Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
The disability evaluation system assesses if a service member is medically fit to continue their service. The objectives are to:
- Maintain a ready and fit military organization to enable maximum use of available manpower.
- Provide benefits for eligible Soldiers whose military service is terminated due to wound, illness or injury while in an active-duty status.
- Provide prompt disability processing while ensuring the rights and interests of the government and the Soldier are protected.
If found medically unfit, the IDES provides a proposed VA disability, giving an estimate of future VA compensation and benefits before the service member leaves the service. Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officers (PEBLO) and VA Military Service Coordinators (MSC) assist service members throughout the process to inform of options, help make decisions, and help file VA benefit claims. Legal counsel is also available to service members at no cost.
IDES Process
IDES Timeline
The IDES Introductory Brief is held every Tuesday at 0900, located in the IDES Building, R6100 N 18
th Street, JBLM, WA, 98433 for Soldiers enrolled in DES. Families and unit leadership are encouraged to attend with the service members.
Resources:
- Army Regulation 40-501 Standards of Medical Fitness
- Army Regulation 635-40 Disability Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation
- IDES Timeline Overview
Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL)
TDRL are Soldiers found unfit for performance of military duties by reason of physical disability which may be permanent but has not sufficiently stabilized to permit an accurate assessment of a permanent degree of disability. TDRL members are required by law to undergo physical examinations at least once every 18 months. If you fail to report for a physical examination without showing just cause, your entitlements (pay and benefits) may be suspended and will not be reinstated until an examination is completed.
It is important to keep USAPDA up to date with your address and other contact information. USAPDA can be reached by phone at 1-855-863-0426 or by email at
usarmy.pentagon.hrc.mbx.usapda-tdrl@army.mil. For more FAQ’s related to TDRL, visit the HRC website: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Temporary%20Disability%20Retired%20List%20TDRL%20FAQs
FAQ's
How does the IDES process start?
Soldiers with medical conditions that do not meet medical retention standards according to AR 40-501 will be given a P3 (permanent) profile by their primary care physician or a specialty care physician. Once a P3 profile is written, it will be reviewed by the MEB Approving Authority (a provider designated by the Hospital Commander), and the IDES staff will contact the Soldier to start the process.
If you have not been contacted within two weeks of receiving your P3 profile, follow up with your referring provider or contact the IDES office at 253-967-0416 or 253-967-0417.
It is important to keep your PEBLO informed of changes in your personal circumstances, to include command approved leave, temporary duty orders, initiation of or pending administrative separation action or changes under the UCMJ, as these may impact the processing of your case.
How long does the IDES process take?
The IDES timeline goal is 180 calendar days from the date of profile approval to the date of separation. This does not include administrative absences or accrued leave authorized during the Transition Phase.
Can a Soldier ETS, PCS, Deploy, and/or attend TDY while in DES?
In most cases, no. Soldiers in DES cannot ETS, PCS, deploy, or attend TDY because they must remain available to complete required medical examinations and counseling. Limited exceptions may be approved, such as TDY or PCS for medical treatment. Reach out to the Soldier’s assigned PEBLO for case specific guidance.
Can a Soldier take leave while in the DES process?
Leave is discouraged during all phases of DES. If leave is necessary due to an emergency, Soldiers and Commanders must coordinate plans with the Soldier’s assigned PEBLO. During the MEB phase, Soldiers must remain available to attend VA medical exams and complete all required actions.
Can a Soldier have surgery while in the DES process?
Soldiers must remain available for all appointments and requirements once referred to DES.
Medically optional procedures are generally not permitted while a Soldier is enrolled in DES unless granted an exception to policy. Medically optional procedures are defined as surgeries, procedures, and/or treatments that may be beneficial, but are not required to preserve life, limb, or eyesight, to prevent the loss of function, significantly improve pain levels, or return the service member to fit for duty status. Soldiers requesting medically optional surgery must obtain an approved exception to policy before proceeding. PEBLOs will counsel Soldiers on the process for requesting surgery, and failure to obtain required approval may result in any adverse outcomes being deemed non-compensable.
Medically necessary procedures on the other hand, do not require prior approval, as necessary patient care takes precedence over MEB processing; however, the PEBLO must be informed because the procedure may delay the case.
Can a Soldier in DES take an AFT or do H/W?
Yes. Soldiers in DES are expected to meet Army Fitness Test (AFT) and Height/Weight standards within the limits of their medical profile and may be placed in remedial programs if they fail to meet standards.
Can a Soldier still work while in the DES process?
Yes. Soldiers remain assigned to their units and should be gainfully employed within the limits of their medical profile. However, they must remain available for all DES requirements, including medical exams and counseling. During the MEB phase, Soldiers should not attend field training exercises, TDY, or leave if it would delay processing. Coordination with the Soldier’s assigned PEBLO is essential to balance unit duties and DES requirements. Discussion also with the Soldier’s treating provider to clarify what duties the Soldier can perform within the scope of the condition and profile limitations is encouraged. Soldiers who wish to be retained under the Continuation on Active Duty (COAD) or Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) programs may benefit from continuing to work to demonstrate their ability to perform their duties even if not considered fully fit for military service.
What options does a Soldier have if they disagree with the DES enrollment?
Soldiers cannot choose whether to undergo an MEB, as enrollment is based on the requirement to assess fitness for continued military duty. However, if a Soldier disagrees with the MEB enrollment or findings, they may use the formal appeal process to request reconsideration for return to duty at either the MEB or PEB level.