Improperly Discharged Vets May Get Benefits Under Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act

DoD PDBR Update 09: 

The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act of 2008, signed by President Bush on 28 JAN 2008, provides veterans who served on active duty from Sept. 11, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2009 with an opportunity for review of the disability ratings they were given which led to their discharge from the Armed Forces. To be eligible for a Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) review, a veteran must have been

medically separated during the above mentioned time frame, with a combined disability rating of 20% or less, and not have been found eligible for retirement.

 Over half of the cases that have been completed have been changed and have made those discharged improperly, now eligible for health care, and the ability to sign up for the Survivor Benefit Plan for their families without penalty.

A final version of the application (form DD-294) was approved on January 9, 2009 and is available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm (under "DoD Forms Inventory 0001-0499"). 

Applications are now being accepted. Refer to the FAQ document for more information about the Physical Disability Board of Review. 

You may contact the PDBR intake unit at the following address: SAF/MRBR, 550 C Street West, Suite 41, Randolph AFB, Texas 78150-4743 

Keep in mind that this office cannot discuss the merits of your application. You may wish to contact your local veterans‘ service organization for advice or guidance. The DoD Instruction on the PDBR process is available here: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/604044p.pdf. [Source: NAUS Weekly Update 18 Mar2011 ++]