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 Retired and Annuitant Pay:
Disability Retirements
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Physical Evaluation Process
The percentage of disability applied by the Physical Evaluation Board determines whether a service member will be separated or retired.
For a member with less than 20 years of active service, the disability must be rated at 30 percent or higher to be recommended for disability retirement. Ratings below 30 percent will result in a separation. An exception to this rule is a service member who has 20 or more years of active service. Such member will be recommended for retirement regardless of the percentage of disability awarded. Members whose disability is found to have existed prior to entry in the armed forces will be recommended for discharge without benefits.
Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL)
If , as the result of a Physical Evaluation Board finding, you are found unfit to perform your duties by reason of a disability which may not be of a permanent nature, you may be placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List under the authority of 10 USC 1202 or 1205.
The retired pay is computed under two different methods. Method A is based on the disability percentage (minimum of 50% for payment purposes while on the TDRL). Method B is based on the years of active service. Pay is established by whichever method provides the greatest entitlement.
While on the TDRL, a physical examination shall be given at least once every 18 months. You may remain on the TDRL up to 5 years. However, final action may be taken at any time based on changes to your condition. If, as a result of the periodic examination, you are found fit for duty, you may be discharged from the TDRL and returned to active duty. If your disability has stabilized and is rated at 30% or greater, you will be transferred to the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL). If your disability has stabilized and is rated at less than 30%, and you do not have 20 years of service, you will be discharged from the TDRL with severance pay. If found fit for duty, you will be discharged from the TDRL and returned to duty, or discharged without severance pay.
Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL)
If you have been found to be unfit by reason of disability that is found to be of a permanent nature and have been rated at 30% or greater, or if rated at less than 30% but have 20 or more years of service, you will be placed on the PDRL under authority of 10 USC 1201 or 1204. This is a permanent status.
Retired pay is computed under the same two methods stated in the TDRL section above, with the exception of the 50% minimum. A member of the TDRL whose disability is now considered to be of a permanent nature will be transferred to the PDRL and the retired pay is computed using the same retired pay base utilized while on the TDRL and the new percentage (no longer a 50% minimum).
Retirement status
A member of the TDRL or the PDRL is a retired member of the armed forces. You remain entitled to all rights and privileges of the retired status. You are entitled to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan and have voluntary/involuntary allotments from your retired pay. You may apply for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you meet the requirements for a non-disability retirement you may also qualify for Combat-Related Special Compensation or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay.
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