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 non-medical case manager who provides information, assistance, and case status updates to the affected Service member throughout the DES process.

Conditions that were neither incurred nor aggravated while the active component or reserve component member was in a qualified military duty status.

A medical condition that is determined to be unfitting due to disability and that meets the statutory criteria of Chapter 61 of Title 10, U.S.C. for entitlement to disability retired or severance pay

The joint DOD/Veterans Administration process by which DOD determines whether ill or injured Service members are fit for continued military service, and the DOD and VA determine appropriate benefits for Service members who are separated or retired for disability.

A Disability Evaluation System (DES) process by which DOD determines whether eligible wounded, ill, or injured service members are fit for continued military service and determines appropriate benefits for service members who are separated or retired for disability. Service members processed through the LDES may also apply for veterans’ disability b...

An individual recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as an agent for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under applicable laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

An inquiry used to determine whether a service member incurred an injury or disease while in a duty status; whether it was aggravated by military duty; and whether incurrence or aggravation was due to the service member’s intentional misconduct or willful negligence.

The period in which an RC Service member is: On active duty (AD) or full-time National Guard duty (FTNGD) for more than 30 days; Performing AD or FTNGD for 30 days or less; Performing inactive duty training (IDT); Performing funeral honors duty; Traveling to or from the place where he or she is to perform or has performed AD or FTNGD as provided in this d...

When a Service member has previous military service and reenlists in a Regular or Reserve Component of a Military Service after a break in active duty or reserve duty.

Any disease or residual of an injury that results in a lessening or weakening of the capacity of the body or its parts to perform normally, according to accepted medical principles.

The DOD mechanism for determining fitness for duty, separation, or retirement of Service members because of disability in accordance with Chapter 61 of Title 10, U.S.C.

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...

Guidelines that establish medical conditions or physical defects that could render a Service member unfit for further military service and may be cause for referral of the Service member into the disability evaluation system (DES).

The number of years a Service member may serve at a particular rank.