A period of time in which a Service member serves on active duty.

Surgery that is not essential, especially surgery to correct a condition that is not life-threatening; surgery that is not required for survival.

A position of duty, trust, and authority to which an individual is appointed.

For Service members entering the disability evaluation system, the MEB conducts the medical evaluation on conditions that potentially affect the Service member’s fitness for duty. The MEB documents the Service member’s medical condition(s) and history with an MEB narrative summary as part of an MEB packet. 

A person designated to make DES decisions for the Service member. This could be a court-appointed guardian or a representative in accordance with DoDI 6025.18.

The name (e.g., “Boatswain’s Mate”) prescribed for service members of a military service in an occupational field.

Characterized by sharpness or severity.

Fundamental deductions, consistent with medical facts, that are so reasonable and logical as to create a virtual certainty that they are correct. The Service PEB will state with specificity the basis(es) for the conclusion.

A medical impairment, mental disease, or physical defect which is severe enough to interfere with the Service member’s ability to adequately perform his or her duties, regardless of assignment or geographic location. A medical impairment, mental disease, or physical defect standing alone does not constitute a disability. The term includes mental dis...

A step or degree in a graduated scale of office or military rank that is established and designated as a grade by law or regulation.

The continuation on active duty or in the Ready Reserve in a limited-duty capacity of a Service member determined unfit because of disability evaluation or medical disqualification; however, the Service member is entitled to reconsideration for separation or retirement based on their previous physical evaluation board results.

A war, expedition, occupation of an area or territory, battle, skirmish, raid, invasion, rebellion, insurrection, guerilla action, riot, or any other action in which service members are engaged with a hostile or belligerent nation, faction, force, or terrorist. Armed conflict may also include such situations as incidents involving a member while interned ...

The Service member’s decision to accept or appeal the MEB or PEB findings.

Service members not on active duty orders, to include service members on active duty for 30 days or less or on inactive-duty training.

The order of precedence among members of the military services.