References

References

• Title 10, United States Code, Chapter 61

• PDES Manual, 

COMDTINST M1850.2 (series)

• Medical Manual, 

COMDTINST M6000.1 (series)

• Military Separations Manual, 

COMDTINST M1000.4 (series)

• Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating 

Disabilities (VASRD), 38 CFR Book C

• PDES Info 

www.uscg.mil/legal/LMA.asp

HAVE QUESTIONS? 

ASK US! 

For questions regarding your medical 

treatment, contact your medical provider.

* * *

For administrative/processing questions, 

contact the PSC Ombudsman:

Phone: (202) 795-6633

Email: PSCombudsman@uscg.mil

* * *

For legal consultations/advice, contact a 

PDES attorney: 

Phone: (202) 795-6918

Email: PDESinfo@uscg.mil

All legal communications with lawyers are 

kept confidential. We can answer 

questions about waivers, retention 

requests, discharge characterization, etc. 

United States Coast Guard 

Physical Disability 

 Evaluation System 

 (PDES)

A Member's Guide . 

"What Can I Do?"

‣ Ask for Help. 

‣ You are not alone. Talk to 

CGSUPRT*, your command, 

medical personnel, the 

Chaplain Corps*, Work-Life 

staff, a PDES attorney*, Navy 

Wounded Warrior - Safe 

Harbor, etc. We're here to help.

‣ *Communications with these resources are 

confidential. 

‣ Document. 

‣ Make sure all treatment related 

to your conditions are 

documented in your health 

records. Keeping a copy of all 

documents for your personal 

records can also be helpful. 

‣ Plan Ahead. 

‣ Whether you are going back to 

the fleet or into the civilian 

world, there are resources you 

can use to help with the 

transition. 

‣ Exercise Your Rights. 

‣ Don't be afraid to use your 

chain of command or to 

contact a PDES attorney. 

Federal law governs the PDES 

process and it can have an 

impact on the rest of your life. Released by: CG-11, CG-13, PSC-PSD-de, and CG-LMA.

July 2016
The PDES process focuses on 

determining whether a member is fit or 

unfit for retention in a non-adversarial 

manner. Once the MEB report is 

forwarded to PSC, each medical 

condition will be evaluated as to whether 

it is unfitting. Under federal law, the CG 

must consider all conditions that 

individually or collectively render a 

member unfit. Each unfitting condition will 

be given a rating and disability 

percentage, which will determine whether 

you will be separated or retired. 

The disability evaluation and compensation 

process for ill and injured CG members 

involves three major components: 

Health Services 

Medical providers have the best knowledge 

of, and insight into, members' conditions and 

their impacts on work performance. 

Personnel Services Division 

The Disabilities Evaluations branch (-de) 

applies CG retention standards to rate 

unfitting conditions in accordance with 

Veteran Affairs guidelines.

Member Advocacy Division 

Members are entitled to legal consultation at 

every stage of the process and can have 

counsel advocate on their behalf. 

The PDES Process

1 MEDICAL EVALUATION BOARD 

(MEB)

An MEB is convened when an injury or illness makes 

a member unfit for duty. 

The MEB report recommends whether you are 

medically fit to perform the duties of your office, 

grade, rank, or rating. The MEB report is written by a 

medical officer and identifies conditions that do not 

meet retention standards. 

You may consult with a PDES attorney at this stage. 

2 INFORMAL PHYSICAL EVALUATION BOARD 

(IPEB)

The CG applies the VA Schedule for Rating 

Disabilities. A two-person board assigns your 

unfitting conditions a rating and disability percentage. 

A PDES attorney can help you to: 

1) Accept the findings, 

2) Submit a reconsideration request, or 

3) Reject the findings; proceed to a formal board. 

3 FORMAL PHYSICAL EVALUATION BOARD 

(FPEB)

Federal law entitles you to a full and fair hearing. 

A three-person board holds an administrative hearing 

to re-evaluate your fitness for duty and make 

recommendations consistent with the findings.

You have the right to appear in front of this factfinding body to advocate for your best interests. 

You can submit a rebuttal to these findings as well.

Fit for Full 

Duty 

If you are granted a waiver 

or your condition is not 

unfitting, you return 

to duty. 

Separation 

w/o Severance 

You may be eligible for 

Transitional Assistance 

Management 

Program 

benefits.

Separation 

with Severance 

If rated 20% or less, 

Monthly BASE PAY x 2 

x YRS of active 

service.

Retirement 

If rated 30% or more, 

you will be retired and 

receive all benefits 

(proportionate pay, 

Tricare, legal, 

etc.) 

Temporary 

Retirement 

If not stable/permanent, 

retired for up to 5 years, 

and periodically 

reevaluated.

Stages of the Process Possible Outcomes