Military disability retirement : closer monitoring would improve the temporary retirement process : report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives.

Service members found unfit for duty due to a service-related illness or injury may be eligible for military disability retirement. When their disability is not stable, however, they may be placed on the military's Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) and granted temporary benefits for as l...

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Bibliographic Details
Corporate Authors:	United States. Government Accountability Office, United States. Congress. House. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Format:	Government Document eBook
Language:	English
Published:	[Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2009]
Subjects:	United States. > Department of Defense > Rules and practice. Disability retirement > Government policy > United States. Disability evaluation > United States. United States > Armed Forces > Medical care.
Online Access:	https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS114338

Description
Summary:	Service members found unfit for duty due to a service-related illness or injury may be eligible for military disability retirement. When their disability is not stable, however, they may be placed on the military's Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) and granted temporary benefits for as long as 5 years. GAO was asked to respond to concerns about TDRL caseloads, management, and impact on servicemembers. To address these concerns, we analyzed TDRL data; interviewed military officials; reviewed laws, regulations, and other relevant documents; and conducted 12 focus groups with temporary retirees. This report examines (1) recent trends in the TDRL caseload size, (2) recent trends in the characteristics of those placed on the TDRL, (3) disability retirement outcomes for TDRL placements, (4) the adequacy of TDRL management, and (5) the adequacy of information provided to TDRL retirees. To improve TDRL management,DOD should evaluate the quality and consistency of TDRL decisions and take steps to ensure timely reexaminations and final disability determinations. The services should also provide adequate information about the TDRL to temporary retirees. Finally, the Congress may wish to reconsider the 5-year maximum for the TDRL.
Item Description:	Title from cover screen (viewed on Apr. 14, 2009). "April 2009." "GAO-09-289." Electronic resource.
Physical Description:	iv, 82 pages : digital, PDF file.
Format:	System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Mode of access: World Wide Web from GAO web site. Address as of 4/14/09: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09289.pdf ; current access available via PURL.
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references.