DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM: HOW DO I GET IN? May 23 2016, 0 Comments

THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF CONSULTING WITH A TRAINED LEGAL PROFESSIONAL

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

For most Service Members, entry into the DES starts in a similar fashion.  He or she suffers a wound, injury, or illness and is treated at a medical facility.  For some, this condition will become a permanent one with long-lasting effects such that he or she will nto be able to return to full duty within a reasonable period of time.  In such a case, the treating physician will write a narrative summary of the condition and will send that, along with a copy of the Service Member's medical records, to the nearest MTF. 

Once the file reaches the MTF, the Commanding Officer assigns the Service Member a PEBLO to assist.  A Service Member can not self-refer into the DES process.

Ofter, the Service Member must wait before being placed into the DES process while doctors determine if they will respond to treatment.

For further information on what conditions frequently cause referral to the DES please see Department of Defense Instruction 1332.38.