out several pointers and common errors that impact folks in getting to a favorable outcome. 1) Make an honest and fair evaluation of your situation and your goals as early as possible- then fight for your desired outcome. I have stated this countless times. One of the best things you can do to get the outcome you desire is to decide as early as possible what your desired outcome is. I have come across many cases where the member gets a bad outcome because they have "waffled" on what they want. For example, I have seen many cases where a member really wants to be found fit and continue their career. So, at the MEB...

grizz13 · Sep 9, 2012

Mind you these are all referenced to the Army, some may cross over to the other services those of you out there please post them on this discussion too! Thanks all!! Legacy-Old MEB/PEB process. IDES-Integrated Disability Evaluation System; new MEB/PEB process. DoD-means any military service/encompasses all. MEB-Medical Evaluation Board. PEB-Physical Evaluation Board. MMRB-MOS/Medical Retention Board. NARSUM-Narrative Summary. IPEB- Informal Physical Evaluation Board. FPEB-Formal Physical Evaluation Board. IPR –Independent Physical Review (Same as IMR). IMR-Independent Medical Review (Same as IPR). PDBR-Physical Disability Board of Review, for those out of the service already that need to correct a...

Jason Perry · Apr 15, 2008

This post contains a slide covering timelines (the slide is from the Army, but applies to all services): http://www.pebforum.com/army-discussion/236-slide-army-pdes-elements-timeline.html

Jason Perry · Oct 16, 2012

I was recently contacted by a staff member from the DoD Recovering Warrior Task Force. There is a panel discussion that they are holding in the Crystal City (Arlington), VA on Dec. 5, and they are looking for interested members going through the IDES. I was asked to post this announcement (which sounds like a good opportunity for people to have their concerns heard): The DoD Recovering Warrior Task Force (RWTF) is seeking Wounded, Ill, or Injured Service members who are in the Integrated Disability System Evaluation System (IDES) process, preparing for transition to civilian life, and willing to participate in a panel discussion. The RWTF was established by Congress in 2010 to provide DoD with advice and recommendations on...

Jason Perry · May 28, 2007

This attachment contains the Federal Law concerning US military disability retirement. Please see the Library link to see the latest updates from Jan. 2008 in this law.

Jason Perry · May 28, 2007

This info paper was published by the US Army Physical Disability Agency. A good starting point for a general understanding of the process.

NavySeal779724 · 2023-12-06T18:11:18-0500

Hi, I'm a new member (30mins) old, but i received my NARSUM a week ago and looking for answers I come across this site. I was wondering is any one familiar with up-to-date, IDES Med board policy's? Again, I just received my NARSUM last week and reviewing it withLegal, I was told that, the PEB would only rate my percentage on my P3 condition(s). Meaning, for my condition of hip AVN, I'm looking at only 10-20% rating for my PEB. I was advised to appeal (IMR), to add additional evidence of findings, in hopes to add a second P3, that could get my PEB ratings to at least the 30% mark for the medical retirement and medical for life. Any Truth! to that? In how the PEB ratings are determined? TIA!

Seabees27 · Tuesday at 9:43 PM

Good evening, I’m an active duty sailor with a flawless record of over 18 years of active duty service however the last year I have been fighting a serious disease that hasn’t gotten better my question and hopes are that I can medically retire keep my pension and file for disability I’ve gotten mixed input as I’m under 20 years and no I don’t want to do dollar for dollar as I thought when you’re this close and you’re medically retired you could keep both. Thanks for any input or insight.

NAME90 · Oct 15, 2023

Is there a chance I can be found fit for duty?

shonniea · Nov 30, 2023

What's the general consensus, should I bring documents pertaining to that specific exam with me? I'm seeing in various places that I should bring documents pertaining to that visit but my PEBLO just told me that I should only bring documents that affect my status, i.e., any changes in the status of the condition I'm going through the MEB for and that they have access to everything else. Mostly concerned as I'm still constantly going through appointments and I've had changes in medication and treatment plans since I was referred for MEB for different conditions. TIA!

SFStell · Nov 30, 2023

So March of 2023 my MEB began, I'm reading over my physical and mental NARSUM and near the end both say that my condition will remain the same in the next 12 months and the next 3 years as well. I am getting Medboarded for Major Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder and "right knee pain" (I had knee surgery 2 years ago and it failed a couple weeks before the MEB started, im also using a cane) And according to Air Force Instruction 36-3212 Section 3.17.3 “a disability will be determined stable when the preponderance of medical evidence indicates the severity of the condition will probably not change enough within the next three years to increase or decrease the disability rating percentage.” And for Air Force Instruction 36-3212...

Dacmac · Nov 24, 2023

Received my NARSUM on Monday and I’ve been trying to contact legal all week to get an extension and an appointment to review it with them but they’re out for thanksgiving. Is there a worst time to get a NARSUM? My honest question is how do you sign it? Who do you go to to get it signed? What will legal review with you? One issue I see instantly is the NARSUM states I’m a 34 year old male. However I’m only 27. I have migraines with an aura and I’ve seen other get that as an unfitting condition but mine is not unfitting.

johnbgately · Oct 16, 2023

Under the guidance provided by Section 4.10.d.1 of DODI 1332.18, volume 1 dtd 24 Feb 2023, the SECDEF directed that every armed service should provide service members with the opportunity to submit either a written appeal or to provide them with a post-FPEB hearing. The Air Force and the Navy have established a post-FPEB hearings process and are in fact conducting such hearings as required by regulation. However, for the near future, the Army Physical Disability Agency has taken the position that they are unable to provide such hearings due to staffing issues. This response is in direct conflict with the SECDEF instruction. For those of you who are appealing adverse Army FPEB findings, I would suggest that you discuss with your OSC or...

Mebretiree · Nov 22, 2023

I have a retirement date of 30NOV23. I am being referred to Adapt for alcohol abuse. I am being retired because of MDD and alcohol abuse. Can they change my retirement date or take it away and admin sep me?

AdelaideA · Nov 20, 2023

Hello all. Was on Sea duty but currently being put on LIMDU 1 for 1 medical condition and actively going through physical therapy. The odds are good that I should rehabilitate and be able to go FFD within this initial 6 month LIMDU. However, I have another physical condition, completely unrelated, that I was told by the specialist(outside provider) will need surgery within the next 6-9 months. This will require a limdu period as well. Not sure how to work this as to what policy dictates, timing overall and not trying to get med boarded at 17.5. Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

kelz223 · Nov 16, 2023

I just received my narsum today. I was advised to appeal the narsum because my commander's statement wasn't put in until after the narsum was written. I think my commander statement will help with my physical injuries stating I am/was incapable of doing my job. But I also don't want it to interfere with my mental health conditions because those are perfectly reflected and nothing was mentioned in the commander's statement about my mental health. I only have two disqualifying conditions and those are only BH. For my physical injuries, it just says what was said in my exams. As well there is no evidence and does meet retention standards. I am basically asking if Should I appeal narsum? and/or is it worth adding more time to the process...

Mike_Honcho · Nov 20, 2023

Is there an Army Regulation that states your PCP/PCM can add an additional profile even with you in the DES profile? I so can you give me the regulation and para

PlebiusEconomus · Nov 5, 2023

I signed my NARSUM on 19 Sep VA finished decision 24 OCT but all I can see is 100% VA. PEB is still pending.. PEBLO won’t tell me anything. Any expectations on when VA finished and PEB does? I have no idea if they’re even separating me yet. Also if you opted into BRS and get medically retired, can you still do the lump sum option? Or are you SOL?

dwbell99 · Nov 30, 2020

Can anyone suggest a Lawyer to represent me in CAVC and maybe BVA?

thenewguy123 · Nov 15, 2023

Hi, I'm AD AF of about 9 years, haven't flown for the last 2-3, ground deployment one of those years and DNIF for the last year now. I was doing well in pilot training, however, my skills quickly deteriorated afterwards. I deal with back pain and attention deficit which make it very uncomfortable to fly in any capacity. Flying also increases the pain and issues I'm experiencing, which is what lead me to stop flying. It is to the point that I do not want to fly due the difficulty I have focusing and the impact to my QoL. X-ray and MRIs show trace bulging in my discs, but nothing black and white that would DQ me. I'm basically DNIF based on my own word. I've received news that I'll be heading to an FEB, but I do not know under what reason...

NavyMA89 · Nov 14, 2023

Navy PDRL 100%VA signed my findings October 23 still waiting on a response from Pers for my new EAOS I was told by my peblo 26 days from signing my findings so that means I only have 3 days left and haven’t heard anything.. what’s everyone’s experience with hearing from Pers? Also is medical retirement being affected with the DD214 back up? My VA rep is calling twice a week asking for my 214 so he can get the ball rolling to start my VA pay

SanDiego2009 · Nov 12, 2023

Good morning all, I have some interesting news regarding my case. I requested an IMR to have a new referring condition added(MH related) but that request was rejected by the Portsmouth doctors. However, the doctors did want my original referring conditions changed to be more specified so instead of having 2 referring conditions I now have 4(because it is bilateral) so I guess something good came of this IMR I suppose. I am just waiting on the corrections to be made so I can finally send this off to the PEB it's been like 3 weeks since I got the IMR response back.

TMacAttack · Apr 8, 2023

I have a combined service connected 100% P&T for a couple years now. I am still in the Army reserve and just had 2 of 3 submitted disabilities approved for IDRM. Going into the IDES now. Does this mean. The VA will only evaluate me for the two IDRM’s the IDES pushes the army says are duty related? Then.. What happens to the other already rated by the VA service-connected disabilities? TIA

RonG · Nov 9, 2023

@NAME90 Mentioned in a 2018 thread, now closed: “From TDRL back to active duty.” Ron cc: @Provis @chaplaincharlie

chantalp7 · Nov 7, 2023

I had claim sleep apnea, in which the va gave me an appointment for. After my sleep study I asked the lady conducting the sleep study if I in face had sleep apnea since she was monitoring my sleep and she said yes. I just finished signing my 3947 in which sleep apnea says “no va diagnosis”. My peblo told me that sometimes the medical record for an appointment isnt released in time but that it will be released before the 60 days in ehich the peb makes their decision. I am currently at 90% as far as an estimate. My question is should I be worried that there will be nothing I can do since I already signed the 3947 and decided not to appeal? Has this happened to anyone before? And does “no va diagnosis” for the other claims mean that the va...

ginovega · Sep 11, 2019

I just received my Retirement orders and the following dates appear and I would like to have a clear understanding of what they mean Basic Pay: 22 years, 4 months, 17 days Disability retirement: 19 years, 7 months, 9 days Section 1405: 21 years, 4 months, 5 days Date initially entered military: 12 October 1995 Can someone explain me what each mean? I have an idea but I want to make sure. Looks like when I did my calculations for my Disability Retirement I was off buy a month, meaning now the Army calculations show an extra month...( I think). I don't know what that came from so I need to understand this pretty quick, to see if it their mistake or mine. Thanks

miketango215 · Oct 31, 2023

i have orders to transfer to the ready reserve the end of the month. I am also at the same time LIMDU and was just diagnosed with epilepsy. what are the rules of them transferring me out. im honestly getting mixed signals. my doctor is telling me i will likely go to a medboard, the admin of my command and my detailer are telling me i can get out. Who's telling me the truth? what will the process of a med board be? should i not do this and apply for disability or should i just go with the flow of the medboard path? need advice.

Ema95 · Oct 28, 2023

So when I initially enlisted I got 23k Bonus, when I arrived to my duty station I got 10k right off the bat. And every year I’d get like 3200$ now in my last year I got medboarded/DoD retired, and I’m on terminal leave. Will I get the rest of my bonus? Which should be around 3200$ as well.

MarlenaxDlove · Oct 26, 2023

Hi wanted to see if any one has a similar timeline howlong to to expect my va ratings and 199. I am in the army and MDD is my refering condition. May 12- Medboard initiated July 18- Second Signature on Profile September 29th- All C&P Exams done October 13- Narsum signed and sent to Peb October 26- Notified unfit

matt.phillipsfor22 · Oct 24, 2023

Hello everybody I was diagnosed with crohns earlier this year around February, previous to all of this I’ve had multiple surgeries and went to the ER many times to find out what was wrong with me, first My appendix was taken out few months later had an abscess where my appendix was located and had another surgery, in result that led to a hematoma in my colon and led to further issues. I healed from all of this got back in decent shape while still recovering, 3 months after all of this I had to have another surgery on my lower instestine because of the wear and tear from the crohns, now I’m stalara and in remission I’ve done well but the army hospital is now Finally initiated my MEB, now that I’m in remission what do you think the board...

Ema95 · Sep 20, 2023

I got retired from the Army and just found out that HRC promoted me to Sgt, will I get promotion orders/pinned at my unit or be on the cutoff list??

Physical Evaluation Board System Overview

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