What is the purpose of the Disability Evaluation System (DES)?

• A. to remove members who can no longer perform their military duties because of a mental or physical condition.
• B. to award service members for good conduct.
• C. to assign new deployment tasks.
• D. to evaluate training readiness.

Answer: (A)

Disability Evaluation System is used to determine if a service member’s medical condition prevents them from continuing military duties and whether they should be separated or retired with a disability rating. It brings together the DoD medical evaluation with the VA process to establish fitness for duty and the appropriate disability benefits. It’s not about disciplinary actions, awarding good conduct, assigning deployment tasks, or evaluating training readiness—those are different personnel processes. The DES specifically focuses on medical fitness and disability disposition.