ARMY STRONG

Continuation On Active Duty (COAD) Continuation On Active Reserve (COAR)
COL Anne Bauer Medical Policy Officer, HQDA G-1 anne.bauer@hqda.army.mil (703) 695-7874
14 Mar 2008 1

Procedures for Application
ARMY STRONG

• If a service member is determined unfit (PDES) because of physical disability, they can request COAD/COAR • Continuation may be voluntary or involuntary • Each service sets the requirements for their respective continuation program • AR 635-40 is governing regulation
14 Mar 2008

ARMY STRONG

Eligibility

• Soldier must be determined unfit by the PEB for a disability that is not due to misconduct, willful negligence, or incurred during an unauthorized absence • Disability- stable or of slow progression • Soldier must be able to work in a military environment without adversely affecting their health
14 Mar 2008

Eligibility- cont.
ARMY STRONG

• Soldier must meet ONE of the following criteria: [Note: Current practice--No Soldier may be told he/she cannot submit request.]
– The Soldier has 15 but less than 20 years of Active or Reserve component qualifying service – The Soldier is qualified in a critical skill or shortage MOS – The Soldier’s unfitting disability resulted from combat or an act of terrorism

• Mobilized TPU/IRR RC limited to applying for COAR
14 Mar 2008

Application
ARMY STRONG

• PEBLO must counsel the Soldier • All applications are forwarded to the respective Army component approval authority once the PEB is completed • Disability adjudication must be completed Application process outlined in AR 635-40

14 Mar 2008

Length of Continuation
ARMY STRONG

• Soldiers approved for COAD may remain on active duty (provided otherwise qualified) until their retention control point, MRD or retirement date, age 62 (AC) or age 60 (AGR) whichever comes first • Soldiers approved for COAR may serve to maximum years of service, MRD or age 60, whichever comes first
14 Mar 2008

Re-enlistment
ARMY STRONG

• Enlisted Soldiers are required to reenlist if their approved continuation period extends beyond their contractual enlistment • Soldiers are not required to meet medical retention standards for the disabilities for which they were approved for continuation • Soldier may be denied re-enlistment if their disabilities have deteriorated or they have new medical impairments. • Physical required no less than every 2 years.
14 Mar 2008

Final Disability Evaluation
ARMY STRONG

• Soldier’s continued for 6 months or less will not be required to undergo disability re-evaluation (assumes no change health) • Soldier’s approved for continuation of greater than 6 months are referred for disability evaluation • Final rating may increase or decrease depending upon progression or improvement of the disability. • Soldier may be found fit (The rule, “Presumption of Fitness” is not applied.)
14 Mar 2008

ARMY STRONG

Policy Pending Rapid Action Revision

• All unfit Soldiers (other than due to misconduct) may request COAD/COAR. Those not meeting one of the 3 “or” criteria must fully justify request • AGRs cannot request COAR directly to TPU, must COAR to IRR • Guidance added for Soldier-request for revocation of COAD/COAR
14 Mar 2008

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14 Mar 2008