Legal References – Medical Separation & Retirement
This section compiles authoritative legal and policy documents that govern the military disability evaluation system, including Medical Evaluation Boards (MEB), Physical Evaluation Boards (PEB), and both Integrated and Legacy processing routes. These are the primary sources used to determine entitlement, procedures, and separation or retirement outcomes.
Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI)
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DoDI 1332.18 – Disability Evaluation System (DES)
Defines procedures for evaluating service members for continued fitness and determining disability compensation. -
DoDI 6040.28 – Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
Details the DoD and VA joint process used for integrated disability evaluation. -
DoDI 1332.06 – Separation of Regular Officers for Substandard Performance or Misconduct
Outlines separation authority and rules related to medical vs. administrative discharge.
United States Code (U.S.C.)
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10 U.S.C. § 1201 – Retirement for Physical Disability
Grants authority to retire service members with ≥30% disability or 20+ years of service. -
10 U.S.C. § 1203 – Separation for Physical Disability
Allows separation without retirement for members with <30% disability and <20 years of service. -
38 U.S.C. § 1155 – Authority for VA Disability Ratings
Establishes how the VA applies the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).
Veterans Affairs Policy
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38 CFR – VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)
Used to evaluate medical conditions and assign percentage ratings during IDES. -
VA IDES Process Guide
Outlines the VA's role in joint disability evaluations with the DoD.