The new Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) will examine each
applicant's medical separation, compare DoD and VA ratings, and make a
recommendation to the respective Service Secretary (or designee.) The military
records will be corrected effective the original date of execution of the
Physical Evaluation Board's separation action. This is the same rule for
BCMR/BCNR corrections.
To be eligible for PDBR review, a service member must have been medically
separated between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 with a combined
disability rating of 20 percent or less, and not found eligible for retirement.
There are significant differences between this new PDBR review and a Board for
Correction of Military (or Naval) Record (BCMR/BCNR) review. These differences
are outlined and explained on the back of the application.
While the Air Force is the lead for the PDBR process, case tracking and
reporting, a joint
service board will conduct the evaluation and review of each
case. Applicants will not be able to appear in person, but may include any
statements, briefs, medical records or other supporting documents with their
application. After the document review is completed and a final decision is
made, each applicant will be notified of the decision and any further
information regarding a change of rating.
The application form, DD Form 294, Application for a Review by the Physical
Disability Board of Review (PDBR) of the Rating Awarded Accompanying a Medical
Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States is now available for
download.
The VA Form 3288, Request for and Consent to Release of Information from
Individual's Records, must be completed and submitted along with the DD Form
294. You can download this form at the bottom of this web page. If this form
is not signed and submitted, it may delay the
processing of your case.
You may contact the PDBR intake unit at the following address:
SAF/MRBR
ATTN: PDBR CENTRAL INTAKE & TRACKING UNIT
550 C STREET WEST STE 41
RANDOLPH AFB TX 78150-4743
Please keep in mind that this office cannot discuss the merits of your
application. You may wish to contact your local veterans' service
organization for advice or guidance.
For more information, go to http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ and search for
"PDBR"
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The new Physical Disability Board of Review
