Medical Retirement – Eligibility Overview
Medical retirement is granted to service members who are deemed unfit for continued military service due to a medical condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. This process involves evaluation through a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), and is separate from standard VA disability compensation.
Who Is Eligible?
- The condition must be service-connected and make you “unfit for continued service” in your current military role.
- Applies to both Active Duty and Reserve Component personnel (including Guard/Reserves) who meet criteria during their obligated service period.
- Must undergo evaluation via the **Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)** or **Legacy Disability Evaluation System (LDES)**.
- The condition must meet criteria under DoD Instruction 1332.18 and related service branch regulations.
Key Differences From VA Disability
VA disability evaluates your compensation based on severity and impact after separation. Medical retirement is about whether you can continue to perform your duties. The two are related but distinct:
- Medical Retirement: Results in DoD retirement pay and Tricare eligibility.
- VA Disability: Tax-free compensation post-separation, regardless of fitness for service.
Disqualifying Conditions or Scenarios
- Conditions not incurred or aggravated during qualifying service periods may not be eligible.
- Fitness for duty determination may override VA rating—being rated 70% by the VA does not automatically qualify for medical retirement.