Disability Evaluation System (DES) Process and Outcomes

Start Here If You Are New to DES

The Disability Evaluation System (DES) is the formal process determining whether a Marine is MEDICALLY FIT for future service. Three phases. PHASE 1 MEB (Medical Evaluation Board) at the Marine's local base clinic or hospital decides whether to refer to PEB. PHASE 2 IPEB (Informal Physical Evaluation Board) issues initial findings. PHASE 3 FPEB (Formal Physical Evaluation Board) only convenes if the Marine declines the IPEB findings. Two pathways. LDES (Legacy DES) is FASTER but no VA exam consideration and no VA rating guaranteed at separation. IDES (Integrated DES) is NEWER and INCLUDES VA exams and ratings. The PEBLO (Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer) assists the Marine throughout. Six possible outcomes. Fit (return to full duty), Presumed Fit (special case within 4 months of approved retirement), Unfit with severance, Unfit without severance, TDRL (Temporary Disability Retired List, max 3 years), PDRL (Permanent Disability Retired List). Average processing time 7.5 months IPEB, 10 months FPEB. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 Chapter 2 and DoDI 1332.18DoDI 1332.18.

This page walks you through DES from your seat as a Marine entering or in DES. By the end you will know.

• The three DES phases (MEB, IPEB, FPEB)
• The two pathways (LDES and IDES)
• The PEBLO role
• The six possible outcomes
• The IODES OCONUS framework
• Average processing times
• Cross-reference to Limited Duty leaf

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 Chapter 2, DoDI 1332.18DoDI 1332.18, 10 U.S.C. 120110 U.S.C. 1201-1221, MMSR-4 published guidance, and the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

What DES Is

The Disability Evaluation System is the official Marine Corps process where a Marine is evaluated and boarded for a decision on whether they are fit to continue service or medically separated/retired for a service-connected disability.

Generic Term

A generic term for this process is "med board" processing.

Process Boundaries

DES starts with the medical provider recommending board referral and ends when the Marine is.

• Medically separated from service.
• Found fit and returned to full duty.

Multiple Boards

Several boards occur throughout the DES process (MEB, IPEB, FPEB).

The Three Phases

Phase 1. MEB (Medical Evaluation Board)

The first phase. Conducted at the Marine's local base clinic or hospital.

What MEB Does

A group of designated medical providers conducts MEB. They.

• Receive the referring provider's recommendation.
• Receive results for any related evaluations or exams conducted.
• Determine whether to refer to PEB.

Status Codes

• "V" duty limit code in MCTFS for IDES MEB referral.
• "U" duty limit code in MCTFS for LDES MEB referral.

VA Exam Completion (IDES Only)

All required VA exams are completed during MEB phase for the IDES pathway.

Phase 2. IPEB (Informal Physical Evaluation Board)

The second phase. Conducted after PEB accepts the case from MEB.

Status Code

"Y" duty limit code in MCTFS once the PEB accepts the case.

What IPEB Does

The PEB completes initial review. They.

• Have all documents required to board the Marine.
• Issue initial findings.

IPEB Outcomes

• Marine accepts the findings. Final decision comes from IPEB.
• Marine declines the findings. FPEB convenes.
• Marine fails to decline in the allotted timeframe. Findings become final.

Phase 3. FPEB (Formal Physical Evaluation Board)

The third phase. Only happens if the Marine does not accept IPEB findings.

What FPEB Does

A formal board considers the case anew. Marine may have legal representation. Final findings are issued.

Outcome

Once FPEB results are finalized, they are forwarded from the PEB to MMSR-4 for processing.

The Two Pathways

LDES (Legacy DES)

The older pathway option.

Advantages

• Quicker process.
• If found unfit, quicker transition out.

Disadvantages

• No VA exam consideration.
• No VA rating guaranteed at separation.
• Omitting these portions makes the process quicker.

DES Steps Removed in LDES

• Claim Development.
• VA Disability Exam Stage.
• Proposed Rating Stage.
• Rating Consideration Stage.

These can still be done after the Marine separates, through the VA.

Typical Use

Typically only used on select entry-level personnel cases (Boot camp, schoolhouse). Can be elected by the servicemember when they complete the initial DES election processing documentation.

IDES (Integrated DES)

The newer pathway option.

Advantages

• Get out with a VA rating because the exams and findings steps are incorporated into the DES process.

DES Steps Added in IDES

• Claim Development.
• VA Disability Exam Stage.
• Proposed Rating Stage.
• Rating Consideration Stage.

Why IDES

Marines who are likely to be found unfit benefit from getting their VA rating done in tandem with the DES process. Avoids post-separation gaps in compensation.

The PEBLO

Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer.

What the PEBLO Does

• Assists the Marine with DES processing.
• Coordinates between the medical providers, the Marine, the PEB, and other stakeholders.
• Provides the Marine with explanations and options at each phase.

When the PEBLO Is Assigned

After the Marine's DES process is initiated by the medical provider.

The Six Possible Outcomes

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 Chapter 2 and DoDI 1332.18DoDI 1332.18.

Outcome 1. Fit

Return to full duty. The Marine is found fit for continued service.

Outcome 2. Presumed Fit

A possible outcome when the Marine goes to DES within 4 months of an approved retirement date. The expectation is the Marine executes the already approved retirement date.

Outcome 3. Unfit Separation With Severance

The Marine is found unfit and is separated with disability severance pay.

When This Applies

• Disability rating below 30 percent.
• Specific service requirements per the framework.

The Separation Pay and Final Pay leaf covers Disability Severance Pay framework.

Outcome 4. Unfit Separation Without Severance

The Marine is found unfit and is separated without severance pay.

When This Applies

• Specific exclusionary criteria apply.
• Less common than separation with severance.

Outcome 5. TDRL (Temporary Disability Retired List)

The Marine is placed on the temporary disability retired list.

Maximum Duration

3 years on TDRL.

Required Actions

During TDRL, the Marine must.

• Coordinate with MMSR-4.
• Attend Periodic Physical Evaluation(s) to monitor the disability.

Failure to Comply

Failure to comply will result in REMOVAL and LOSS OF BENEFITS.

Importance of Communication

If on TDRL, it is VITAL to keep MMSR-4 and MMSR-6 updated of any changes to contact information and mailing address.

Re-Evaluation Outcomes

After Periodic Physical Evaluation. PEB will reevaluate. Marine receives new findings.

• Removed from TDRL (with appropriate outcome).
• Changed to PDRL (permanent retirement).

Outcome 6. PDRL (Permanent Disability Retired List)

The Marine is permanently retired with disability rating.

Eligibility

• Found unfit through DES.
• Disability rating of 30 percent or higher.
• Specific service requirements.

Duration

Permanent. Retirement pay continues for life.

Pay Calculation

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and Vol 7B. Disability rating × basic pay (rounded up to next 10 percent), OR years of service × 2.5% × basic pay, whichever is HIGHER.

The Retirement Types and Eligibility leaf covers disability retirement framework.

Processing Times

Per MMSR-4 statistics (May 2025).

• IPEB Phase. Average 7.5 months.
• FPEB (when requested). Average 10 months.

Marines should plan for the duration of DES processing.

IODES (Overseas IDES)

Per the Limited Duty leaf. The framework for OCONUS Marines to PCS to CONUS for DES processing.

Why IODES Exists

Medical providers at overseas locations may be limited in equipment or specialty care resources. The Marine PCS to a CONUS location with appropriate care.

How IODES Works

1. Medical provider initiates via Form 6100-5 or email to MMSR-4.
2. HUMS monitor coordinates PCS to nearest CONUS billet with specialty care.
3. "8" duty limit code in MCTFS pending DES referral.

The Limited Duty leaf covers IODES in detail.

Cross-Reference to Limited Duty

The Limited Duty leaf covers TLD, PLD, and EPLD framework. Limited duty often precedes or accompanies DES processing.

How Limited Duty Interacts With DES

• TLD beyond career thresholds (12 months enlisted, ANY for officers, 3rd period for enlisted) may trigger DES referral.
• PLD is a possible outcome for Marines found unfit but allowed continued service.
• EPLD is the specialized PLD for combat wounded.

Common DES Scenarios

Scenario 1. Marine With Service-Connected Knee Injury Through IDES

Marine has chronic knee issue from training.

• Phase 1 MEB. Local clinic recommends referral. "V" duty limit code.
• Phase 2 IPEB. PEB issues findings. "Y" duty limit code.
• VA Exams. Completed during MEB.
• Outcome. Unfit with severance (rating 20%), Unfit retirement (rating 30%+), or other.

Scenario 2. Marine Going to DES Within 4 Months of Approved Retirement

Marine has approved retirement date 3 months out. Refers to DES.

• Outcome. Presumed Fit. Marine executes approved retirement.

Scenario 3. Entry-Level Marine in LDES

New Marine with disqualifying medical condition discovered at boot camp.

• Pathway. LDES (faster).
• Outcome. Likely Unfit with severance based on condition severity.

Scenario 4. Marine on TDRL Misses Periodic Physical

Marine on TDRL fails to attend Periodic Physical Evaluation.

• Result. Removed from TDRL. Loss of benefits.
• Lesson. Compliance critical.

Scenario 5. Marine Found Unfit With 50% Rating

Marine found unfit with 50 percent disability rating.

• Outcome. Permanent Retirement (PDRL).
• Pay. Higher of (50% × basic pay rounded up) OR (years of service × 2.5% × basic pay).

Scenario 6. Marine Declines IPEB Findings

Marine receives IPEB findings, disagrees.

• Action. Declines findings within allotted timeframe.
• Result. FPEB convenes. Average 10 months processing.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Confusion Between LDES and IDES

LDES is faster but no VA rating. IDES is comprehensive and includes VA. Choose carefully.

Mistake 2. Missing the IPEB Decline Window

If you disagree with IPEB findings, you must decline within the allotted timeframe. Failure to decline = findings become final.

Mistake 3. Not Communicating With MMSR-4 During TDRL

TDRL requires periodic re-evaluation and communication. Missed contact can result in loss of benefits.

Mistake 4. Not Updating Contact Information During TDRL

VITAL during TDRL. MMSR-4 and MMSR-6 need current address and contact info.

Mistake 5. Not Working With PEBLO

The PEBLO is your guide through DES. Engage early and often.

Mistake 6. Underestimating Processing Time

Plan for 7.5 months (IPEB) or 10 months (FPEB). Coordinate transition planning accordingly.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is DES?

Disability Evaluation System. The Marine Corps process determining if you are medically fit for future service.

What are the three phases?

Phase 1 MEB (Medical Evaluation Board, local clinic). Phase 2 IPEB (Informal Physical Evaluation Board, initial findings). Phase 3 FPEB (Formal Physical Evaluation Board, only if Marine declines IPEB).

What are the two pathways?

LDES (Legacy DES, faster, no VA rating) and IDES (Integrated DES, includes VA exam and rating).

What is the PEBLO?

Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer. The person assigned to assist you with DES processing.

What are the six possible outcomes?

Fit, Presumed Fit, Unfit with severance, Unfit without severance, TDRL, PDRL.

What is TDRL?

Temporary Disability Retired List. Maximum 3 years. Periodic Physical Evaluations required. Re-evaluated to either PDRL or removed.

What is PDRL?

Permanent Disability Retired List. Permanent retirement with disability rating of 30+ percent.

How long does DES take?

Average 7.5 months for IPEB. Average 10 months for FPEB.

What is the difference between TDRL and PDRL?

TDRL is temporary (max 3 years, requires periodic re-evaluation). PDRL is permanent.

What duty limit codes are used during DES?

"V" (PEB Referral, IDES MEB complete). "U" (LDES). "Y" (PEB Case Accepted). "7" (DES Pending). "8" (Overseas IDES Pending).

What if I am stationed overseas and need DES?

IODES framework. Medical provider initiates via Form 6100-5. HUMS monitor coordinates PCS to CONUS with specialty care.

What is Presumed Fit?

A possible outcome when going to DES within 4 months of an approved retirement date. The expectation is the Marine executes the approved retirement.

Should I choose LDES or IDES?

IDES if likely unfit (gets VA rating in tandem with DES). LDES typically only for select entry-level cases.

What should I expect during TDRL?

Coordinate with MMSR-4. Attend Periodic Physical Evaluations. Keep contact information current. Maximum 3 years.

How is disability retirement pay calculated?

Higher of (disability rating × basic pay rounded up to next 10%) OR (years of service × 2.5% × basic pay).

What if I am found Fit and want to leave the service anyway?

Coordinate with MMSR-4 to terminate DES processing. Voluntary EAS in limited duty status requires DES termination first.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• DES initiation. Medical provider through Form 6100-5.
• PEBLO assistance. Assigned after DES initiation.
• MMSR-4 coordination. SMB_Manpower_MMSR4@usmc.mil.
• TDRL matters. SMB_Manpower_TDRL@usmc.mil.
• IODES (OCONUS Marines). Medical provider via Form 6100-5 or MMSR-4 directly.
• Disability retirement pay calculation. DFAS at https://www.dfas.mil/.
• VA disability claims. VA.gov for IDES claim development support.
• Voluntary termination of DES. MMSR-4 coordination.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Separations and Retirement landing page lists all topics.
• Separations and Retirement Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Limited Duty (TLD, PLD, EPLD) covers limited duty status often preceding DES.
• Retirement Types and Eligibility covers disability retirement (PDRL) framework.
• Separation Pay and Final Pay covers Disability Severance Pay framework.
• Transition Requirements covers TRS, Capstone, ITP including IDES VA claim coordination.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on engaging with the PEBLO and understanding DES outcomes.
• Admin at S-1 supports MCTFS duty limit code updates and MMSR-4 routing.
• Commanders ensure Marines understand DES framework and procedural protections.

The Disability Evaluation System (DES) is the formal process determining if a Marine is medically fit for future service. Three phases (MEB, IPEB, FPEB). Two pathways (LDES faster but no VA rating, IDES includes VA). PEBLO assists Marines throughout. Six possible outcomes (Fit, Presumed Fit, Unfit with severance, Unfit without severance, TDRL, PDRL). Average processing time 7.5 months IPEB, 10 months FPEB. IODES framework for OCONUS Marines. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 Chapter 2 and DoDI 1332.18DoDI 1332.18.