Disability Discharge

Air Force

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DAFI 36-3212 PHYSICAL EVALUATION FOR RETENTION, RETIREMENT, AND SEPARATION (22 February 2024)

Source

DAFI 36-3212 PHYSICAL EVALUATION FOR RETENTION, RETIREMENT, AND SEPARATION (22 February 2024) (1.4 MB)

Comments: To view or download the complete regulation, click on the link to it in the box above these comments.

Chapter 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
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1.3. Criteria for Referral. The MTF, ANG Medical Unit or AFR Medical Unit (for ARC members) submits the service member for disability evaluation, after review by the appropriate office (AFPC/DPMNR for RegAF and USSF members, AFRC/SGP for Reserve members, or NGB/SGPS for Guard members), when the service member has:

Comments: "AFPC/DPMNR" is the Air Force Medical Retention Standards Office

1.3.1. One or more medical conditions that may, individually or collectively, or through combined effect, prevent the service member from reasonably performing the duties of their office, grade, rank, or rating; or

1.3.2. A medical condition that represents an obvious medical risk to the health of the service member or to the health or safety of other members; or

1.3.3. A medical condition that imposes unreasonable requirements on the military to maintain or protect the service member...

1.4 Eligibility for Disability Evaluation. The mere presence of a physical defect or condition does not qualify a member for disability retirement or discharge. The mental/physical defect or conditions must render the member unfit for duty. DoDI 1332.18, Section 5, paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 details the eligibility criteria for DES referral.

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2.2. Role of the Healthcare Provider in the MEB Process.

2.2.1. The Healthcare Provider at the MTF:

2.2.2. Prepares the documents required to identify medical defects or conditions that do not meet retention standards and may disqualify the member for continued active duty.

2.2.3. Identifies the case to the Airmen Medical Readiness Optimization Board (AMROB) for potential fitness DES referral recommendation.

2.3. Role of Medical Officers in the MEB Process.

2.3.1. Medical officers on the MEB. Evaluate the entire MEB case file, documenting its findings on the DAF Form 618, Medical Board Report.

2.3.1.1. The case file is sent to AFPC/DPMNR (RegAF or USSF members) or AFRC/SGP for AFR or NGB/SGPS for ANG members if the MEB returns the member to duty.

2.3.1.2. The case file is sent to AFPC/DPFDD if the MEB refers the case to the PEB.

2.4. Role of the PEBLO. The PEBLO is one of the most important contacts for the service member in the DES. (See DoDI 1332.18, para 3.9a and DoDM 1332.18 Volume 1, para 4.5 for a complete list of PEBLO responsibilities). The PEBLO:

2.4.1. Ensures MEB cases referred to the PEB are current, complete, accurate, and fully documented. The MEB Checklist is located at AFMED IDES Knowledge Exchange (KX) Website. (T-1)

2.4.2. Counsels service members concerning the DES process and their rights within the process. (T-1)

2.4.3. Maintains coordination with the service member, service member's commander, medical facility, Veterans Affairs Military Service Coordinator, Force Support Squadron (FSS), AFPC/DPMNR, AFRC/SGP for AFR members or NGB/SGPS for ANG members and AFPC/DPFDD, to include relaying MEB process information, timely updates and notifications to affected service members and to their commanders and first sergeants. (T-1)

2.5. Role of the VA Military Service Coordinator. The Military Service Coordinator is a critical contact for the service member throughout the IDES. The Military Service Coordinator provides the link between the service member and VA by keeping the service member and the PEBLO informed of VA processes. (See DoDI 1332.18, para 3.9b and DoDM 1332.18 Volume 1, para 4.7b for a complete list of MSC responsibilities).

2.6. Role of Commander. The service member’s immediate commander submits a completed DAF Form 1185, Commander’s Impact Statement for Medical Evaluation Board within five 20 calendar days of the PEBLO’s request, describing the impact of the service member’s medical condition on the performance of military duties associated with their primary Air Force Specialty Code or Space Force Specialty Code and ability to deploy or mobilize, as applicable. If the commander recommends the service member be retained, the commander must clearly demonstrate how the service member’s retention serves Air Force interests and/or how the member’s separation would adversely affect the unit or Air Force mission if the member is not returned to duty. (T-2) Exception: Basic Military Training Students entering the DES do not require an DAF Form 1185.

2.6.1. The commander is required to review the contents of the statement with the service member, obtain their signature, and return the completed DAF Form 1185 to the PEBLO for inclusion in the MEB case file. (T-1)

2.6.2. The service member will acknowledge the commander’s recommendation by signing the DAF Form 1185 after the commander has signed the form. (T-1) This action ensures the service member is aware of the commander’s final recommendation on the DAF Form 1185. (Note: If the service member refuses to sign the DAF Form 1185, the commander (or designee) annotates “member refused to sign” in the member’s signature block).

2.6.3. A fact sheet for commanders with instructions for completing the DAF Form 1185 is located at myFSS/Active Duty Retirement Home Page/Air Force Disability Evaluation System.

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Section 3A—PEB Establishment

3.1. Purpose of PEB. In accordance with DoDI 1332.18, a PEB determines the fitness of service members with medical conditions to perform their military duties; and for service members determined unfit for duty-related conditions, their eligibility and entitlement to benefits under 10 USC, Chapter 61. The PEB process includes the Informal PEB, Formal PEB, and appellate review of PEB results (see Chapter 5). If the PEB finds a member unfit, it recommends appropriate disposition as described in Section 3B.

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Chapter 4
EVALUATION OF AIR RESERVE COMPONENT (ARC) MEMBERS

Section 4A- General Guidelines

4.1. Purpose. This chapter provides the guidelines for processing through the disability system certain ARC members who meet eligibility requirements of DoDI 1332.18, Section 5, paragraph 5.3 and paragraph 1.4 of this instruction. This chapter also provides process guidance for fitness only determinations of ARC members with non-duty related conditions.

Refer to guidance in DAFI 36-2910, LOD Determination, Medical Continuation (MEDCON), and Incapacitation (INCAP) Pay, for ARC members with potentially unfitting conditions incurred or aggravated in the LOD, condition(s) deemed to be Prior Service Condition(s) (see DoDI 1332.18, paragraph 7.7e), and/or conditions compensable under the DES under the 8-year rule (see DoDI 1332.18, paragraph 7.7c(2)), are eligible for IDES/LDES disability processing.

4.2.1. For ARC sexual assault cases processing through the Disability Evaluation System (DES), either a restricted (AF Form 348R, Line of Duty Determination for Restricted Report of Sexual Assault) or unrestricted LOD (AF Form 348, Line of Duty Determination) is required for fitness for duty or disability determinations per DAFI 90-6001, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program and DAFI 36-2910. (T-0) This confidential disclosure is limited to only the information necessary to process duty or disability determinations.

4.2.2. Member’s LOD must be finalized prior to referral into the DES, including any appeal of the LOD determination. For non-duty DES cases, see Chapter 4, Section 4E. (See DAFI 36-2910)

4.2.2.1. Any appeal of a Final LOD will be done through the ARC process.

4.2.2.2. A member can also apply to the BCMR for an LOD appeal.

4.3. Ineligibility for Disability Processing. ARC members are ineligible for disability processing if the ARC member is pending an approved, unsuspended, punitive discharge or dismissal.

4.4. Misconduct. ARC members are not compensated for disabilities incurred while in active duty or inactive duty status if competent authority has made a determination that the unfitting condition was the result of intentional misconduct or willful neglect or was incurred during a period of unauthorized absence following guidance provided in DAFI 36-2910.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE MANUAL 48-123 Aerospace Medicine MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND STANDARDS (8 DEC 2020)

Source

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE MANUAL 48-123 Aerospace Medicine MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND STANDARDS (8 DEC 2020) (1.3 MB)

Comments: To view or download the complete regulation, click on the link to it in the box above these comments.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND STANDARDS
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Chapter 4
APPOINTMENT, ENLISTMENT, AND INDUCTION

Section 4A--Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction.

4.1. References. DoDI 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction, establishes basic medical standards for enlistment, appointment, and induction into the Armed Forces of the United States according to the authority contained in Title 10, United States Code, Section 113. DoDI 6130.03 sets forth the medical conditions and physical defects that are causes for rejection for military service. These standards are not all inclusive and other diseases or defects can be cause for rejection based upon the medical judgment of the examining healthcare provider.
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Chapter 5
CONTINUED MILITARY SERVICE (RETENTION STANDARDS)

Section 5B--Medical Standards for Continued Military Service (Retention Standards)

5.3. Standards. While this is not an all-inclusive list of disqualifying conditions, conditions and defects listed in Chapter 5 and the Medical Standards Directory are potentially disqualifying and/or preclude continued military service. The standards and other diseases or defects not specifically listed can be cause for rejection based upon the medical judgment of the examining physician or reviewing authority. Retention standards also require members to be fit for mobility status IAW Chapter 11...While elective surgery by itself is not necessarily disqualifying, intentional effects and unintended complications from elective surgery may render an individual unfit for WWD. For elective surgery information, refer to AFI 44-102, Medical Care Management. In addition, non-emergent elective surgeries within 6 months of separation or retirement must have additional prior approval by HQ AFPC/DPAMM, as required IAW AFI 41-210.

Comments: "IAW" means "in accordance with". These are sections of this 183-page document; to see the detailed descriptions, view or download the complete regulation by clicking on the the link to it in the box above these comments.

5.3.1. General and Miscellaneous Conditions and Defects.

5.3.1.1.
The individual is precluded from a reasonable fulfillment of the purpose of his or her employment in the military service.

5.3.1.2.
The individual’s health or well-being would be compromised if he or she were to remain in the military service. This includes, but is not limited to: dependence on medications or other treatments requiring frequent clinical monitoring, special handling or severe dietary restrictions.

5.3.1.3.
The individual’s retention in the military service would prejudice the best interests of the government. Questionable cases are referred to AFPC/DPANM or to the appropriate ARC/SG for those ARC members who are not on EAD and are not authorized disability processing.

Comments: AFPC is the "Air Force Personnel Center". ARC is "Air Reserve Compoent". EAD is "Extended Active Duty".

5.3.1.4.
The individual has an EPTS defect/condition which requires surgery, but the residuals of surgery may affect his/her retain ability. In such cases, surgery may not be done until the expected results have been evaluated via I/RILO or MEB, and the member has been returned to duty.

Comments: EPTS is "existing prior to service". RILO is "Review in Lieu of". MEB is "Medical Evaluation Board".

5.3.1.5.
Individuals requiring exemption from one or more components of the fitness test for greater than one year do not require I/RILO or MEB unless the underlying condition or limitation does not meet retention or deployment standards.

5.3.1.6.
The individual’s travel by military air transportation is precluded for medical reasons.

5.3.1.7.
The individual has an assignment, TDY or deployment canceled due to a medical condition. Present case to the DAWG within 10 calendar days IAW AFI 41-210. The DAWG will evaluate if member meets retention medical standards or if deployment limiting condition will resolve within 365 days. If not, the DAWG must refer cases to AFPC/DPANM, AFRC/SGP or ANG/SGP. (T-1)

Comments: DAWG is "Deployment Availability Working Group".

5.3.1.8.
The individual continues to have a mobility limiting condition 1 year (cumulatively) after the defect became limiting and has not yet met an I/RILO/MEB or Fitness for Duty (FFD)

5.3.1.9.
The individual has been hospitalized 90 calendar days and return to duty within 3 more months is not expected. I/RILO or FFD should be sent to AFPC/DPANM or appropriate ARC/SGP as determined by the DAWG.

5.3.1.10.
The individual refuses required medical, surgical, or dental treatment or diagnostic procedures and the condition renders them not qualified for retention and/or mobility.

5.3.1.11.
The individual requires determination of his or her competency for pay purposes.

5.3.1.12.
The individual has had a sanity determination required by the Manual for Courts-Martial and the psychiatric findings indicate the member’s fitness for continued military service is questionable.

5.3.1.13.
The individual has coexisting medical defects that are thought to be the primary cause of unacceptable behavior or unsatisfactory performance.

5.3.1.14.
A commander can refer a service member’s case to the DAWG through the DAWG Chair or PEBLO, if a commander feels an individual’s medical or mental health condition causes sufficient absence from duty that it interferes with mission accomplishment, poor duty performance and/or deployment concerns.

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Medical Standards Directory (MSD) (19 March 2021)

Source

Medical Standards Directory (MSD) (19 March 2021) (1.4 MB)

Comments: To view or download the complete regulation, click on the link to it in the box above these comments.

This document provides the current medical standards for retention, flight classes, and special operation duties for the USAF.

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