Saturday, January 28, 2012

DOD Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).




DoD outlined new and clearer guidance for the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). 
This includes several major changes to streamline the process for wounded warriors.  
DoD uses IDES to determine a service member’s fitness for duty.  If the service member 
is found medically unfit for duty by DoD, then they are informed of the proposed VA 
disability rating before they leave the service so the member will know the approximate 
amount of compensation and benefits they will receive from the VA.  
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/DTM-11-015.pdf

Friday, January 27, 2012

House VA Discusses VA Rating Schedule:

This week the House Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs discussed VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The Subcommittee members questioned witnesses on the differences between DOD and VA ratings systems, ratings they feel are often in direct conflict with each other, causing confusion for the veteran. VSO representatives highlighted equitable compensation for like injuries and that the VASRD has not been reviewed or updated to ensure that disability categories, rating percentages and compensation levels remain accurate. Other areas discussed by all included possible restructuring of the Individual Unemployability (IU) benefit, accuracy of claims and measuring quality of life payments. To view the recorded webcast or for more information from the hearing visit the House VA website at:http://veterans.house.gov