Process and programs

The IDES process, end to end

All six stages of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System, the branch that ends it early, and the three outcomes if you are found unfit.

The IDES medical evaluation board process, end to end. Step 1, a provider refers your case into IDES. Step 2, the Medical Evaluation Board runs exams and writes a Narrative Summary of each condition, while VA runs its compensation and pension exams at the same time rather than afterwards. Step 3, the MEB decides whether you meet retention standards; if you do, you are returned to duty and the process ends there. Step 4, if you do not, the case is referred to the Physical Evaluation Board. Step 5, the informal PEB finds you fit or unfit, and if unfit assigns a percentage and a disposition. Step 6, you may accept the findings or request a formal PEB, which means a personal appearance. The three outcomes if you are found unfit are severance pay below 30 percent with under 20 years of service, the Temporary Disability Retired List at 30 percent or more when the condition is not yet stable, and the Permanent Disability Retired List at 30 percent or more when the condition is stable. Crossing 20 years of service changes the money more than the percentage does.

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Source: The IDES process, end to end — Military Transition Toolkit (https://www.militarytransitiontoolkit.com/diagrams/ides-meb-peb-flow)

Embed snippet

<figure>
  <img src="https://www.militarytransitiontoolkit.com/diagrams/ides-meb-peb-flow.png"
       alt="The IDES medical evaluation board process, end to end. Step 1, a provider refers your case into IDES. Step 2, the Medical Evaluation Board runs exams and writes a Narrative Summary of each condition, while VA runs its compensation and pension exams at the same time rather than afterwards. Step 3, the MEB decides whether you meet retention standards; if you do, you are returned to duty and the process ends there. Step 4, if you do not, the case is referred to the Physical Evaluation Board. Step 5, the informal PEB finds you fit or unfit, and if unfit assigns a percentage and a disposition. Step 6, you may accept the findings or request a formal PEB, which means a personal appearance. The three outcomes if you are found unfit are severance pay below 30 percent with under 20 years of service, the Temporary Disability Retired List at 30 percent or more when the condition is not yet stable, and the Permanent Disability Retired List at 30 percent or more when the condition is stable. Crossing 20 years of service changes the money more than the percentage does."
       width="720" height="636">
  <figcaption>
    The IDES process, end to end. Source:
    <a href="https://www.militarytransitiontoolkit.com/diagrams/ides-meb-peb-flow">Military Transition Toolkit</a>
  </figcaption>
</figure>

Where this comes from

This diagram is drawn from The MEB and PEB process, explained, which cites the regulations and rate tables behind every figure shown here. If a rate changes, the guide and the diagram are updated together.

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