Introducing the Physical Disability Board of Review
Veterans who have been medically separated from the U.S. Military between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 now have the opportunity to have their disability ratings reviewed by the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) to ensure fairness and accuracy.
What We Do
The Physical Disability Board of Review, or PDBR, was legislated by Congress and implemented by the Department of Defense(1) to ensure the accuracy and fairness of combined disability ratings of 20% or less assigned to service members who were discharged between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009. The PDBR uses medical information provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the military department. Once a review is complete, the PDBR forwards a recommendation to the secretary of the respective branch of the armed services. It is up to the individual service branch to make the final determination on whether to change the original disability determination.
(1) Congress passed the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act in January 2008 which created the PDBR. DoD implemented the board in June of 2008 by issuing DoDI 6040.44: Lead Component for the PDBR. (See History)
^ Hide
For a visual overview of how the process works, click here.
PDBR Outcome
You may be wondering, "What happens if I’m successful in the process of getting my case reviewed by the PDBR and finalized by my military department?"
Impact on Pay and Benefits if You Are Successful with Your PDBR Application:
In almost half of the cases reviewed by the PDBR (as of December 2011), the applicant’s Military Service Department has found the applicant eligible for a disability retirement and has awarded this to the applicant. What does this mean for you and your family if your application to the PDBR is successful?
- You will receive (retroactively to the day of your original disability separation) monthly disability retirement pay from your military service. NOTE: By law, all previously awarded disability severance pay must be offset/recouped from these new retirement payments until you can actually begin receiving your entire disability retired pay. Please see the Retired and Annuity Pay Section at http://dfas.mil/retiredmilitary# and Wounded Warrior Section at http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers.html# or contact DFAS at 1800-321-1080.
- You are now eligible for DoD’s TRICARE health care coverage (retroactively to the day of your original disability separation). Coverage is extended to your eligible dependents as well. You may request to have TRICARE retroactively reimburse your previous medical expenditures.
- You are eligible to buy the Survivor’s Benefit Plan insurance for your dependents (you would be responsible for retroactively paying insurance premiums to bring your coverage up to date).
- You (and your eligible dependants) will have all rights and privileges of a retired Veteran from your armed service (e.g. commissary, exchange, space available recreation and travel, other benefits available via State and private sector organizations).
History
The PDBR was introduced in 2009. To view the DoD instruction on the PDBR process, click here.
There are significant differences between the PDBR and the Board for Correction of Military (or Naval) Record (BCMR/BCNR) review. For more details about the differences between these processes click here.
Contact Us
If you have further questions about the PDBR, contact: PDBRPA@afncr.af.mil
Mailing address:
PDBR intake unit
SAF/MRBR
500 C Street West, Suite 41
Randolph AFB, Texas 78150-4743
Please keep in mind that this office cannot discuss the merits of your application. You may wish to contact your local veterans’ service organization for advice or guidance.