US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA)

Happy Holidays from the United States Army Physical Disability Agency! As we celebrate this holiday season, we want to take a moment to honor the soldiers and veterans we have the privilege of serving. Your strength, perseverance, and dedication to our nation are the foundation of our mission. At the United States Army Physical Disability Agency, we are committed to supporting you through life’s transitions, ensuring you receive the care and respect you so deeply deserve. Your journey inspires us every day, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to your well-being. May your holidays be filled with warmth, peace, and the support of loved ones. Here's to a New Year filled with hope and opportunity. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Happy Holidays! The Adjutant General Directorate United States Army Human Resources Command U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

This upcoming Veterans Day, our nation comes together in gratitude for the brave men and women who have served in our military forces. Their commitment to duty, courage in the face of adversity, and selflessness form the backbone of our country’s freedom and values. At the United States Army Physical Disability Agency, we honor these veterans who have given so much of themselves in defense of our nation. We acknowledge not only their service but also the lasting impact of their sacrifices. Each veteran’s journey and story are unique, and on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who have returned home with injuries or disabilities sustained in the line of duty. On this Veterans Day, we extend our deepest respect and appreciation to all veterans, especially those who face the daily challenges associated with their service. The United States Army Physical Disability Agency is dedicated to ensuring that these individuals receive the care, resources, and support they deserve. We recognize that our duty to veterans does not end when they leave active service; it is a lifelong commitment to honor their sacrifices and provide assistance as they continue to lead lives of resilience and dignity. To our veterans—thank you for your unwavering dedication and for being an inspiration to us all. The Adjutant General Directorate United States Army Human Resources Command U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

TEMPORARY DISABILITY RETIREMENT LIST If you meet the qualifications for permanent disability retirement but have at least one medical condition that is considered not stable for rating purposes, you will be placed on the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL). The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) makes this determination when a condition's severity is expected to change over time, meaning it may improve or worsen. Placement on the TDRL provides time for additional medical observation and treatment, during which the condition's status will be periodically reviewed to assess whether a more accurate and stable disability rating can be established. In particular, active-duty Soldiers experiencing behavioral health conditions linked to traumatic events—such as combat-related PTSD, depression, or anxiety—are almost always assigned to the TDRL. This approach allows for a period of careful monitoring and ongoing treatment before a final determination is made regarding the Soldier's fitness for continued service or eligibility for permanent disability retirement. The TDRL serves as a transitional phase aimed at ensuring that the final disability rating accurately reflects the long-term impact of the condition on the Soldier's overall health and ability to function. The Adjutant General Directorate (TAGD) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs United States Army Human Resources Command #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrated each October, is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about disability employment issues and honor the contributions of workers with disabilities. Established by Congress in 1945, NDEAM promotes the importance of creating inclusive work environments that value diversity and provide equal opportunities for all. The theme for each year often reflects current goals in accessibility and inclusion, reinforcing the need for continued progress in employment practices. For federal employees, NDEAM has significant benefits. It highlights the federal government’s role as a model employer, striving for greater inclusivity in its workforce. The month fosters awareness and understanding of workplace accommodations, career advancement, and leadership opportunities for employees with disabilities. By engaging in NDEAM activities, federal agencies are encouraged to review their hiring and retention policies, improve accessibility, and ensure compliance with laws like the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This helps build a more inclusive and equitable work environment, benefiting employees, agencies, and the public they serve. The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs United States Army Human Resources Command #takingcareofpeople #readiness

Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) are two distinct programs designed to support veterans with service-connected disabilities, but they serve different purposes and have unique eligibility criteria. CRSC is a benefit provided to military retirees with combat-related disabilities, intended to offset the reduction in their retired pay due to receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To qualify for CRSC, veterans must have a disability rating for injuries or illnesses that were incurred in combat or resulted from combat-related activities. The compensation is meant to ensure that these retirees receive their full retired pay without the deduction for disability compensation.   On the other hand, Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is designed to allow retirees to receive both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation simultaneously. CRDP is available to retirees with a VA disability rating of 50% or higher, and it gradually phases in over time, with the goal of eliminating the offset between retirement pay and disability compensation. Unlike CRSC, which specifically addresses combat-related disabilities, CRDP applies more broadly to retirees with significant disability ratings regardless of whether their disabilities are combat-related. Both programs aim to alleviate financial burdens for disabled veterans, but they target different aspects of military retirement and disability compensation. The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs United States Army Human Resources Command #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

It is with profound sorrow, the U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) mourns the passing of our esteemed colleague, Lt. Col. Michael G. Wedemeyer, an Adjudicator for the U.S. Army Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). Lt. Col. Wedemeyer’s 36+ years of distinguished military service spans the Army National Guard, Active and Reserve Component forces. He enlisted and served in the Army National Guard for 11 years before starting a 13 year career as a Transportation Corps officer. His last 12 years were in the United States Army Reserve. Throughout his time with the PDA, Lt. Col. Wedemeyer exemplified selflessness and dedication to customer service and adjudication. Known for his exceptional commitment, compassion, and care for Soldiers navigating the PEB process, Lt. Col. Wedemeyer’s numerous contributions to the Army prioritized the needs of Soldiers and their families. His vibrant, friendly personality and significant contributions to the TAGD and PDA teams will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time. USAPDA will conduct a memorial service for Lt. Col. Wedemeyer on Mon., Aug. 19th at 1:00 p.m. at the Joint Base San Antonio Dodd Field Chapel, located at 5584 Dodd Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78234.

ARMY RECOVERY CARE PROGRAM (ARCP) The Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) is a comprehensive initiative established by the U.S. Army to support wounded, ill, and injured soldiers requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Central to this program are the Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs), which are located at major medical treatment facilities worldwide. These units provide structured support for soldiers who need at least six months of rehabilitation and complex medical management. Resembling regular Army units, SRUs foster a sense of unit cohesion and teamwork, helping soldiers focus on their healing process. Within the SRUs, each Warrior in Transition (WT) is assigned a dedicated team, including a primary care manager, usually a physician, a nurse case manager, and a squad leader. This team works together to coordinate the soldier's care, ensuring a holistic approach to their medical and non-medical needs. The primary care manager oversees the soldier's medical treatment, while the nurse case manager coordinates appointments and treatments. The squad leader provides leadership and daily support, ensuring that the soldier's needs are met within the unit. The primary goal of the ARCP is to return soldiers to active duty whenever possible. However, if a return to duty is not feasible, soldiers will be processed through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) to assess their fitness for duty and determine any necessary disability benefits. This program highlights the Army’s commitment to taking care of its soldiers, ensuring they receive the necessary medical care and support during their recovery period, whether they return to duty or transition to civilian life. Any questions or items requiring clarity, please reach out to us! United States Army Human Resources Command The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

COMBINED RATING The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) combine ratings based on instructions found in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). They then arrange the rated conditions in order of their severity, starting with the greatest disability, and then rate each as a percentage of remaining efficiency. For example: A Soldier with a 60% disability is considered 40% efficient. If the Soldier also has a 30% disability, it is measured as 30% of the remaining 40% - leaving the Soldier as 28% efficient or 72% disabled. The 72% is rounded to 70%, which is the Soldier's combined rating. This system can be complicated. If you receive a combined rating, your Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) or legal counsel can explain how it was determined. Once you are eligible for disability benefits, the severity of your condition will determine whether you receive disability retirement or are separated with severance pay. Soldiers rated with a 0%, 10%, or 20% disability who have less than 20 years of active service, or less than 7,200 points of combined service, will be separated with severance pay. Soldiers rated at 30% or more, or who have 20 or more years of active service or 7,200 points of combined service, receive disability retirement. Any questions or items requiring clarity, please reach out to us! Have a great holiday weekend! United States Army Human Resources Command The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB) Appeal After the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) concludes its assessment, you're required to annotate you want to appeal on the DA Form 199-1. Should you dissent, you have the option to request a review by the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB). Following the FPEB's ruling, if disagreement persists, you can proceed with an FPEB Appeal. Guidance on these steps will accompany the PEB's decisions. Once the FPEB appeal reaches resolution, the military enacts the finalized decision, which may involve returning to duty or separation. Opting not to appeal to the FPEB means forfeiting the opportunity for further recourse. The United States Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) intervenes in cases of disagreement, evaluating whether a formal hearing is necessary. If the USAPDA deems the PEB's judgment flawed, it initiates a reconsideration process. Subsequent interactions between the PEB and USAPDA lead to USAPDA's endorsement of the PEB's decision. Upon USAPDA approval, soldiers with ongoing disagreement may submit a rebuttal. Should the USAPDA uphold its initial decision, the case advances to the Army Physical Disability Appeal Board (APDAB). The APDAB's role encompasses evaluating the fairness of the hearing, the adherence to legal protocols, and the evidence supporting rating decisions. Any questions or items requiring clarity, please reach out to us! United States Army Human Resources Command The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB) As mandated by law, no active-duty or Reserve Service Member found unfit by an informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) may be retired or separated for physical disability without being granted the right to demand a formal hearing. - If an individual is found unfit by the IPEB and wishes to appeal, they can demand a formal hearing, with or without a personal appearance. - Army regulations mandate that unit commanders issue temporary duty (TDY) orders to Service Members to facilitate travel to and from formal hearings if their condition is referred to as duty-related. The formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB) represents an opportunity, with the assistance of legal counsel, to present evidence, testimony, witness statements, and documents in support of the case. The FPEB will be comprised of at least three members, including a presiding officer who should be a colonel (but may be a lieutenant colonel) or civilian equivalent; a medical officer; and a line officer (or non-commissioned officer in the grade of E9 for enlisted cases) familiar with duty assignments. - Video-teleconferencing (i.e., virtual appearance) is the primary means for conducting the FPEB. The PEB President is the approval authority for any in-person request from the Service Member or legal counsel. - An appointed government legal counsel, or counsel of their own choosing (a civilian attorney or a representative from a National Service Organization such as Disabled American Veterans) can represent the Service Member. If they choose to have a non-appointed representative, it will be at no expense to the Government. Moreover, during the formal hearing process, Service Members have the opportunity to provide comprehensive insight into their medical conditions, the impact on their military service, and any mitigating circumstances that warrant consideration. This forum serves as a crucial step in ensuring fair and just adjudication of physical disability cases within the military, offering Service Members a platform to assert their rights and seek equitable outcomes. Ultimately, the outcome of the formal hearing can profoundly impact their future within the military and beyond. It is a solemn obligation of the military justice system to uphold the dignity and well-being of its Service Members, and the formal hearing serves as a cornerstone in fulfilling this responsibility. Any questions or items requiring clarity, please reach out to us! United States Army Human Resources Command The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness