Navy TDRL Re-Enlistment Procedure

Over my years in recruiting, although rare, I have helped reenlist a handful of people who were placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL). The process can be confusing; I hope this post may answer some of the more common questions.

TDRL is a program that a servicemember of the United States Armed Forces who have temporary medical issues that precludes them from being a functional member of a command may be placed if so determined by a formal Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).

Title 10 of the U.S. Code requires physical examinations to be conducted every 18 months while on the program (more frequently if diagnosed with PTSD). The intent is too ensure documentation of conditions in reference to stability, progression, and remission. All examinations are reviewed by the Physical Evaluation Board when attempting to make a decision of stability of medical conditions.

For Navy Veterans (NAVETs) who are in the TDRL program, if the PEB finds you "fit for full duty," you will be notified of your eligibility for reenlistment by PERS-912, Millington, Tennessee. They will also notify the appropriate Navy recruiting activity.

If you desire to reenlist, your Recruiter will then schedule you for a physical examination at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The MEPS will determine that you are not physically qualified for reenlistment, and you're otherwise enlistment eligible in all other respects, including height and weight, your physical examination results, and the "fit for duty" letter will then be submitted for a medical waiver. If the disqualification from the MEPS is relating to the approved PEB injury, then it will be approved without a problem - if there is an additional disqualification for something other than the original injury, then normal waiver procedures will be followed. When/if the waiver is ultimately approved, there will be no further delay in finding you a ship date at your original rate regardless of its quotas.

As most NAVETs who are trying to reenlist through a recruiting station can tell you, the availability of billets can sometimes be far and few between, but for members reaccessing from the TDRL program, if it is necessary due to NAVET goal constraints, the Navy Talent Acquisition Group must obtain NAVET over-ship authorization from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command's Operations Department.

Other Service Veterans (OSVETS): Other service veterans on the TDRL (or equivalent) of another service, who are declared “fit for full duty” and are authorized reenlistment in their respective service branch, may apply for enlistment in the Navy when formally discharged from the other service branch. If found physically qualified by MEPS, submit the MEPS physical examination results under a letter of transmittal to the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (CHBUMED) via NAVCRUITCOM for eligibility determination.

"Waiver of Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a monetary benefit awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) based on a service-connected disability. Members who were found “Unfit” via a final PEB determination with a rating of 30% or higher are transferred to the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL), while those rated at 20% or less receive disability severance pay. In many cases, these individuals choose to waive their Navy disability retirement compensation in favor of DVA disability compensation, which is usually at an increased percentage. Applicants in this category who are subsequently found physically qualified by MEPS and are authorized to enlist must waive their disability compensation, regardless of source, and, if enlisted, the disability compensation waiver must be effective on the date of the member’s enlistment."

Note: Final action must be taken no later than five years after placement on the TDRL. Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1210(h) specifies that retired pay must terminate at the end of the five-year TDRL period.

If you have any questions after reading the article, either contact your local recruiter, or you can ask me directly.

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