The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) is a joint Department of Defense (DoW) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program that provides a single, comprehensive medical examination and disability evaluation for service members who may not meet medical retention standards.
Following an injury or illness, an appropriate period of time (typically 12 months) is allotted to each Service Member to receive treatment and, hopefully, to rehabilitate and recover. Those who are unable to return to full duty are referred to IDES.
The IDES process consists of 4 distinct phases with a goal of completing the entire process in 230 calendar days (approximately 7-8 months). Understanding this timeline helps you prepare for each phase and know what to expect.
The MEB phase begins when a wounded, ill, or injured Service Member is referred to IDES after being unable to return to full duty following treatment and rehabilitation.
Referral (7 Days)
The Service Member is assigned a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO), located in the Medical Boards section of the military treatment facility (MTF). The PEBLO develops the VA Claim (Part 1 of VA Form 21-0819) and consults with all medical specialists to determine which medical conditions should be included.
Claim Development (7 Days)
The Service Member is referred to a VA claims development representative, the Military Service Coordinator (MSC), who counsels them on the VA portion of IDES and assists in completing parts II-IV of the claim. The MSC schedules all VA medical exams required for the IDES process. Service Members may claim VA disability for any service-incurred or aggravated medical conditions.
VA Disability Examination (31 Days)
Physical examinations, specialty examinations, diagnostic testing, and laboratory tests are completed by a combination of military, VA, or authorized civilian medical providers. Results are summarized in the Narrative Summary (NARSUM).
MEB Stage (20 Days)
The DoW MTF is responsible for producing the NARSUM and Medical Evaluation Board Report (IDES case file). The PEBLO oversees final assembly of all components and delivers to the local MTF convened Medical Evaluation Board.
MEB Rebuttal and/or Impartial Medical Review (7 Days)
The MEB consists of two to three medical officers appointed by the local MTF Commander. They review the IDES case file to determine appropriate diagnosis and ability to return to full, unrestricted duty. If the Service Member is expected to recover, the MEB may recommend Temporary Limited Duty (TLD). Otherwise, the case is referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) phase.
How VTC Can Help During MEB Phase:
- Full Body Assessment Tool: Use our interactive body diagrams to document all medical conditions before your PEBLO consultation
- Medical Notes Organizer: Track all appointments, symptoms, and treatments in one secure location
- Secure Document Storage: Upload and organize your NARSUM, medical records, and VA claim forms
- Task Tracker: Never miss a deadline with our IDES-specific task checklist
The PEB reviews all evidence in the IDES case file, including the Service Member's entire medical record, to make fitness determinations and recommendations.
Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) - 11 Days
The PEB reviews all evidence to make findings on the following:
- •Determine if the medical condition(s) was incurred in the line of duty
- •Determine if Service Member is Fit or Unfit for continued service
- •Recommend return to duty if found Fit; or if found Unfit
- •Identify the specific military unfitting medical condition(s)
- •Recommend separation from active duty with final disposition based on the degree of disability
- •Determine if unfitting conditions were combat-related or incurred in a combat zone
- •Forward the case to VA Disability Rating Activity Site (D-RAS)
Proposed Ratings (19 Days)
The VA Disability Rating Activity Site (D-RAS) thoroughly evaluates the Service Member's referred and claimed conditions to produce a rating letter explaining the disability rating applied. Each condition is rated from 0% to 100%.
Proposed Disposition & Elections (11 Days)
The IPEB and D-RAS findings are merged and submitted to the PEBLO for delivery to the Service Member. If found Unfit, the Service Member has three options:
- 1.Accept the findings of the IPEB and the VA rating decision
- 2.Accept the findings of the IPEB and request a one-time reconsideration of the VA rating decision
- 3.Disagree with the findings and request or demand a Formal Physical Evaluation Board
Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB) - 24 Days (If Requested)
All Service Members found Unfit by the IPEB have the right to a formal hearing. Upon approval and scheduling, the respective service assigns a Judge Advocate attorney. The Service Member may choose a non-military attorney at their own expense.
The attorney prepares the petition, gathers evidence, and presents the case to the FPEB. Once presented, the board deliberates and prepares findings with written rationale. Any previous IPEB findings are null and void.
Why request FPEB? Generally to: (1) Challenge fitness determination, or (2) Add other medical conditions to the list of military unfitting conditions (which may result in higher combined disability rating qualifying for retirement vs. separation).
FPEB Appeal (10 Days)
The findings and rationale are reviewed by the Department of the respective service PEB President before being released to the Service Member. These findings become the decision of record.
VA Rating Reconsideration & Final Disposition (7 Days)
Final VA rating is determined and the Service Member's disposition (separation or retirement) is finalized based on the combined disability rating.
How VTC Can Help During PEB Phase:
- VA Disability Calculator: Estimate your combined rating and monthly compensation to understand your options
- Decision Tracker: Document your IPEB findings and track deadlines for elections or FPEB requests
- AI Transition Expert: Get answers to questions about fitness determinations, ratings, and your options
- Resource Library: Access VSO contact information and legal assistance resources
Transition begins after the Service Member accepts the PEB findings or completes formal and military appeals. At this point, the VA is informed of the final disposition, receives a copy of the separation orders and DD Form 214.
If Found Fit for Duty: Assign to Unit
Service Members found fit for duty are returned to their unit and resume full military duties.
Transition Process (26 Days)
The VA conducts a final interview with the Service Member, their dependents, or other representatives to:
- •Determine entitlement to benefits
- •Gather supporting documentary evidence
- •File claims on behalf of the Service Member for benefits allowable under state and federal law
Important Note for Separation
If a Service Member is found unfit for continued military service, he/she must separate no later than 90 days after the finalization of the board. This includes transition of duties, orders issuance, and out-processing.
How VTC Can Help During Transition Phase:
- Separation Action Planner: Complete TAP requirements and track all separation tasks
- Benefits Checklist: Ensure you've applied for all eligible benefits (GI Bill, TRICARE, SBP, etc.)
- Housing Planner: Organize your PCS move and housing search
- Career Tools: Build your resume, search for jobs, and prepare for interviews
The goal of the IDES is to ensure Service Members and their families receive a seamless transition from DoW to VA benefits, resources, and care.
VA Disability Benefits Decision Letter (30 Days)
After the Service Member's DD Form 214 is received and processed, benefits are typically received within 30 days of the actual discharge date. Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of veteran's dependents, and is paid monthly.
Processing Time Goal
The processing time goal is for the DoW and VA to complete 80% of all cases within the date of referral to the IDES and ending on the date of return to the Service Member of the separation or retirement order.
How VTC Can Help After Separation:
- VA Claim Tracker: Monitor your claim status and track decision letters
- Financial Planning Tools: Budget your VA compensation and plan for your first year
- Healthcare Navigator: Enroll in VA healthcare and find nearby facilities
- Appeals Support: If needed, file supplemental claims or appeals with organized evidence
Typical Medical Evidence:
- •A Narrative Summary (NARSUM)
- •History and treatment of the specific injury or illness
- •Laboratory results
- •All referrals to doctors and sick call (health record)
- •Type and frequency of medication
- •Results of physical exam completed within past six months
Typical Non-Medical Evidence:
- •Non-medical Assessment from the member's unit commander (impact of medical condition(s) on normal military duties)
- •Line of duty (misconduct) investigations
- •Personnel Casualty Report (PCR) as applicable
- •Last two years of fitness reports or pros and cons
- •Member's Personal Impact Statement
Critical Importance of Documentation
Document ALL medical conditions in your Service Treatment Records (STRs) before separation. If it's not documented, it's much harder to prove service connection later. Make appointments to document chronic conditions, injuries, and any health issues. Request copies of your complete STRs and review for accuracy.
Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you complete all necessary tasks during your IDES process and transition:
eBenefits Account
Create account to track VA claims and benefits
TAP Briefings
Complete all Transition Assistance Program requirements
VR&E Consultation
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
File VA claim 90-180 days before separation
SCAADL Claim
Special Compensation for Assistance with ADLs
Caregiver Compensation
If applicable, apply for caregiver benefits
Housing Adaptation
SAH/SHA grants for home modifications
Auto Allowance
Vehicle adaptation grant if eligible
Clothing Allowance
Annual allowance for damaged clothing
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
Ensure beneficiaries are updated
GI Bill Transfer
Transfer benefits to dependents if eligible
SGLI/VGLI Insurance
Convert to Veterans' Group Life Insurance
TRICARE Transition
Enroll in TRICARE Retired Reserve or VA healthcare
Service Treatment Records
Request complete copies before separation
VTC Task Tracker
Use the Veterans Transition Center Task Tracker to manage this entire checklist with automated reminders, deadline tracking, and completion status. Never miss a critical step in your IDES process!
Official DoW information on the disability evaluation process
VA disability benefits and compensation information
Complete guide to all VA benefits and services