Fitness is primarily a term that relates to the disability evaluation system.
A complete medical board must be dictated for members of other services, for officers, and for any member with a complicated condition who requires a period of limited duty greater than 8 months. The service member is then rated with a percentage disability, which gives the member that percentage base pay as disability compensation. A rating of disability ensures that the member is eligible for medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs for that medical condition. Members do not need a disability rating from the military to be eligible for VA health care and benefits. The physician completes the top portion of the form for all such members with uncomplicated illness or injury and expected return to full duty within 16 months.