Limited Duty (TLD, PLD, EPLD)

Start Here If You Are New to Limited Duty

Limited duty is a medically restricted status for Marines unable to perform full duty due to injury, illness, or physical condition. THREE primary types. LIGHT DUTY (up to 90 days, restriction from certain physical requirements, no MMSR-4 involvement). TEMPORARY LIMITED DUTY (TLD or LIMDU, set start and end date, Form 6100-5 documentation, Q duty limit code in MCTFS). PERMANENT LIMITED DUTY (PLD, post-DES Unfit findings allowing continued service in restricted capacity). EXPANDED PERMANENT LIMITED DUTY (EPLD, combat wounded with Purple Heart criteria per MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16). Each status has specific authorization criteria and tracking requirements. Medical extensions through NAVMC 321MNAVMC 321M (enlisted) or AA form (officers). MMSR-4 reviews requests beyond unit authority. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16.

This page walks you through limited duty from your seat as a Marine on or considering limited duty status. By the end you will know.

• Light Duty (up to 90 days, no MMSR-4)
• Temporary Limited Duty (TLD/LIMDU, Form 6100-5, Q duty limit code)
• Permanent Limited Duty (PLD, post-DES outcomes)
• Expanded Permanent Limited Duty (EPLD, MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16)
• Medical extensions (NAVMC 321MNAVMC 321M for enlisted, AA form for officers)
• The OCONUS framework (IODES) for overseas Marines
• MMSR-4 review and approval framework
• Cross-reference to Disability Evaluation System leaf

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16, MMSR-4 published guidance, and the limdusmart.health.mil platform.

Light Duty

The least restrictive medical limitation status.

What Light Duty Is

Up to 90 days of restriction from certain physical requirements.

How Light Duty Works

• Medical provider issues a chit indicating specific restrictions.
• Marine turns in copy to the unit Limited Duty Coordinator for tracking.
• Restrictions are followed by the Marine and supervisors.

After 90 Days for Same Issue

After 90 days for the same issue, the Marine is required to be evaluated by the medical provider for a limited duty period (TLD).

Compliance

• Limited Duty Coordinator and medical are required to ensure compliance.
• The Marine is responsible for following the restrictions.

No MMSR-4 Involvement

Light Duty is administered at the unit level. No MMSR-4 involvement.

Temporary Limited Duty (TLD or LIMDU)

A medically restricted status with a SET START AND END DATE.

What TLD Is

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, TLD is a period of elevated restriction from physical requirements. Typically occurs before Disability Evaluation System (DES) processing is initiated.

Duration

The requested length of time is determined by the medical provider.

Form 6100-5

The TLD documentation form. Initiated by a military medical provider through the limdusmart.health.mil website.

Q Duty Limit Code

Once approved, the unit limited duty coordinator updates MCTFS to reflect a "Q" duty limit code.

Re-Evaluation

Marines are required to schedule and complete re-evaluation from their provider PRIOR TO the approved end date.

Expected Outcomes by End of TLD

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 paragraph guidance, expected outcomes are.

• Return to full duty.
• Extension request.
• Referral for DES processing.

When MMSR-4 Approval Is Required

Officers

ANY requested period of LimDu for officers is sent to MMSR-4 for review and will either be approved or the Marine will be directed to start DES processing.

Enlisted (12 Months Cumulative)

Once an enlisted Marine has 12 months or more of LimDu in their career, their request will either be approved or directed to start DES processing.

Enlisted (3rd Period)

3rd or more LimDu period requests for enlisted will come up for MMSR-4 review and either be approved or directed to start DES processing, even if they have not yet reached 12 months of LimDu.

MARCORSEPMAN and PFT/CFT Order

See MARCORSEPMAN and the PFT/CFT Order for guidance on return to duty timelines following temporary limited duty periods.

Permanent Limited Duty (PLD)

A medically restricted status occurring AFTER DES processing is complete and the Marine has been found UNFIT for future service.

What PLD Is

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, PLD is a permanent medical restriction. The Marine has been found unfit by the PEB but is allowed to continue service in a restricted capacity.

Duty Limit Code

PLD periods are indicated by either a "1" or "2" duty limit code on MCTFS.

Initiation

Requests are initiated at the unit level by the Marine and submitted to MMSR-4's organizational mailbox.

Duration

Approved by MMSR-4 with a specific end date. Unless extension approval is given by HQMC before the approved end date, the Marine will be medically separated NLT the approved end date.

Why PLD Exists

Some Marines who are found unfit can still contribute meaningfully in restricted billets. PLD allows continued service rather than immediate separation.

Expanded Permanent Limited Duty (EPLD)

A specialized PLD framework for COMBAT WOUNDED Marines.

What EPLD Is

Per MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16, EPLD is a medically restricted status occurring after DES processing is complete and the Marine has been found unfit for future service.

Eligibility Criteria

Combat wounded Marines whose injuries.

• Were the result of HOSTILE ACTION.
• Meet the criteria for awarding of the PURPLE HEART.
• Were NOT the result of their own misconduct.

These are the ONLY Marines authorized to request EPLD.

Duty Limit Code

EPLD periods are indicated by either a "3" or "4" duty limit code in MCTFS.

Initiation

Requests are initiated by the Marine at the unit level and routed via their career planner to HQMC (MMEA-1/RAM).

Authority

See MARCORSEPMAN and MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16 for further guidance.

Why EPLD Exists

Combat wounded Marines whose injuries resulted from hostile action have a special framework recognizing the sacrifice while allowing continued service in a meaningful role.

Medical Extensions

Marines are expected to separate from service by their EAS unless medical extension is deemed necessary.

When Medical Extension Applies

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, units are obligated to facilitate medical extension for Marines who are.

• In DES processing until their board is concluded and results are recorded in MCTFS by MMSR-4.
• Found unfit to separate on their final physical.
• Marines whose previously approved LIMDU period extends beyond their contractual obligation.
• Marines who are medically incapacitated.
• Marines whose military medical provider indicates that medical treatment is necessary to occur prior to EAS vs through the VA system.

Enlisted Medical Extensions

Accomplished through completion of the NAVMC 321MNAVMC 321M form.

• Signed by both the Marine and the unit's commanding officer.
• The first medical extension can be run at the unit level through the local IPAC.
• Second and subsequent requests require prior approval from MMSR-4 and are submitted through the MMSR-4 organizational mailbox.

Officer Medical Extensions

Accomplished through an AA form endorsed by the Marine's commanding officer.

• Forwarded to MMOA for officers NOT actively processing in DES.
• Forwarded to MMSR-4 for officers in DES OR who executed orders from overseas for DES (indicated by a duty limitation status of U/V/Y/8).

Voluntary EAS in Limited Duty Status

Marines may VOLUNTARILY EAS in a limited duty status. Coordination with MMSR-4 is REQUIRED to terminate DES processing first if a Marine desires to EAS or retire while in DES processing.

Additionally, the unit must issue applicable Page 11 counseling requirements and upload signed copies to the Marine's official record.

OCONUS DES Framework (IODES)

Marines stationed overseas have a specific framework for limited duty and DES.

IODES Concept

Medical providers at overseas locations may be limited in equipment or specialty care resources to complete appropriate assessments for DES processing. They may select the appropriate box on the TLD Form 6100-5 requesting to have HQMC return the Marine CONUS via PCS orders for medical evaluation and referral to DES, if appropriate.

IODES Process

1. Medical provider initiates via limdusmart.health.mil OR via email to the MMSR-4 organizational mailbox.
2. Package consists of the Form 6100-5 and OIDES worksheet.
3. When approved, the HUMS monitor coordinates with the applicable MOS monitor to find an open billet nearest to the Marine's requested location.
4. PCS orders are issued reflecting in the unit outbound module.
5. Location preferences are indicated by the Marine on the OIDES worksheet but are subject to billet vacancy and availability of specialty care.
6. MMSR-4 applies the duty limit code "8" in MCTFS, indicating the Marine must be medically evaluated for DES referral upon arrival and tracked by the unit limited duty coordinator.

Dual Active Families

Should communicate to their monitors or to the dual monitor in advance for consideration to co-locate, if possible.

What IODES Does NOT Authorize

Requests for medical treatment or testing not associated with DES referral are NOT authorized under this process. See the JTR for funded TAD travel reimbursement eligibility for medical purposes.

Duty Limit Codes Reference

The MCTFS duty limit codes used to track limited duty and DES status.

Limited Duty Tracking (limdusmart.health.mil)

What It Is

A website used to track and manage limited duty and DES personnel.

Who Has Access

Unit limited duty coordinators are required to have access to track and manage personnel.

What It Shows

• Limited duty document upload file for evidence of current duty limit status.
• "EMEBR" section at the bottom of a member's profile indicates DES referral date if actively processing through DES.
• Members will only be listed with a limdusmart profile if they have previously had limited duty approved or are processing through DES.

Cross-Verification Through MOL

Personnel with "View Reports" permissions can see the current duty limit code for their personnel through Marine Online when scrolling down to the "Duty Status" section of the Basic Individual Record (BIR).

Manpower.usmc.mil

Personnel with "Command Profile" permissions can review the number of personnel in each duty limit code category in the "Readiness" section. It also shows how long the Marine has been in that status or if they are expired and require immediate re-evaluation.

Cross-Reference to DES

The Disability Evaluation System (DES) leaf covers the broader DES framework. Limited duty often precedes or accompanies DES processing.

Light Duty to TLD

Marines on Light Duty for the same issue beyond 90 days transition to TLD.

TLD to DES

TLD that exceeds career thresholds (12 months for enlisted, ANY period for officers, 3rd period for enlisted) triggers MMSR-4 review and potential DES referral.

DES Outcomes Affecting Limited Duty

• DES finds Fit. Return to full duty.
• DES finds Unfit with Severance. Marine separates.
• DES finds Unfit Permanently Retired (PDRL). Marine retires.
• DES finds Unfit on TDRL. Marine on temporary disability retired list.
• DES authorizes PLD. Marine continues service in restricted capacity.

The Disability Evaluation System (DES) Process and Outcomes leaf covers the framework.

Common Limited Duty Scenarios

Scenario 1. Marine on Light Duty for 60 Days

Marine has back injury. Medical provider issues 60-day light duty chit.

• Status. Light Duty.
• Action. Marine adheres to restrictions. Limited Duty Coordinator tracks.
• Outcome at 60 days. Marine returns to full duty if recovered.

Scenario 2. Marine on Light Duty 90 Days, Issue Continues

Marine reaches 90 days light duty. Issue persists.

• Action. Required to be evaluated by medical provider for limited duty period.
• Result. Either return to full duty, additional Light Duty, or TLD.

Scenario 3. Marine on TLD With "Q" Code

Marine on TLD with "Q" duty limit code in MCTFS.

• Action. Re-evaluation required prior to end date.
• Outcomes. Return to full duty, extension, or DES referral.

Scenario 4. Officer Requesting LimDu

Officer requests period of LimDu.

• Action. Goes to MMSR-4 for review (ANY officer LimDu request).
• Outcome. Approved OR directed to DES processing.

Scenario 5. Enlisted Marine With 13 Months Cumulative LimDu

Enlisted Marine has 13 months of LimDu cumulatively.

• Action. Goes to MMSR-4 for review (12+ month threshold).
• Outcome. Approved OR directed to DES processing.

Scenario 6. Combat Wounded Marine With Purple Heart Found Unfit

Combat wounded Marine with Purple Heart criteria found unfit through DES.

• Eligibility for EPLD. Yes per MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16.
• Action. Marine initiates EPLD request through career planner to MMEA-1/RAM.
• Outcome. EPLD approved with "3" or "4" duty limit code.

Scenario 7. Marine Overseas Needs DES

Marine on Okinawa with medical issue requiring specialty care not available locally.

• Action. Medical provider initiates IODES via Form 6100-5 OR email to MMSR-4.
• Process. HUMS monitor coordinates PCS to nearest CONUS billet with specialty care.
• Code. "8" duty limit code in MCTFS.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Light Duty Beyond 90 Days Without Re-Evaluation

After 90 days for same issue, re-evaluation is required. Continuing Light Duty without re-evaluation is non-compliant.

Mistake 2. Officer Not Routing LimDu to MMSR-4

ANY officer LimDu request goes to MMSR-4. Unit-level approval is not authorized.

Mistake 3. Enlisted Not Tracking 12-Month Cumulative

Enlisted Marines should track cumulative LimDu. Crossing 12 months triggers MMSR-4 review.

Mistake 4. Expired TLD Without Re-Evaluation ("X" Duty Limit Code)

"X" duty limit code is unauthorized status. Marine must immediately see provider for re-evaluation.

Mistake 5. EPLD Without Proper Combat Wounded Criteria

EPLD is reserved for combat wounded with Purple Heart criteria. Other Marines do not qualify.

Mistake 6. Voluntary EAS in DES Without Coordinating With MMSR-4

DES processing must be terminated first. Required Page 11 counseling must be issued.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is the difference between Light Duty and TLD?

Light Duty is up to 90 days for same issue, no MMSR-4 involvement. TLD has a set start and end date, requires Form 6100-5, has Q duty limit code in MCTFS.

What is PLD?

Permanent Limited Duty. After DES finds Marine unfit but allows continued service in a restricted capacity. "1" or "2" duty limit code.

What is EPLD?

Expanded Permanent Limited Duty. For combat wounded Marines whose injuries are the result of hostile action and meet Purple Heart criteria. Per MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16. "3" or "4" duty limit code.

When does MMSR-4 review my LimDu request?

For officers. ANY LimDu request. For enlisted. After 12 months cumulative OR on the 3rd or more LimDu period (even before 12 months).

What is the Q duty limit code?

Indicates Temporary Limited Duty (TLD) status in MCTFS.

What is the X duty limit code?

Expired TLD. Unauthorized status. Marine must be re-evaluated immediately.

What is the 7 duty limit code?

DES Pending. MMSR-4 has notified the Marine their requested TLD is disapproved and directed them to start DES processing.

What is the 8 duty limit code?

Overseas IDES Pending. Marine is approved for PCS to CONUS for DES evaluation.

What is the limdusmart website?

limdusmart.health.mil. The platform for tracking and managing limited duty and DES personnel.

How do I request a medical extension?

Enlisted. NAVMC 321MNAVMC 321M form. First extension at unit level through IPAC. Second and subsequent through MMSR-4. Officers. AA form. To MMOA (not in DES) or MMSR-4 (in DES or with U/V/Y/8 duty limit codes).

Can I voluntarily EAS while in DES?

Yes but coordinate with MMSR-4 first to terminate DES processing. Required Page 11 counseling must be issued.

What is IODES?

Overseas Integrated Disability Evaluation System. Framework for OCONUS Marines to PCS to CONUS for DES processing when local medical resources are insufficient.

How are duty limit codes set in MCTFS?

By unit admin or MMSR-4 manual diary input. Coordinate with MMSR-4 if there is a question.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Light Duty. Unit medical provider and Limited Duty Coordinator.
• TLD/LIMDU initiation. Military medical provider through limdusmart.health.mil.
• TLD review (officers). MMSR-4 (SMB_Manpower_MMSR4@usmc.mil).
• TLD review (enlisted at 12 months or 3rd period). MMSR-4.
• PLD requests. MMSR-4 organizational mailbox.
• EPLD requests. Career planner to MMEA-1/RAM per MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16.
• Medical extensions (enlisted). NAVMC 321MNAVMC 321M to IPAC (first) or MMSR-4 (subsequent).
• Medical extensions (officers). AA form to MMOA (non-DES) or MMSR-4 (DES).
• IODES coordination. Medical provider via limdusmart.health.mil or MMSR-4 directly.
• Limited Duty Coordinator support. Unit-level role.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Separations and Retirement landing page lists all topics.
• Separations and Retirement Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Disability Evaluation System (DES) Process and Outcomes covers DES framework.
• Retirement Types and Eligibility covers disability retirement options.
• Voluntary Separations covers voluntary EAS framework.
• Involuntary Separations covers involuntary separation framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on tracking their cumulative LimDu and engaging MMSR-4 when appropriate.
• Admin at S-1 supports limdusmart access, MCTFS duty limit code updates, and medical extension forms.
• Commanders endorse PLD and EPLD requests and ensure compliance with re-evaluation timelines.

Limited duty is medically restricted status. Three primary types. Light Duty (up to 90 days, no MMSR-4). TLD (Form 6100-5, Q duty limit code). PLD (post-DES Unfit, 1 or 2 duty limit code). EPLD (combat wounded Purple Heart, MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16, 3 or 4 duty limit code). Medical extensions through NAVMC 321MNAVMC 321M (enlisted) or AA form (officers). MMSR-4 reviews officer requests, enlisted at 12 months cumulative, enlisted on 3rd period. limdusmart.health.mil tracks status. IODES framework for OCONUS. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and MARADMIN 457/16MARADMIN 457/16.