Physical Disability Board Of Review
If you need assistance with a reconsideration of your severance from the military because you did not qualify for the benefits, pension and healthcare that you earned, you should contact a lawyer. We have the experience with the various military boards to file a petition on your behalf with the correct agency.
(find the links at http://www.health.mil/PDBR)
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 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.
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.
For a visual overview of how the process works, view the application process.
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 25% of the cases reviewed by the PDBR (as of March 2014), 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?
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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 may be subject to recoupment from these new retirement payments before you can actually begin receiving your entire disability retired pay. For information, please see the Retired and Annuity Pay Section and Wounded Warrior Section or contact DFAS at 1-800-321-1080.
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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.
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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).
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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. View the DoD instruction 6040.44 to learn more about the PDBR process.
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 visit the FAQs webpage.
Contact Us
If you have further questions about the PDBR, contact: usaf.pentagon.saf-mr.mbx.PDBRPA@mail.mil
Mailing address:
PDBR intake unit
SAF/MRBR
550 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 assistance.
Related Reference Center Materials
Physical Disability Board of Review Fact Sheet
The Physical Disability Board of Review, or PDBR, was legislated by Congress and implemented by the Department of Defense 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.
Read More Related Topics: Physical Disability Board of Review, Physical Disability, Conditions and Treatments
Physical Disability Board of Review Process Chart
This document shows the flow chart for how the PDBR processes requests for reviews of disability ratings.
