Streamlined disability evaluation system introduced at Elmendorf Published May 29, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) -- Wounded, ill and injured Airmen entering into the Disability Evaluation System here are now enrolled in a new pilot evaluation process. This new joint Department of Defense-Veterans Affairs effort is designed to streamline and expedite disability recovery and processing to create improved treatment, evaluation and delivery of compensation and benefits. In November 2007, the pilot was introduced to the greater Washington, D.C., area and will eventually expand to 22 locations across the country by the summer of 2009. The project was implemented April 30 at Elmendorf Air Force Base. It ensures a seamless transition for the wounded, ill or injured from the care, benefits and services of DOD to the VA system. Specifically, the DES pilot provides individualized, integrated, interagency, and intergovernmental support for servicemembers and veterans throughout the process of recovery, rehabilitation, evaluation, transition and reintegration. Before the introduction of the pilot program, there was widespread concern that the existing evaluation process was cumbersome, time consuming and confusing to Service members and their families. "The pilot evaluation system is intended to shorten and simplify the process in order to improve overall care. The program will also enhance benefits to Service members and Veterans by creating a seamless transition to support their reintegration into the military or civilian community," said Sam Retherford, director of the DOD's officer and enlisted personnel management. The introduction of a single comprehensive medical examination and single-sourced disability rating has been instrumental toward improving the process and increasing the transparency that allows Service members to see their proposed VA disability rating before separation. "We are very excited to host this new disability evaluation system at our base. These new concepts provide us the opportunity to improve the quality and timeliness of service to our members and their families," said Col. Paul Friedrichs, the 3rd Medical Group commander.