As a Servicemember prepares for Demobilization, there are a wide variety of different issues that a person that one faces. Most people are filled with a lot of joy and happiness, but there are a lot of different issues and hoops that are necessary to step through. When you approach demobilization you have a number of things to prepare for, and you will get a packet with a lot of different forms that must be filled out. Each of these different types of forms have to be completed in order for you to complete your demobilization.
The two different forms that are the most important to fill out are the DD Form 2696 Post Deployment Assessment Form, and the DD Form 2697 Medical Assessment Report. These two different forms that are the absolutely the minimum to process out of military service. There are other forms, including the VA forms for Medical Benefit and Entitlement, and various other forms that are needed to proceed. But those two are the ones that are required as a minimum. The forms are designed to make sure that you are able to access all the privileges and specific rights that you are entitled to. Some of the forms are for the TriCare benefits that you will be qualified for; others are for different types of education benefits. As a part of demobilization you will see a doctor or a medical professional and they will give you a complete medical screening. You will also be given an opportunity to complete VA forms and TriCare forms. The main reason for the assessment is to make sure that all problems, injuries or changes that you have experienced are listed down on your medical forms. This screening can be a simple assessment or a full medical exam, depending on your needs. The medical assessment is voluntary, you can refuse to submit to a REFRAD physical if you choose but if you do and then you later have physical or medical problems later, then you may be disqualified if you earlier refused the physical.
If you do then you may have no medical claim later if you experience long term service related injuries or long lasting service related medical effects. So it’s a good idea to allow yourself to get checked out during your demobilization. For most people, knowing, or knowledge is power. The best bet is to make sure that you get all the screenings and exams that you can, and that you get assistance with the paperwork if you need it.