A member may be permanently retired when the member has

• A. A disabling condition that is determined to be stable
• B. More than three diagnosed conditions
• C. At least 20 years in the military
• D. 100% Disability rating

Answer: (A)

Permanent disability retirement is determined by whether a member has a disabling condition that is stable and not expected to improve with further treatment. When a medical evaluation shows the condition is permanent and stationary, the member is considered unfit for duty on a permanent basis, so retirement can be processed as permanent. The other factors—how many conditions someone has, how long they’ve served, or the magnitude of a disability rating—don’t by themselves establish permanence. A high rating or long service may influence other types of retirement, but permanence hinges on the condition being stable and not likely to improve.