Plain-language definitions grounded in the clinical and regulatory literature.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Process
What it isA formal military medical review process convened when a service member’s medical condition may prevent them from meeting military retention standards under DoDI 1332.18. The MEB determines whether the condition disqualifies the service member from continued duty and, if so, routes them through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) for simultaneous DoD fitness and VA disability determination.
Why it mattersThe MEB/IDES pathway is the only route to a military disability rating and VA service connection for conditions causing discharge. Veterans who are administratively separated instead of processed through IDES receive no disability rating and potentially no VA connection — the most consequential administrative error in military medical separation.
Think of it like thisThe MEB is like a workers’ compensation board for military medical separations — without going through it, an injured worker (veteran) gets nothing; with it, they receive benefits proportional to the harm done.
A Medical Evaluation Board is convened under DoDI 1332.18 when a service member fails to meet the medical standards in AR 40-501 / AFI 48-123 (or service equivalent). If the MEB determines the condition does not meet retention standards, the case proceeds to a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), which issues simultaneous DoD fitness and VA disability determinations. Conditions rated compensable receive both military disability retired pay or separation pay and VA disability compensation, with offset provisions.
Scientific ConsensusThe IDES process is DoD/VA policy for all cases in which a medical condition may cause separation. Administrative separation in lieu of IDES is technically improper when a ratable medical condition is the cause of separation, but it occurs frequently — particularly for conditions like sleep apnea that may be managed as operational limitations rather than formal medical findings.
Sleep disorders, PTSD, and the invisible wounds of service can feel isolating. If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, help is available right now. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to veterans, service members, and their families.
If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, call the Veterans Crisis Line at