Integrated Disability Evaluation System

The Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs worked together to make disability evaluation seamless, simple, fast and fair with the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). DOD uses the IDES to determine a service member’s fitness for duty. If the service member is found medically unfit for duty, the IDES gives them a proposed VA disability rating before they leave the service. The proposed rating informs the service member of the approximate amount of compensation and benefits they will receive from the VA. Through the IDES process, Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officers (PEBLOs) guide service members through the entire IDES process to ensure they are aware of their options and the many decisions they – or their families – need to make. VA Military Service Coordinators (MSCs) help service members file their VA benefits claim before they leave the service so they can get their benefits as soon as possible after they separate from service.

To make the system fast and fair, there are options available and appeal processes which a service member can choose, to get decisions reviewed along the way. PEBLOs and MSCs guide service members through the entire IDES process to ensure they are counseled on their options. The services will also provide legal counsel at no cost to the service member.