scope:

PURPOSE. This instruction: 

a. Reissues DoD Directive (DoDD) 1332.18 (Reference (a)) as a DoD instruction (DoDI) in accordance with the authority in DoDD 5124.02 (Reference (b)).

b. Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for referral, evaluation, return to duty, separation, or retirement of Service members for disability in accordance with Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.) (Reference (c)); and related determinations pursuant to sections 3501, 6303, 8332, and 8411 of Title 5, U.S.C. (Reference (d)); section 104 of Title 26, U.S.C. (Reference (e)); and section 2082 of Title 50, U.S.C. (Reference (f)).

c. Incorporates and cancels DoDI 1332.38 (Reference (g)) and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) Memorandums (References (h) through (o)).  

APPLICABILITY. This instruction applies to the OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD.