Behavioral Health–related Reasons for Permanent Duty Limitation Profiles in the U.S. Army: Population-Based Data from 2017 to 2019

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction When warfighters are unable to fight, they are formally removed from battle through temporary or permanent duty limitation profiles. This study uses a population-based data repository to characterize permanent behavioral health (BH)–related profiles across the army for an identified 2-year period. The absolute risk of a permanent duty limitation for specific BH categories was also examined. Materials and Methods This study utilized a retrospective population-based design to identify all new BH diagnoses across the U.S. Army. Service members identified as having a new BH diagnosis were tracked for 12 months following the diagnosis to determine the recommendation of a permanent duty limitation profile. Results From 2017 to 2018, 16% (n = 102,440) of service members received a “new” BH diagnosis. Less than 10% (9.5%; n = 9,752) of soldiers diagnosed with a BH disorder were issued a permanent BH-related duty profile within 12 months of the initial diagnosis. The absolute risk of a permanent profile was highest for soldiers diagnosed with a psychotic or delusional disorder (42%; n = 324) followed by dissociative or somatoform disorders (26%; n = 178) and eating disorders (23%; n = 108). Conclusions Military regulations dictating medical readiness and retention standards reflect both the standards required for mission readiness and a layer of medical protection for the service member. This study provides important information on the relationship between a new BH diagnosis and the likelihood that a service member will be referred for a retirement evaluation.