scope:

Purpose. To revise and simplify policies and procedures for evaluation of physical fitness for duty and disposition of physical disability in the Department of the Navy in compliance with Chapter 61 and Section 1554 of reference (a) and with references (b) through (e). This instruction is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.

Applicability.

a. This instruction is to be used in the adjudication of all cases entering the DES after the publication date of this instruction. [Cases entering the DES prior to 22 Dec 1998, but after May 14, 1997 are to be adjudicated under the provisions of SECNAVINST 1850.4C and references (b), (c), and (d) of the basic instruction. Cases entering the DES prior to May 15, 1997, will be adjudicated in accordance with SECNAVINST 1850.4C.]

b. This instruction applies to all members of the active force, the reserve component, members placed on the TDRL, and former officers retired or released from active duty without pay for physical disability. Processing for punitive discharge and processing for administrative discharge for misconduct takes precedence over processing for disability. For cases already being considered at the PEB, once the PEB is formally notified that punitive action has been initiated, disability case processing is immediately suspended pending the outcome of the punitive action. Do not submit a case to the PEB for a member who is being processed for a punitive discharge as the result of a captain's mast or courts-martial or for a member who is pending an administrative discharge due to misconduct. When a punitive discharge or administrative discharge for misconduct does not result, disability processing shall be resumed and completed.