1. Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
Col Robert Desko

2. IDES-General Information
IAW AFI para 4.51 describes the IDES process. The IDES integrates the Air Force DES with the Veterans Administration (VA), and delivers the advantage of single-sourced disability ratings that are accepted by both the DoD and the VA, so the member will receive a VA benefits decision shortly after separation or retirement.
Members must have had an injury, illness or disease occur or aggravated in the line of duty to be eligible.
ANG Medical Groups (MDG) are responsible for completing the LOD IAW AFI and AFI para
The purpose of IDES is to eliminate the amount of referrals to the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for members who can be returned to duty with an Assignment Limitation Code (ALC). In order to minimize inappropriate referrals, there will be a two-step “pre-IDES” screening process on all potential MEB cases.
IDES-General Information

3. There are two steps for Pre-IDES
There are two steps for Pre-IDES. The first step is review of the case at the MTF DAWG.
The second step will consist of an Initial Review in Lieu Of (IRILO) submitted to NGB/SG for review. This review will determine if the member can be returned to duty (RTD) with an ALC stratification or referred for a MEB.
The Initial RILO may be initiated anytime an Airmen is not anticipated to regain mobility or retention eligibility within 12 months of the initial DLC. Additionally, certain diagnoses will result in immediate Initial RILO IAW AFIs and
An RTD disposition NGB/SG is final, and has the same effect and authority as an MEB IAW AFI
Once the case has been referred for an MEB, the member will officially enter IDES. A member cannot enter the MEB process without being referred by NGB.
Pre-IDES