ACN 031/20 - MAR 2020 UPDATE TO COAST GUARD PHYSICAL DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                                CANCEL DATE  08 MAR 2021

R 091515 MAR 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST 
UNCLAS //N01850//
ACN 031/20
SUBJ:  UPDATE TO COAST GUARD PHYSICAL DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM
A. Physical Disability Evaluation System, COMDTINST M1850.2D
1. This ACN announces revisions to the disability evaluation system policy
contained in REF (A) for Health, Safety, and Work-life Service Center (HSWL SC)
Regional Practice Sites exclusively located at Base Alameda, Base Seattle,
Base Portsmouth, AIRSTA Clearwater and the Coast Guard Academy. The five sites
will begin a phased implementation of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System
(IDES) program, beginning with Phase I, upon release of this ACN. HSWL SC
Regional Practice Sites not listed above will continue to process medical
boards IAW REF (A) without change.
2. OVERVIEW: The Coast Guard will partner with the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) to implement the IDES to replace the Physical Disability Evaluation
System (PDES). The transition to IDES will reduce processing times and optimize
resources by allowing both Coast Guard and VA disability evaluation systems to
process disability evaluation cases simultaneously. The implementation of IDES
benefits the Service Member by providing a compensable disability rating and
access to healthcare soon after release from active duty. The objectives of the
PDES policy (to ensure service readiness and the equitable application of the
provisions of 10 U.S.C. Chapter 61, which relates to the separation or retirement
of military personnel by reason of physical disability) are reaffirmed by transition
to IDES.
3. POLICY/PROCEDURE: The criteria for referral to the Disability Evaluation System
per REF (A) remain unchanged.
    a. Initially, the five sites listed in paragraph 1 above will each process one
medical board through the IDES Medical Evaluation Board Phase before referring the
entirety of their medical board caseload through IDES. Once the HSWL SC Regional
Practice Sites have processed the first medical boards through IDES, they will
refer all subsequent medical board cases through IDES rather than the legacy PDES.
    b. The IDES program applies only to members who are currently serving active
duty or reserve members on active duty orders who have a disability that prevents
them from performing their duties related to grade, rank or rate and must separate
from service due to such disability.
    c. TTPs regarding the program will be issued directly to the five HSWL-SC
Regional Practice Sites. Information for Service Members will be published at:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/psc/SitePages/PSD.aspx.
4. Additional guidance concerning re-promulgation of REF (A) with the changes to
the IDES will be announced at a later date.
5. Policies and standards in REF (A) not specifically addressed in this ACN
remain unchanged.
6. For general policy questions on IDES, contact PSC-PSD-MED at:
HQS-SMB-CGPSC-PSD-IDES@uscg.mil.
7. Released by RADM J. M. Nunan, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources.
8. Internet release is authorized.