How to Request a Medical Board Evaluation via EES

Service members often search for a way to request a medical board evaluation through the Army Evaluation Entry System (EES). The important distinction is that EES is primarily used for preparing, routing, and tracking performance evaluations such as NCOERs and OERs. It is not the normal system for initiating a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).

A medical board review generally begins through a military treatment facility, a primary care manager, or another authorized medical provider. The provider documents the medical condition, evaluates duty limitations, and determines whether the Soldier may meet the criteria for referral into the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).

Understanding the difference between an administrative evaluation and a medical fitness process can prevent delays. EES may still appear in a Soldier’s broader administrative workflow, but the medical referral itself usually moves through the medical readiness and disability evaluation channels.

Understanding EES And The Medical Evaluation Process

EES supports official Army evaluation reports. Leaders use it to create counseling and evaluation documents, assign rating officials, route forms for signatures, and maintain records connected with NCOERs, OERs, and related reports. General guidance about Army personnel systems is available through the EES Army resource center.

An MEB is different. It examines whether a documented medical condition prevents a Soldier from reasonably performing the duties of the office, grade, rank, or rating. The process is based on medical evidence and functional limitations rather than a performance rating or evaluation entry.

A Soldier cannot usually open an MEB case by submitting a request in EES. The appropriate first step is to discuss the condition with a military medical provider and explain how it affects duty performance, physical readiness, deployment, or continued service.

Starting With Medical Documentation

The process normally starts with an appointment at the Soldier’s military treatment facility. The provider reviews symptoms, diagnoses, treatment history, specialist records, medications, physical restrictions, and the expected outlook. Civilian medical records may be relevant, but they generally need to be submitted and incorporated into the military medical record.

A temporary or permanent physical profile may be issued when a condition limits duties. DA Form 3349 and related profile documentation can show restrictions involving running, lifting, weapons qualification, field activities, sleep schedules, or other requirements. A profile by itself does not automatically result in an MEB referral.

The key issue is whether the condition remains incompatible with military duties after appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Soldiers should describe specific functional problems, keep appointments, follow treatment plans, and make sure important medical evidence is available to the provider.

Requesting A Referral Through The Proper Channel

A Soldier may ask the primary care manager to evaluate whether referral to the DES is appropriate. The request should focus on the medical condition and its effect on duty performance, rather than simply asking for separation or retirement. The provider makes the clinical referral decision based on the available evidence and applicable Army policy.

Commanders also have a role. If a Soldier’s medical limitations appear persistent or significantly affect duty, the chain of command can coordinate with medical personnel and request a fitness review. Commanders do not diagnose conditions or decide the final disability outcome, but their duty-impact information may help establish the practical effect of the condition.

Once referral is approved, the Soldier is generally assigned a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO). The PEBLO explains the IDES stages, required documents, medical examinations, legal rights, and expected actions. The Soldier may also receive support from a Soldier’s Counsel attorney or another qualified legal assistance resource.

Process Area	Primary Purpose	Typical Point Of Contact
EES	Performance evaluations and routing	Rater, senior rater, and unit administrator
Medical treatment	Diagnosis, treatment, and profiles	Primary care manager or specialist
MEB	Review of medical conditions and retention standards	Medical provider and PEBLO
PEB	Fitness determination and disability findings	Physical Evaluation Board
IDES support	Counseling and legal representation	PEBLO and Soldier’s Counsel

What Happens After Referral

After referral, the Soldier usually completes a series of medical examinations and provides information about the history and impact of the referred conditions. The medical board reviews whether each condition meets medical retention standards. The MEB does not generally decide whether the Soldier is fit for duty; it documents the conditions and sends the case forward for the fitness determination.

The PEB then evaluates whether the Soldier can perform assigned duties in a reasonable manner. The outcome may include a finding of fit, separation with disability benefits, or disability retirement, depending on the findings, the combined disability rating, and the length and circumstances of service.

Processing times vary. Delays can result from missing records, rescheduled examinations, incomplete statements, specialist appointments, or administrative corrections. Soldiers should read every document carefully and promptly tell the PEBLO about errors in names, dates, diagnoses, duty history, or contact information.

Records And Administrative Follow-Up

Keep copies of profiles, imaging reports, specialist notes, medication histories, duty limitation memoranda, counseling records, and correspondence with medical or administrative offices. A well-organized file helps the Soldier identify missing information and respond to requests during the board process.

EES-related records are separate from medical board records, but both may matter during a Soldier’s broader administrative review. Guidance on Army forms, records, and personnel procedures can be found in these Army administrative guides, while medical documents should be obtained through the military treatment facility, patient portal, or servicing records office.

Soldiers should also update personnel information when life events affect benefits or readiness records. For example, a dependent change is handled through DEERS rather than EES; this newborn DEERS guide explains a related administrative process. Keeping these systems accurate can reduce complications while a medical case is pending.

Practical Steps For A Stronger Request

A request for medical evaluation is most effective when it is specific, documented, and connected to actual duty limitations. Use the following steps:

• Schedule an appointment with the primary care manager and explain the condition’s effect on assigned duties.
• Bring civilian records, specialist reports, imaging results, medication information, and prior profiles.
• Ask whether a temporary or permanent profile, additional treatment, or a DES referral is medically appropriate.
• Notify the chain of command about significant restrictions while protecting private medical details.
• After referral, stay in contact with the PEBLO and review every medical and administrative document for accuracy.

A Soldier should avoid trying to force an MEB through an evaluation-report system or relying on informal promises about retirement or separation. The proper path is medical assessment, documentation, referral when warranted, and participation in the IDES process.

The outcome depends on the evidence and the Soldier’s demonstrated functional capacity, not simply on the diagnosis. Obtain professional guidance from the servicing medical facility, PEBLO, and Soldier’s Counsel when needed, and preserve copies of every important record from the first appointment through the final decision.