Frequently Asked Questions
About Demobilization Medical Benefits

Q. What happens at the demobilization site?
A. Each Soldier will receive a medical benefits and entitlements briefing to include the Soldier's right to request a release from active duty (REFRAD) physical, active duty medical extension (ADME), TRICARE benefits following REFRAD, points of contact for TRICARE claim issues, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) access.

Q. What paper work is involved?
A. At a minimum, two forms must be completed: Department of Defense (DD) Form 2796, Post-Deployment Health Assessment to be completed within 5 days of redeployment or demobilization, and DD Form 2697, Report of Medical Assessment.

Q. Will I be seen by a doctor?
A. A health care provider (physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner) will conduct a complete medical record review including DD Forms 2796, 2697, and 2795, Pre-Deployment Health Assessment and all medical records to determine if a consultation, physical exam, or further medical care is required. The health care provider will ensure Part I of Department of Army (DA) Form 2173, Statement of Medical Examination and Duty Status, was initiated at the time of treatment for each injury and/or disease (to include those related to dental care). This form is utilized to document line of duty determination.

Q. Should I request a REFRAD physical? Should I decline one if recommended by the health care provider to speed up the demobilization process?
A. The purpose of the medical records review is to determine whether your post-deployment medical status is significantly different from your pre-deployment health assessment. Not all demobilizing Soldiers will require or benefit from a complete physical exam. That determination is best left to the health care provider. If the provider determines that a complete physical is in order, it is in your best interest to obtain one to determine what, if any, further medical treatment is required, and to protect your access to the military medical system. If you avoid the physical to get home sooner, you may be jeopardizing your military medical benefits, your health and potentially incurring future medical expenses at your own cost.

Q. What if I require medical treatment beyond my REFRAD date?
A. Those Soldiers who cannot perform their normal military duty and whose care will require more than 30 days after his/her orders expire, may request ADME - continuation of active duty orders for the purpose of obtaining and completing required military medical treatment . The health care practitioner at the demobilization site will determine the type of follow-on medical care that is required and initiate the appropriate referral.

Q. What happens if I'm permanently disabled?
A. All RC Soldiers who do not meet the medical retention standards of AR 40-501, Chapter 3, must be referred to a medical evaluation board/physical evaluation board (MEB/PEB). If the board determines that the condition is pre-existing without permanent service aggravation, the service member may still be covered for disability severance or retired pay if the Soldier has accumulated 8 years of active duty (AD). To be eligible for this benefit, the Soldier must have his/her PEB completed prior to release from AD.

Q. Will I be eligible for dental care?
A. Soldiers on AD for greater than 179 consecutive days are eligible for dental care through the VA healthcare system provided the need for dental care is documented on their DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The Soldier has 90 days from REFRAD to contact the VA to coordinate dental treatment.

Q. What if I was activated for less than 180 days?
A. Soldiers who are on AD for greater than 30, but less than 180 days, must have a completed DA Form 2173, which documents that the disease/injury requiring dental care occurred while the Soldier was on AD. The request for dental treatment must be initiated by the Soldier's unit through appropriate medical channels.

Q. Are there any post-deployment screening requirements?
A. Demobilizing RC Soldiers must comply with post-deployment latent tuberculosis infection screening requirements. All RC Soldiers will have a tuberculin skin test (TST) performed at the time of demobilization and again between 3 and 6 months after demobilization.

Q. Do TRICARE benefits stop for the RC Soldier and Family members when released from AD?
A. RC Soldiers ordered to active duty for more than 30 days are eligible for the Continued Healthcare Benefits Programs, similar to TRICARE. Those members ordered to active duty for more than 30 days in support of contingency operations are eligible for TRICARE Transitional Healthcare benefits.

Q. If I have ANY medical visit which I think is related to my previous deployment, what do I have to do?
A. Regardless of the reason for the visit, whether it is a problem, concern or just a question, be sure to tell the provider (civilian or military) to access the "For Clinicians" Post Deployment Web site at www.PDHealth.mil to obtain the most accurate and up to date information.

Q. Where can I go for additional information?