Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) &
Military Compensation and Benefits

Helping you navigate IDES and secure benefits available to you. 

Overview

Navigating the complexities of the IDES and understanding the array of benefits available can be challenging for recovering Service members (RSMs), their caregivers, and families. This page offers a guide to the IDES and the DoD Compensation and Benefits Handbook, ensuring you have access to vital information in one location. 

IDES

IDES is a collaborative program between the DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) designed to streamline the disability evaluation process for Services members. It aims to: 

• Determine Fitness for Duty: Assess whether a Service member can continue military service due to medical conditions.
• Provide Disability Ratings: Offer VA disability ratings before separation, facilitating timely access to benefits.
• Ensure Seamless Transition: Integrated between DoD and VA to reduce delays and duplication in the evaluation process. 

Key Phases to IDES

1. Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) - Evaluates medical conditions and determines if they meet Service specific and DoD medical retention standards.
2. Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) - Assesses the impact of medical conditions on the Service member's ability to perform duties of their office, grade, rank, or rating. 
3. Disability Rating(s) - Assigns a disability rating assigned to unfitting conditions that may determine appropriate compensation and benefits based on medical separation or retirement from the military.
4. Transition - Service members found fit are returned to duty while those with a PEB finding of unfit are medically separated or retired from military service.  

For a printable fact sheet, see the IDES Fact Sheet (PDF). 
 

Military Compensation and Benefits Handbook

The DoD Compensation and Benefits Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource for wounded, ill, and injured Service members, as well as their families and caregivers. It provides:

• Detailed Benefit Information: Covers medical care, pay and allowances, disability evaluations, and transition assistance.
• Guidance on Navigating Systems: Helps understand processes within the VA, TRICARE, and other support systems.
• Resources for Recovery and Reintegration: Offers information on programs and services to aid in rehabilitation and returning to civilian life.