2013
The Temporary Disability
Retirement List (TDRL)
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Terminal Learning Objectives
2
As an RCC help Marines and
families…
Prevent
Delays

Explain clearly who the Marine must call to schedule Periodic
Physical Examinations (PPE)
Explain the difference between TDRL and PDRL
 Explain the consequences of being administratively removed from
TDRL
 Discuss the possible outcomes of Periodic Physical Examinations
and prepare the family to deal with them financially

Reduce
Frustration
Achieve the
Best
Possible
Outcome
Ensure the Marine and family understand the process to schedule
the Periodic Physical Examination
 Document the best contact methods to facilitate PPE orders

Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Enabling Learning Objectives
3

Describe the criteria used to determine whether a Marine is placed on TDRL or PDRL

Identify the benefits received by Marines while on the TDRL

Describe the consequences of being medically separated while on the TDRL

Describe the consequences of being administratively removed from the TDRL

Describe the consequences of being moved from the TDRL to the PDRL

Identify the required Periodic Physical Examinations (PPE)

Describe the process required to schedule the Periodic Physical Examinations

Identify the role of the Marine Corps Disability Section (MMSR-4), the PEBLO, and the
TDRL Coordinator in executing the TDRL

Distinguish between the initial VA rating and the initial DoD rating and understand that
changes to one does not affect the other

Recognize the challenges faced by the Marine Corps in executing the TDRL
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Benefit Profile
4
Frequency
40-50% of Marines assigned to the Recovery Care Program will be placed on the TDRL
Drawbacks
N/A (Marines do not choose to be placed on the TDRL)
Importance
to Marine
While on the TDRL Marines receive benefits including a military retirement check, a retired ID
card, and eligibility for TRICARE. However, failure to comply with the requirements of the TDRL
will result in the loss of all of their retirement benefits.
Challenges
Approximately 15% of Marines on TDRL are administratively removed, losing all of their benefits.
Improving on this has been identified as a point of emphasis by the USMC leadership
The Marine must remain actively engaged in the process after transition making education and
communication extremely important
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Rules of the Road
5
Speak to Marines who will be transferred to the TDRL about their
responsibilities and the consequences of not completing them
 Encourage the Marine to actively engage the NMCM or DISC that is
assigned follow-on care coordination responsibilities
 Counsel Marine to be prepared for changes in benefits


N/A

Express any personal opinion about the TDRL
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IDES Outcomes
6
TDRL
45%
PDRL
11%
Separated w/ Benefits
33%
Separated w/o Benefits
Continued on
Military
Service
Based on the first
six months of 2013
1%
TDRL
Found Fit for
Duty
Separated
w/o
Benefits
Fit for Duty
by
Presumption
MEB
Terminated
for Medical
Reasons
Remain on Active
Duty
8%
PDRL
Administrative
Separation
Voluntary
Retirement or
Separation
Separated with
Benefits
Medical Separation
or Retirement
90%
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Non-Medical
Separations
2%
Benefits on the TDRL
7
Retiree Benefits on TDRL






DoD awarded retired pay:
• Subject to offset or waiver if receiving
VA compensation
• Amount is subject to change
• Taxable income if not combat related
TRICARE (if Marine elects to enroll)
Retired / Dependent ID cards
• Base Access
• Commissary and Exchange privileges
Survivor Benefit Program (automatic
unless declined)
Combat Related Special Compensation (if
eligible)
Concurrent Receipt of Disability Payments
(if eligible)
DoD Retired Pay on TDRL
Based on Public Law, Marines placed on
TDRL with a DoD disability rating of 30%,
40%, or 50% will receive 50% of base pay.
Those with a 60% or 70% awards will
receive that percentage. 80% and above
will receive maximum allowable by Public
Law which is 75%.
 Original TDRL award does not change
until case finalized. Changes to VA
compensation do not affect DoD rating.
 Marines transferred from TDRL to PDRL
will receive DoD disability retired pay at
the rate equivalent to their final DoD
disability rating award.

•
•
•
30% = 30%
50% = 50%
90% = 75%
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Outcomes of the TDRL
8
• The TDRL is TEMPORARY.
Transferred to
PDRL
Marine will be permanently
retired. All DoD benefits /
eligibilities of the TDRL are now
permanent.
Separated with
Benefits
Marine will lose all retiree
benefits. Severance check may be
recouped by VA comp received.
Marine is entitled to a formal
board.
Found Fit for
Duty
Marine may re-enlist if he meets
all retention requirements such as
PFT/CFT. Marine is entitled to a
formal board. Otherwise he will be
separated without benefits.
Administratively
Removed
All retirement benefits suspended
until Marine complies with the
TDRL requirements (i.e., attends
Periodic Physical Examination)
• PDRL is generally the
desired outcome.
IDES Complete.
Marines Accepts
Findings
Placed on TDRL
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Benefits after the TDRL
9
Benefit
TDRL Outcome
PDRL
Separated with
Benefits*
Fit for Duty*
Administratively
Removed*
Military Retired Pay
Continues; amount
recalculated based on
final rating
Stopped
Stopped
Suspended
TRICARE
Eligibility continues
Coverage terminates
immediately
Coverage terminates
immediately
Coverage suspended
immediately
Survivor Benefit
Program
(SBP)
Remains in program
if enrolled, premiums
will adjust with
retired pay
Removed from
program if enrolled
Removed from
program if enrolled
Premiums and benefit
suspended
immediately
ID Card
Access to base,
commissary, and exchange
Continues
permanently
ID card will not be
renewed
ID card will not be
renewed
ID card will not be
renewed
Combat Related
Special Compensation
(CRSC)
Continues; amount
recalculated based on
final rating
Stopped
Stopped
Payments are
suspended
immediately
Concurrent Receipt of
Disability Payments
(CRDP)
Continues; amount
recalculated based on
final rating
N/A – Marine will be
converted to a
normal retirement
N/A – Marine will be
converted to a normal
retirement
N/A – Marine will be
converted to a normal
retirement
*Marines eligible for a normal retirement based on 20 years of service will be converted to a normal retirement unless transferred to the PDRL
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TDRL vs PDRL
10
 Placement on the TDRL indicates
that Marine’s condition is not
STABLE for disability rating
purposes.
 The severity of the Marine’s disability does not always
influence the determination of placement on TDRL or PDRL
 Marines must go through the IDES to be placed on the TDRL
 Marines do not choose to be placed on the TDRL, the decision
is made by the PEB
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Periodic Physical Examinations
11
 The Marine must attend Periodic
Physical Examinations while on
the TDRL
 Schedule:
• 6 months (PTSD only)
• 18 months
• 3 years
• 5 years
•
Note: 5 years is the maximum time on the TDRL;
after the final PPE the Marine will be moved to the
PDRL if the disability persists
 Failure to attend may result in
administrative removal from the
TDRL
 The Marine is responsible for
providing MMSR-4 with reliable
post-service contact info to
include an up to date address to
receive orders
 WWCC can help facilitate
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The Periodic Physical Examination Process
12
Schedule
Appointment
Attend
Appointment
Follow-Up
MMSR-4 contacts Marine
(approximately 6 months
before PPE is required)
Marine attends appointment at
MTF
Records are sent by the MTF to
the Physical Evaluation Board
(PEB)
MMSR-4 informs Marine which
Military Treatment Facility
(MTF) will conduct the PPE
Marine completes travel claim
and sends it to MMSR-4
PEB determines whether each
condition is stable, and if so
determines the final rating
Marine must call the MTF and
speak to the TDRL coordinator
to schedule the PPE
MMSR-4 processes the travel
claim and submits to DFAS for
payment
PEB mails findings and
Election of Options directly to
the Marine
Marine must call MMSR-4 to
give appointment information
DFAS reimburses the Marine
for travel
Marine must complete Election
of Options and return to the
PEB
MMSR-4 sends Marine the
Invitational Travel Order and
travel claim
Marine Corps Disability Section (MMSR-4)
703-784-9308
703-784-9309
703-784-9321
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
See next
slide
Determining the TDRL Outcome
13
Start
Attended
PPE?
No
Periodic Physical Examinations are
required at 6 months (PTSD only), 18
months, 36 months, and 5 years
Yes
All
conditions
stable?
Yes
No
Admin
Remove
from
TDRL
All
conditions
fitting?
Find Fit
For Duty
Yes
No
On TDRL
5 years?
MMSR-4 coordinates the scheduling
of the PPE and is responsible for
administratively removing a Marine
who does not attend
Conditions are evaluated by the
Physical Evaluation Board at the
Washington Navy Yard based on the
examinations conducted
No
Marine is entitled to a
Formal Board and should
consult an IDES attorney
Yes
New
(Final)
Rating
10%-20%
?
Yes
Separate
with
Benefits
No
Stay on
TDRL
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Move to
PDRL
Key Points for Marines on TDRL
14
Stay in
Touch
Attend
PPEs
Be
Prepared
• Marines need to keep MMSR-4 informed of their contact info and
mailing address: 703-784-9308, 703-784-9309, 703-784-9321
• Marines should stay in touch with the DISC or the WWCC for assistance
• MMSR-4 will provide Invitational Travel Orders to the Marine to attend
the Periodic Physical Examination. Marine MUST liquidate travel claim
upon completion of all Government funded travel.
• The TDRL is TEMPORARY
• Changes to the Marine’s benefits are likely
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Common Pitfalls
Why do Marines Miss Their PPEs?
Discussion: How can an RCC help avoid these pitfalls?
•
Marine moves and does not remember to update MMSR-4 with the address
•
Marine gets frustrated with MMSR-4 or TDRL Coordinator’s customer service
and “gives up”
•
Marine’s DoD retired pay is fully offset (i.e., waived) by VA awarded disability
compensation and he does not realize that continued TRICARE coverage is tied
to scheduling and attending the PPEs. Most often, loss of TRICARE benefits
impact the dependents.
•
Marine believes that his VA medical appointments satisfy the PPE requirement
15
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Common Pitfalls
Other Challenges with the TDRL
Discussion: How can an RCC help avoid these pitfalls?
• Marine is unaware that he can be found FIT for duty and lose all
previously awarded DoD retirement benefits
• Marine is not prepared for a reduction in his final disability rating and
DoD disability retired pay
• Marines with a final DoD disability rating of 30% or 40% do not
understand that retirement check will decrease when he is moved to
the PDRL
16
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Resources
17
Basic Resources
Advanced Resources
Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer
(PEBLO)
Various
Will brief Marine when presenting findings
Marine Corps Disability Section (MMSR-4)
703-784-9308
703-784-9309
703-784-9321
WWR External Fact Sheet
https://ehqmc.usmc.mil/sites/wwr/wrc/External%
20Fact%20Slick%20Sheets/Temporary%20Disabili
ty%20Retirement%20List%20Slick%20Sheet.pdf
Wounded Warrior Regiment
PEB Liaison
Dean Trio
703-432-1856
WWR Internal Fact Sheet
https://ehqmc.usmc.mil/sites/wwr/wrc/Internal%
20Slick%20Fact%20Sheets/TDRL%20Outreach%2
0Fact%20Sheet.pdf
IDES Attorney
Various
Can assist Marine at any stage
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Questions
18
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Knowledge Check
19
GySgt Jefferson is placed on the TDRL with a rating of DoD: 30; VA: 30. His
military retirement is not fully offset (i.e., waived). After his final PPE he is
placed on the PDRL with the same ratings. What will happen to his DoD retired
pay?
It will go up
It will go down
It will stay the same
It will be converted to Euros
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Knowledge Check
20
At his three year PPE, the PEB determines LCpl Tillotson’s disability to
be permanent & stable with a combined final rating of 20%. He has
appealed through the PEB Formal Board with no change. What will
happen?
The Marine will lose his TRICARE coverage
The Marine will need to schedule his final PPE
The Marine will be placed on the PDRL
The Marine will automatically be enrolled in the Survivor Benefits
Program
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Knowledge Check
21
Cpl MacEwen misses her PPE and is administratively removed from the
TDRL. What are the consequences?
Her TRICARE coverage will be suspended
She will no longer receive her VA disability pay
She will have to pay back any GI Bill benefits that she has drawn
She will not be able to receive a new retired ID card
A only
B and C only
A and D only
A, B and D only
All of the above
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Knowledge Check
22
Sgt Skillman is placed on the TDRL with four rated conditions and a DoD rating
of 70%. At the three year PPE the board determines that three of the conditions
are no longer unfitting while the fourth, which is 30% disabling remains
unstable. What will happen?
He will be found fit for duty and removed from the TDRL
He will remain on the TDRL, and continues receiving 70% of his
base pay (subject of offset) while on the TDRL
He will remain on the TDRL, but will now receive 50% of his base
pay (subject to offset) while on the TDRL
He remains on the TDRL, but will now receive 30% of his base pay
(subject to offset) while on the TDRL
Prevent Delays ♦ Reduce Frustration ♦ Achieve the Best Possible Outcome
Knowledge Check
23
GySgt Hernandez has only one condition evaluated by the IDES. He is rated 30%/30% and
placed on the TDRL. His military retired pay is partially offset by his VA Disability
Compensation. After retirement, he applies successfully for CRSC. While he is on the TDRL
the VA increases their rating of this condition to 60%. How might this change his benefits?
He can skip his next Periodic Physical Examination
He will immediately be transferred to the PDRL
His military retirement check will immediately increase to 60% of base pay (subject to
offset)
His CRSC payments may be adjusted to reflect a larger offset
A and C only
B and D only
B, C, and D only
C only
D only
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Knowledge Check
24
Who issues the travel orders to attend the Periodic
Physical Evaluations required while on the TDRL?
Marine Corps Disability Section (MMSR-4)
The Wounded Warrior Regiment
The Marine’s last command
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs
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Knowledge Check
25
LCpl Smith attends his initial PPE and the determination is made that
his condition is now permanent & stable with a final combined DoD
disability rating of 90%. What are the consequences?
He will be placed on the PDRL
He will have lifetime eligibility for TRICARE
He will have lifetime access to military commissaries
He will draw a maximum retirement check (75% of base pay, calculated on High-3
basis) for the rest of his life (subject to VA offset)
A only
A and B only
B and D only
A, C and D only
All of the above
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Knowledge Check
26
MSgt Williams is placed on the TDRL as the result of PTSD. When will
he need to schedule PPE exams?
Six months after his placement on the TDRL
Eighteen months after placement on the TDRL
Three years after placement on the TDRL
Five years after placement on the TDRL
B and D only
A and C only
B, C and D only
D only
All of the above
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Knowledge Check
27
In which of the four possible outcomes of the TDRL will a Marine with
seven years of time in service continue to be eligible for TRICARE after
his or her time on the TDRL is complete?
Separation with Benefits
Transfer to the PDRL
Found Fit for Duty
Administratively Removed from the TDRL
A only
B only
A and B only
A, C, and D only
None of the Above
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Knowledge Check
28
LCpl Smith was transferred to the TDRL after two years of service as the result
of a PTSD diagnosis. She has no other unfitting conditions. She is employed and
chooses to no longer take her medication because she believes she is managing
her condition well. What are the likely outcomes of this decision?
MMSR-4 will not authorize per diem when she travels for her next PPE
She will be administratively removed from the TDRL for non-compliance
At her next PPE she will likely be determined FIT for duty and separated from service.
She will need to repay any military retirement that she has received while on the
TDRL
A and B only
A, B and D only
A and C only
B and D only
C only
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USMC RCC Program Management
29
Tim Clubb
Program Manager
• tclubb@afsc.com
• 703-772-3860
April Peterson
Deputy Program Manager
• apeterson@afsc.com
• 703-772-2527
Neil Sunley
Quality Assurance and Training Manager
• nsunley@afsc.com
• 240-281-9896
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