What is the maximum amount of time a member is authorized to be on a Temporary Disabled Retirement List (TDRL)?

• A. 3 years
• B. 6 years
• C. 5 years
• D. 4 years

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is that Temporary Disabled Retirement List status is temporary and capped. A service member placed on TDRL is there to allow medical evaluation and a possible recovery, not to remain indefinitely. The hard limit is five years (60 months). During that period, the member undergoes regular medical re-evaluations and a review by a medical board to determine whether there is improvement that would allow return to duty or if the disability is permanent and retirement should be finalized. If the individual recovers enough to be fit for duty, they can be returned to active status; if not, a determination is made to retire them permanently or separate. The five-year ceiling ensures a timely, definitive disposition rather than an open-ended status. The other durations don’t fit the policy because they either shorten the window too much or exceed the established cap.