It is the AGR Soldier's individual responsibility to notify their immediate supervisor and Medical Command (MEDCOM) of medical issues or concerns that will interrupt any daily duties. Line of Duty (LOD) Investigations are conducted at a unit level and are required for all accidents, injuries and diseases contracted while on active duty. Integrated Disability Evaluation System program includes Fitness For Duty (FFD), MOS Administrative Retention Review (MAR2), Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). This is designed to evaluate military personnel with permanent medical conditions to determine if they can perform satisfactorily in their primary MOS in a worldwide field environment.
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The Secretary of the Army is charged with assuring the fitness of Soldiers, and separating or retiring those who become unfit to continue military service because of physical disability.
The Army's first priority for Soldiers suffering from an illness or injury is to ensure delivery of the highest quality and proper medical attention. If the medical conditions improve to the point that Soldiers are able to return to full military duty, they are returned to their units.
However, if the treating physician believes that a Soldier is unable to perform full military duty or is unlikely to be able to do so within a reasonable period of time (normally 12 months), the Soldier is referred to a MEB at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) where treatment is being provided.
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If the Soldier does not meet retention standards, the case will be referred to a PEB for further disposition and determination of fitness. (The MEB determines whether or not a Soldier meets retention standards; it does not determine fitness.)
The Army only rates those medical conditions that result in the Soldier being determined unfit for continued military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates a Soldier for all conditions incurred in or aggravated by military service.
Therefore, it is not uncommon for a former Soldier to receive a higher combined disability rating from the VA than the PEB combined disability rating.
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It is important to understand that the IDES is a performance-based system.
Simply because a Soldier has a medical condition does not mean that the Soldier cannot continue to serve on active duty or in the Reserve components. It is the impact of the medical condition(s) upon the Soldier's ability to perform duties appropriate to their rank and job skill that is important.
A Soldier with a serious medical condition can be found fit when the evidence establishes that the Soldier can perform his or her duties.
The PEB makes determinations of:
(1) Medical Evaluation Board (MEB):
The MTF initiates a MEB when it is determined that a Soldier's treatment or hospitalization for a medical impairment has reached a point of stabilization and the course of recovery is relatively predictable, and further treatment will not cause a Soldier to meet medical retention standards in accordance with (IAW) Chapter 3, AR 40-501.
This determination is referred to as a Medical Retention Determination Point (MRDP). The MEB validates whether the Soldier meets medical retention standards. If the Soldier does not meet medical retention standards, the MTF refers the case to the applicable PEB.
(2) MOS/Medical Retention Board (MMRB):
The MMRB is an administrative screening board. It determines whether Soldiers who meet medical retention standards but have a permanent physical impairment can satisfactorily perform their primary MOS (branch/specialty code for officers) in a worldwide field environment.
The result of this board action may result in retention in current MOS, a change in the Soldier's MOS, or referral into the PDES.
(3) Fitness for duty medical examination:
Commanders may refer Soldiers to the MTF for a medical examination when they believe the Soldier has a medical impairment that impacts duty performance.
If the examination indicates the Soldier does not meet medical retention standards, the Soldier will be referred into the PDES.
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Current IDES Timeline for AGR Soldiers
Process: If all requirements are met in a timely manner the minimum amount of time should be 9-10 months from start to finish. The NYARNG is averaging 13-14 months from start to finish.
Medically Optional Surgeries for Service Members Undergoing Disability Evaluation Policy
Army Regulation 40-501, Standards if Medical Fitness, 14 Jun 2017
Army Regulation 635-40, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation, 19 Jan 2017
Integrated Disability Evaluation System Guidebook
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