If you’re a servicemember found unfit for duty because of a lasting medical condition, you may be placed on the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL) as part of medical retirement (also known as military disability or DoD disability). This status provides you with military retirement pay and full access to TRICARE and other retiree benefits.
What Is the PDRL?
The PDRL is part of the Disability Evaluation System (DES), which the military uses to decide if you are fit to continue serving with your condition. If your condition is stable, determined to be unfitting for continued military service, and receives a DoD disability rating of at least 30%, you may be placed on the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL).
Note: This is the DoD disability rating, not your VA disability rating, which is a separate determination.
Expert Insight
“I run into a lot of servicemembers who assume their DoD disability rating will be their VA disability rating, or that it’s their VA disability rating that determines whether they’re medically retired. That’s one of the biggest misconceptions I see.”
If you’re placed on the PDRL, the military expects your condition not to improve. That also means you won’t need future medical evaluations to keep your status.
Getting Placed on the Permanent Disabled Retired List
To be placed on the PDRL, the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) will evaluate your condition. From there, the boards will determine the severity of your condition. If that rating is 30% or more, the PEB will recommend you for the PDRL, which would result in your retirement from the military. At that point, you’ll receive an official retirement order and will be eligible to receive retirement pay.
Note: Pre-existing conditions can still qualify for medical retirement if military service permanently aggravated the condition and it is determined to be unfitting for continued military service. Eligibility depends on the specific facts of your case. Check with an expert to see what best fits your situation.
Expert Insight
“I ran into this one a lot with guys that blew their knees out pre-service, got a waiver, got in, and blew it out again.”
PDRL Benefits
When you’re placed on the PDRL, you will receive access to the following:
- Retirement pay based on your rank, years of service, and disability rating
- Access to TRICARE health care for you and your family
- Commissary and exchange privileges
- Eligibility for other military retiree benefits
PDRL Military Disability Pay
The Department of Defense calculates your disability retirement pay by either using the High-3 method or Final Pay method based on when you entered the service. The DoD automatically calculates your retirement pay using both methods below and pays whichever results in the higher amount:
- Disability Percentage Method (Method A): Multiply your retired base pay by your disability rating percentage (minimum 30%, capped at 75% regardless of if your DoD disability rating is higher than 75%).
- Years of Service Method (Method B): Multiply your retirement base pay by 2.5% times your years of service.
The military will use the method that gives you the higher payment. See current VA disability rates to understand what your VA disability compensation could look like alongside your military retirement pay.
Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL) vs. Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL)
The main difference is the stability of your condition. When you’re evaluated, if it’s determined your condition is severe enough (30% or higher) and permanent, you’ll be recommended for the PDRL.
If your condition could improve, you’ll be placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL)
Can you also receive VA disability pay while on the PDRL?
Short and simple answer, yes. The more complex answer is that if you’re on the PDRL, the military retirement pay you receive will be offset dollar-to-dollar by any VA disability compensation you may also receive. It’s commonly referred to as the VA offset. There are two cases where you’ll be able to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability pay.
The two programs are:
- Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
- Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
These programs remove or reduce the offset, depending on your eligibility. Each program has different eligibility requirements, compensation methods, and tax implications, so you should review each one thoroughly.
Expert Insight
“It’s important to understand that the DoD and the VA are two separate systems. The DoD determines whether you are fit for duty and whether you qualify for medical retirement. The VA separately determines service connection and VA disability compensation. One does not automatically dictate the other. Many servicemembers are also surprised to learn that receiving both full military retirement pay and full VA disability compensation at the same time is not automatic. In most cases, an offset applies.”
If you haven’t yet filed your VA disability claim, our guide on how to apply for VA disability pay walks you through the full process. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your monthly VA compensation alongside your PDRL retirement pay.
Final Thoughts
If your condition ends your military career, the PDRL ensures you and your family are supported with retirement pay and benefits. It’s a recognition of your service and sacrifice. If you’re unsure where you stand, reach out to a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) or a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for guidance.
Once your compensation is established, check VA disability pay dates to know exactly when to expect your monthly payments.
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Jon Rehagan is a 2-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers financial topics and military news for the veteran community. With 16 years in broadcast media (including roles in radio and television) Jon has spent his career writing, shooting, editing, and producing everything from long-form investigative specials to daily news broadcasts and digital content. His work has been recognized by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and he brings that same commitment to accurate, accessible reporting to helping service members, veterans, and military families navigate complex benefits and financial decisions.
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Chad Armstrong is a retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) with a wealth of experience accumulated during his time in the Georgia Army National Guard, where he served as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Infantryman. His military service includes deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where he gained invaluable skills and insights. He\'s also worked in recruiting, training, and ensuring unit readiness. Throughout his retirement process, he encountered significant challenges, particularly in his search for mentorship and practical, actionable advice. Many service members face similar obstacles and struggle to feel prepared for their transition. He found myself grappling with numerous unanswered questions regarding how to file his claim, get in touch with Tricare, and fully understand his benefits. His goal is now to assist fellow veterans by answering these pressing questions and ultimately making their transition smoother and more manageable.