IDES vs LDES: Which Military Disability Process Applies to You

When you're referred to a Medical Evaluation Board, you enter one of two disability evaluation systems: the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) or the Legacy Disability Evaluation System (LDES). They cover the same ground, MEB, PEB, rating, disposition, but operate very differently and produce different timelines and outcomes.

What IDES Is

IDES was implemented DoD-wide in 2012 after years of criticism that separating service members faced long delays in receiving VA benefits after discharge. The core innovation: the VA and DoD work together simultaneously during the MEB/PEB process rather than sequentially.

Under IDES:

• VA conducts C&P exams while the MEB is still underway
• VA ratings are proposed and shared with the PEB before the PEB issues its findings
• When you separate, your VA rating and initial payment are ready, often within 30 days of separation

The IDES goal is 295 days from referral to separation. Reality often runs longer, but the integrated approach dramatically reduces the gap between separation and first VA check.

Who Goes Through IDES

IDES is the standard system for:

• Active duty service members who are referred to an MEB
• Members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders for more than 30 days when the condition was incurred

IDES is available at all major military installations in the U.S. Most service members going through the disability evaluation process will be in IDES.

What LDES Is

The Legacy Disability Evaluation System is the pre-IDES process that still applies in specific circumstances. Under LDES:

• The military completes the entire MEB/PEB process first
• After separation, you apply to the VA separately as a veteran
• There can be a gap of weeks to months between separation and your first VA payment

LDES typically applies to:

• Reserve and Guard members not on qualifying active duty orders
• Service members at locations where IDES infrastructure isn't available (rare)
• Cases that for administrative reasons were initiated before IDES was available

Key Differences at a Glance

How the Rating Works in Each System

Under IDES, the VA proposes a rating during the process. The military PEB uses the higher of the VA's proposed rating or the DoD rating to determine your disposition. If the VA rates you at 60% but the DoD rates you at 40%, the PEB uses 60% for determining whether you qualify for disability retirement (which requires 30% or more).

Under LDES, the military assigns its own rating independently. You then file a VA claim after separation, and the VA assigns a separate rating. The two systems don't coordinate, you could receive a 20% DoD rating and a 70% VA rating, resulting in separation with severance pay (military) alongside significant VA compensation.

IDES Timeline: What to Expect

The IDES process is structured with regulatory goals at each stage (per DoDI 1332.18):

1. Referral to PEBLO assignment: 3 business days
2. MEB exam period: ~30 days
3. NARSUM completion: 30 days after last exam
4. VA C&P exams: Concurrent with MEB
5. VA proposed rating: 30 days after all exams
6. PEB informal findings: 30 days after VA rating
7. Service member election period: 30 days
8. PEB formal hearing (if elected): 45 days
9. Orders and separation: Varies

Delays are common at the VA exam stage. If your case is medically complex or requires multiple specialists, the 295-day goal may slip significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IDES and LDES?

IDES runs the VA and DoD evaluations at the same time, so your VA rating is ready at separation. LDES runs them separately, with the military finishing first and you filing a VA claim afterward, which can leave a gap of weeks to months before your first VA check.

Who goes through IDES instead of LDES?

IDES is the standard system for active-duty members referred to an MEB and for Guard/Reserve members on active-duty orders for more than 30 days when the condition was incurred. LDES applies mainly to Reserve and Guard members not on qualifying active-duty orders, or the rare case where IDES infrastructure isn't available.

How long does the IDES process take?

The IDES goal is 295 days from referral to separation, though complex cases often run longer. Delays are most common at the VA C&P exam stage.

Which rating does the PEB use under IDES?

The PEB uses the higher of the VA's proposed rating or the DoD rating to determine your disposition. For example, if the VA proposes 60% and the DoD assigns 40%, the PEB uses 60%, which meets the 30% threshold for disability retirement.

Do I have the same rights under IDES and LDES?

Yes. In both systems you have the right to review all findings, submit rebuttals, receive free legal counsel from a JAG officer, and request a formal PEB hearing.

Your Rights Are the Same in Both Systems

Whether you're in IDES or LDES, you have the same rights: review of all findings, rebuttal, legal counsel from a JAG officer, and the ability to request a formal PEB hearing. Don't waive any of these without fully understanding the implications.

Track your MEB/PEB case progress in MTT's MEB/PEB Tracker.

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Sources: DoDI 1332.18 (Disability Evaluation System), health.mil IDES resources, VA.gov Benefits Delivery at Discharge