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Getting out · medical board
A medical board is not a regular ETS.
IDES is the integrated disability evaluation. The service decides fitness. VA rates the conditions the board referred. BDD is the other pre-discharge door, for people who are not in IDES.
01
Stay in the IDES claim. Do not open a second one.
If you are in IDES, that is your pre-discharge claim. Do not also file a regular BDD claim for the same conditions. The VA pre-discharge page is the map.
02
The board decides fitness. VA decides the rating.
The Medical Evaluation Board and Physical Evaluation Board decide whether you stay in. VA exams during IDES are for the rating, not a second opinion you shop. Read the findings before you sign.
03
A finding of unfit is a separation, with clocks.
If the board finds you unfit, the getting-out clocks still apply: TAMP if DEERS shows it, VGLI, VA health, and the DD-214. Those are the getting-out card, not a replacement for the board.