Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR): An Overview
The Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) was established to address discrepancies and inconsistencies in the evaluation and rating of service members’ medical conditions. The Department of Defense (DoD) allowed each military branch to create its own evaluation policies, leading to significant differences in how similar conditions were rated across branches. To create a fair and standardized process, Congress mandated the exclusive use of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) for all DoD disability ratings. Additionally, the PDBR was formed to reassess cases and provide corrections for veterans medically separated betweenย September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2009.
The PDBR is tasked with:
Standardizing Ratings
Ensuring Military Disability Ratings align with the VASRD standards in effect at the time of separation.
Reviewing Past Cases
Revisiting DoD ratings for medically separated service members from 2001 to 2009 to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Increasing Ratings if Justified
Adjusting ratings upwards where applicable, ensuring veterans receive benefits reflective of their conditions’ impact at separation.
To qualify for a PDBR review, veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Separation Period:ย They were medically separated betweenย September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2009.
- Disability Rating:ย They received a DoD disability rating ofย 0%, 10%, or 20%ย upon separation.
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Exclusions:
- Veterans separated before September 11, 2001, are ineligible.
- Veterans separated after December 31, 2009, are already rated under VASRD and do not need PDBR review.
- The PDBR reviews conditions deemedย unfittingย by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).
- The board may also consider conditions initially ruledย not unfittingย if evidence strongly suggests they impacted the veteranโs ability to perform their duties.
- Theย VASRD in effect at the time of separationย is used to rate conditions.
- The PDBR evaluates theย severity of conditions at the time of separationโnot their progression or worsening post-service.
- Visit theย Historic VASRDsย section of our site to explore the rules applicable to different periods.
The PDBR will onlyย increase or maintain ratingsโit cannot reduce ratings even if the VASRD suggests a lower percentage.
- A thorough review is conducted based on medical evidence leading up to separation and any relevant post-separation records from theย 12-month period after separation.
The PDBR review process requires meticulous preparation to ensure a successful outcome.
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Steps to Apply:
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- Include medical evidence from your service records and theย 12-month period after separation.ย Focus on records showing the severity of your condition at separation.
- Avoid overwhelming the board with unnecessary records; submit onlyย pertinent documentation.
- DD Form 294:ย Official application form for PDBR review.
- VA Form 3288:ย Authorizes release of information from the VA to the PDBR.
- Retirement Certification:ย Include your retirement certificate or other proof of separation.
- PEB and MEB Records:ย Attach all documentation from the Medical and Physical Evaluation Boards.
- VA Rating Decisions:ย Provide both initial and updated rating decisions from the VA.
- Online:ย Submit DD Form 294 digitally via the PDBRโs website. You will receive a link to upload your evidence.
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By Mail: Send all forms and evidence to:
Physical Disability Board of Review
SAF/MRBR
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-4390
Unfortunately, all PDBR decisions areย finalย and cannot be directly appealed. However:
- Legal Challenge:ย Veterans may consult a lawyer to explore the possibility of taking the decision to a higher federal court.
- Alternative Reviews: If additional evidence becomes available, veterans may submit it to other VA or DoD review boards, depending on eligibility.ย
- No Risk:ย Ratings cannot be reduced.
- Potential Increases:ย Veterans may receive retroactive benefits for higher ratings awarded during the review.
- Standardization:ย Ensures ratings are fair and align with the VASRD.
What is the PDBR?
The PDBR is a review board established to reassess DoD disability ratings for veterans separated between 2001 and 2009, using the VASRD standards in effect at the time of separation.
Who is eligible for a PDBR review?
Veterans medically separated with a DoD rating of 0%, 10%, or 20% between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2009.
How long does the review process take?
The PDBR typically takes 6 months to complete a case review.
Can my rating decrease after a review?
No, the PDBR will not reduce any ratings.
What happens after the PDBR increases my rating?
If the PDBR increases your rating, you will start receiving updated benefits within 2-3 months, including retroactive payments where applicable.
What if I disagree with the PDBRโs decision?
PDBR decisions are final. Legal avenues may be explored, but no military boards will review the case again.
Does the PDBR use current VASRD standards?
No, the PDBR uses the VASRD standards in effect at the time of separation.
The PDBR is a critical tool for veterans who feel their DoD ratings were inconsistent or unfairly low. By ensuring ratings align with VASRD standards, the PDBR helps secure the rightful benefits veterans earned through their service.
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