New process for separation, retirement physicals shortens benefits timeline

  • Published
  • By Jim Fisher
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Department of Defense has changed the process for conducting physical exams for members separating and retiring from active duty.

To shorten the length of time departing members wait for the commencement of disability determinations and related benefits, the Separation Health and Physical Examination program was implemented Jan. 1, according to Todd Colson, medical standards manager at the 377th Medical Group's Flight Medicine.

"The new way of doing things is the result of a congressional mandate to shorten the length of time it takes for members leaving active duty to get their benefits and compensation," Colson said. "Congress said, 'fix it,' so the DoD and (Veterans Administration) have changed things and adjusted the timelines so benefits can be set up by the time the member separates."

To achieve the target of benefits delivery upon separation, the SHPE program allows members to begin their medical out processing 180 days from their date of separation or retirement, according to Staff Sgt. Johel  DeLeon, an EMT with Flight Medicine's Medical Standards Management Element, which oversees the exit exams and processing. As under the old program, members will retain eligibility to file for benefits after leaving active duty should circumstances warrant a delay in filing or if they decide not to file before leaving active duty.

"All members separating and retiring need to come and see MSME first before doing anything else," DeLeon said. "There are more things involved now in the administrative process for members departing the service and we can lead them in the right direction with the goal of members separating and retiring receiving their benefits much quicker than under the old program."

While members can begin their medical out processing through the MSME when they are six months out, they should not wait longer than 90 days before separation or their official retirement date, as this is the minimum amount of time necessary to out-process and for the Air Force and VA to work together to ensure a prompt delivery of benefits or related determinations, DeLeon explained.

"They key is the earlier the better," DeLeon said. "People should contact us as soon as they receive the official approval of a retirement or separation date from (the Air Force Personnel Center)"

Colson said under the old program, it was taking veterans an average of more than a year after leaving active duty to receive a compensation determination through the VA and to begin receiving benefits. He explained that in addition to the more aggressive timelines, coordination between the military health system and the VA will also accelerate the process.

"We have the luxury of having the VA located right next to us, and we can walk the (paperwork) right over if necessary," Colson said.

Another step to improve the capacity and timeline for SHPE taken at each military treatment facility is the addition of a licensed vocational nurse to assist and track members through the process of completing their exams and paperwork. Leticia Juarez recently joined Flight Medicine and the MSME as part of the new program.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what we are here for and we will definitely get everyone going in the right direction," she said. "We are working as a team to help the patient and make the process run smoothly."

Departing Airmen are receiving information about the new process via transition assistance programs. For more information, call 846-3714.