What is IDES?

• A. A screening to refer into the DES
• B. A medical treatment program
• C. A retirement plan
• D. A physical training program

Answer: (A)

Integrated Disability Evaluation System is a joint DoD-VA process used to evaluate service members for permanent disability and potential eligibility for VA disability benefits. The entry point is a medical screening designed to identify conditions that could be disabling and to refer the service member into the Disability Evaluation System to complete the evaluation, including medical exams and impairment ratings. This ensures a coordinated and timely assessment, unlike a medical treatment program, a retirement plan, or a physical training program. The screening is the trigger that moves someone into the DES workflow, streamlining the collaboration between DoD and VA and aligning medical findings with benefit determinations.