The process for medical evaluation and physical evaluation and finally disability determination is under revision at DoD and VA as a result of the Dole-Shalala report recommendations with the goals of more consistency across service and less red tape for the Wounded Warrior.  WRAMC is one of the pilot locations testing this new process. 

When the wounded soldier arrives at Walter Reed or another treatment facility, the primary effort is medical treatment of wounds or injuries.  Once they become outpatients, the soldiers are assigned to a squad in the Warrior Transition Unit with a Nurse Case Manager.  The squad leader, Case Manager, and treating physician determine when a Wounded Warrior's condition is stabilized.  "Stabilized" means that medically, all has been done to improve the Wounded Warrior's condition to a point where he or she could return to active duty within the next 12 months. 

If the Wounded Warrior cannot return to active duty within 12 months, a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) is initiated to evaluate and then "profile" the patient in a number medical categories.  Narrative Summary (NARSUM) initiates the MEB and stays with the soldier's case throughout process. 

A Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Office (PEBLO) counselor and a VA counselor meet with Wounded Warrior.  The PEBLO counselor remains with the Wounded Warrior throughout the entire process, explaining the process, options, etc. 

Wounded Warriors who fail to meet retention standards in one or more categories and then referred to a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).  The PEB determines if the Wounded warrior does or dose not meet retention standards. Under the new scheme being piloted at Walter Reed, the VA office located at Walter Reed simultaneously evaluates the case and determines the VA percent disability rating, and sends it to the PEB.  The PEBLO briefs the WW on the results.

What is not resolved is not whether WW's would receive separation payment or retirement. The issue is how will the rating given by the VA be mapped back to criteria the various services use to determine whether how much severance or retirement is merited. At any step along the way the Wounded Warrior may request and get legal (JAG) counsel.  It is automatically provided only for the formal PEB.  At all other times the PEBLO is the Wounded Warrior's counsel.