The DES Pilot Program was initiated on 01JUN2009 at Evans Army Community Hospital.  Due to some drastic changes in the method of completing Medical Evaluation Boards, there are some additional adjustments necessary in writing profiles.

On 30MAY2009, a memorandum instituting these changes.

Memorandum Excerpt
(Click Here to Download the Original Document)

The new MEB-DES Pilot is a joint DoD-VA initiative that will start 1 June 2009. There are some changes to our current flow of profiles so please ensure all providers are aware of the change.

When a provider identifies a Soldier with a condition that does NOT meet retention standards and requires a medical board he/she will ensure the problem is adequately worked up and prepared for a medical board. While you only need one condition to refer a Soldier to the MEB, the Soldier may have other conditions that do not meet retention standards. These conditions will also require an adequate work up to ensure the Soldier has reached maximal medical benefit. Other conditions that meet retention standards do not require a complete workup. You do NOT need to do a Part I or Part II Physical Exam for these are eliminated.

The “ticket’ into the MEB-DES process now requires a temporary 3 profile and NOT a permanent profile. Since a temporary will not allow you to check ‘Needs MEB” in AHLTA, please write in Block 1 after the diagnosis “REFER TO MEB”. Please delineate carefully in block #10 the medical condition(s) for which the Soldier falls below retention standards by the specific section in AR4O-501. Please give a copy to the Soldier.

This profile no longer goes to the DCCS, but must get delivered to the MEB Office at EACH, Room 2552, 719-526-7600. The profile will be reviewed to ensure it is ready for the MEB-DES process. If so, the Soldier will be called for an appointment with their PEBLO. The profile will be re-written by the MEB Physician and assume a permanent profile status at the end of the process.

This process will be explained in detail at the All Provider Meeting with the DCCS on 11 June 2009. Questions can be directed to your Clinic Chief or Division Surgeon who will direct questions to me (Office: 719-526-7196) as required.

Thank you for working together to make this an outstanding pilot to improve our disability processing of our Soldiers.