NY National Guard Human Resources Banner

AGR Medical Overview

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.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Overview of the  Army's Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)

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.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Disability Ratings

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________

IDES is a Performance-Based System

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:

Soldiers are referred into the IDES five ways:

(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.

___________________________________________________________________________

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.

1.  Soldier is injured/treated and put on profile.
 
2.  Medical Command recommends Soldier for MEB and sends profile/Soldier Treatment Record (STR) to MNHF-AGR to initiate process.
 
3.  MNHF-AGR sends documentation requirements to GOCOM POC with 30 calendar days suspense to return documentation to MNHF-AGR.
 
4.  When all required documentation is received from GOCOM, MNHF-AGR packages documentation and STR and mails to either West Point or Fort Drum (depending on Soldiers duty location – whichever is closer).
 
5.  Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) receives case and has case reviewed and signed off by an MEB provider.  Notifies Soldier and unit that MEB has been started.
 
6.  MEB for AGR Soldiers is expected to take 76 calendar days, however, the Soldier has to meet deadlines and has the ability to appeal the decision which can extend this timetable.
 
7.  PEB for AGR Soldiers is expected to take an additional 102 calendar days, however, the Soldier has to meet deadlines and has the ability to appeal the decision which can extend this timetable.
 
8.  When Soldiers PEB is complete, they will either be found fit to return to duty, or be referred for separation.  If referred for separation, MNHF-AGR will receive a PDIR from PEBLO with separation date 90 calendar days from the day decision was made.
 
9.  MNHF-AGR will work with Soldier to ensure all requirements are met and work through transition phase.
___________________________________________________________________________________

MEB / PEB Regulation/ Policy/ Information

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

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NYS DMNA: NYNG Human Resources: AGR: Army: AGR Medical Overview
URL: https://dmna.ny.gov/hro/agr/army/?p=1416861368
44.200.175.46
Page Last Modified: 16 Nov 22