Hospital announces new medical board process Published March 27, 2009 By Maj. James Combs 99th Medical Support Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital is pleased to announce the selection as one of five Air Force medical facilities in the nation to participate in the joint Department of Defense/Veterans Administration Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot project. Nellis was selected for the pilot project based on its vision of transitioning to a world-class model for federal healthcare partnerships. This 104-bed joint Air Force/VA facility will stand up the DES Apr.1. DES consolidates the disability rating systems of the DoD and VA, and includes a single, comprehensive medical examination that results in a single-source disability rating used by both departments. Under the program, wounded warriors undergoing a medical evaluation board will be notified of both their DoD and VA entitlements prior to separation from the military. Also, this will significantly reduce the time it takes to transition from DoD to VA health care. Currently, many members wait as long as three to 10 months before transitioning. The move from DoD to VA health care will be more seamless with no expected lapse in medical coverage. Questions about this exciting new joint DoD/VA venture can be directed to Maj. James Combs at (702)653-2564 or email james.combs@nellis.af.mil.
