IDES in place for wounded warriors Published June 24, 2011 By Natalie Henderson 82nd Medical Support Squadron SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE,Texas -- A new Disability Evaluation System that integrates the processes of the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs is now in place at Sheppard for service members referred for medical evaluation boards. The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) provides a more seamless transition to veteran disability benefits with fewer hurdles, faster results and more consistent ratings between Defense and Veterans Affairs than the previous system. Service members diagnosed with medical conditions that may not be compatible with military service will now be referred to a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) who will enroll them in the IDES. The PEBLO coordinates the entire IDES process for the service member, scheduling the required appointments, preparing packages for evaluation boards, and coordinating with the service member's commander. The PEBLO guides the service member through the process from the point of referral until the service member is either returned to duty or discharged. The PEBLO also refers them to a Military Service Coordinator (MSC) from Veterans Affairs as soon as they are enrolled in IDES. The MSC opens a file for the service member with Veterans Affairs as soon as the process begins. The MSC keeps the service member and the PEBLO informed of VA processes and results, and will help the service member file a disability claim with Veterans Affairs. Military legal counsel is also available to the service member at no cost throughout the process. The service member will receive a single set of medical examinations conducted by physicians certified by Veterans Affairs. These exams inform the processes of both departments. Previously, service members who received medical discharges still had to complete a separate set of examinations through Veterans Affairs. A preliminary rating board at Veterans Affairs assigns disability ratings for service members in IDES for use by both Defense and Veterans Affairs to calculate disability compensation and benefits. Service members who are unable to continue to serve can receive their benefits letter from Veterans Affairs one month after separation. Under the previous system, service members could not begin the disability claim process with Veterans Affairs until they had a discharge date, which on average, took more than eight months to begin receiving veteran disability compensation and benefits. Before bringing the IDES to Sheppard AFB, the process was tested in a pilot program at 27 locations, including Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center. In thousands of surveys, service members and their families in the pilot program consistently reported higher average satisfaction with fairness, customer service and the overall experience than did participants in the legacy system.