“Non-Duty” Disability Evaluation System (DES) Process

1. “Non-Duty” Disability Evaluation System (DES) Process Robert C. Desko, MD, FACS Col, USAF, SFS Deputy Director, ANGMS Clinical and Operational Medicine

2. NDAA 2011 ‘‘§ 1214a. Members determined fit for duty in Physical Evaluation Board evaluation: prohibition on involuntary administrative separation due to unsuitability based on medical conditions considered in evaluation”

3. NDAA 2011 • 2011 NDAA (HR6523 section 1214A) prohibits ARC members from being administratively discharged without SecDef approval when they have been found “fit for military duty,” but not world-wide duty (WWD) qualified (signed 7 Jan 2011) • DoDI 1332.14 Enlisted Administrative Separations (30 Sep 2011), implements this policy • The Air National Guard position is that ANG forces are funded and postured to be deployed to bare base locations throughout the world • The Air Force Reserve position is: There are enough deployment locations to accommodate Reservists who are in a stratified Assignment Limitation Code (ALC-C)

4. “NON-DUTY” DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM (DES) PROCESS • Member identified with a “Non-Duty” physical disqualification • MDG – will initiate top half of DAWG Checklist and AF Form 469 (Code 31, only) with remarks statement: Member has been identified with a “Non-Duty” physical disqualification that must be processed through the Non-Duty Disability Evaluation System (DES) to continue his/her military service. Forms will be forwarded to the FSS • FSS – Meets with member; reviews (AF Form 469, DAWG checklist, and FSS forms) • Question: Does member wish to undergo the “Non-Duty” Disability Evaluation System (DES)? Member will read and sign the Statement of Selection form YES NO Mbr works with FSS/MDG on “Non-Duty” DES package MDG – Receives the Statement of Selection form, changes AF Form 469 to (Code 37) and completes the “Non-Duty” DES medical package Process member for Sep/Ret due to a “Non-Duty” physical disqualification Upon completion of DES package the MDG will forward to NGB/SG for fitness determination

5. “NON-DUTY” DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM (DES) PROCESS Upon completion of DES package the MDG will forward to NGB/SG for fitness determination NGB/SG – Determines member is FIT and Returned to Duty No Restrictions NGB/SG – Finds the member UNFIT for military duty Non-Duty DES package is forwarded to HQ AFPC (IPEB) for Fitness Determination NGB/SG – Determines member is FIT and Returned to Duty With Restrictions Member Returned to Duty (AF Form 469 cleared) • NGB/SG - Establishes ALC-C Code (1, 2, or 3) • NGB/A1 – Updates ALC-C Code (1,2, or 3) in PDS • ALC-C Codes (1, 2, or 3) must be re-evaluated by NGB/SG yearly or upon expiration (established by NGB/SG) DES Processing

6. ALC-C Stratification Assignment Limitation Code (ALC-C) ALC-C1 (Worldwide (mobility) Qualified) • Designates members with temporary or mild conditions. Medical follow-up is required but the condition is clinically quiescent, unlikely to cause serious impact if untreated, or treatment is limited to primary care during periods of deployment or assignment ALC-C2 (Worldwide (mobility) Qualified) • Designates members with medical conditions that will likely require specialist medical care and referral within one year. The member could be deployed or reassigned to OCONUS environments for short periods of time or if limited medical facilities offer the appropriate specialty medical care ALC-C3 (Worldwide (mobility) NOT Qualified) • Designates members who should not be deployed or assigned to locations where the specialty medical care required to manage their unique medical condition is not available

7. Non-Duty DES Process Questions?