PEBLO Practice Exam – IDES Process and DES
Fundamentals Questions and Answers.
Section 1: IDES Process Overview and Timelines (Questions 1–10)
Q1: A service member is referred into the IDES process after a medical condition is identified
during deployment. According to DoDI 1332.18, what is the maximum allowable timeframe
from the date of referral to the completion of the PEB phase?
A. 180 days
B. 240 days
C. 295 days
D. 365 days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because DoDI 1332.18 establishes a maximum processing standard of 295
days from referral through PEB completion, though extensions are permitted for valid
operational or medical reasons. This matches the statutory timeline framework designed to
balance thorough evaluation with timely disposition.
Q2: During the IDES intake phase, the PEBLO must ensure the service member receives
counseling within a specific timeframe. Within how many days of referral must the initial PEBLO
counseling occur?
A. 3 days
B. 5 days
C. 7 days
D. 14 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because DoDI 1332.18 mandates that initial PEBLO counseling occur within 5
days of IDES referral to ensure the service member understands the process, rights, and
obligations from the outset. This matches the regulatory requirement for prompt engagement.
,Q3: A soldier is found unfit by the PEB and elects to accept the findings rather than appeal.
Under standard IDES timelines, approximately how many days should the soldier expect from
PEB findings to VA compensation commencement, assuming no delays?
A. 30–45 days
B. 60–90 days
C. 90–120 days
D. 120–180 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the VA rating integration and compensation initiation process
typically requires 60–90 days following PEB findings acceptance, accounting for final processing,
discharge coordination, and VA systems update. This matches the standard interagency
coordination timeline.
Q4: Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of IDES phases from
initial referral through final disposition?
A. Referral → MEB → PEB → VA Rating → Disposition
B. Referral → PEBLO Counseling → MEB → PEB → VA Rating → Disposition
C. Referral → PEBLO Counseling → MEB → PEB → Disposition → VA Rating
D. Referral → MEB → PEBLO Counseling → PEB → VA Rating → Disposition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the proper IDES sequence requires PEBLO counseling immediately
after referral, followed by MEB evaluation, PEB adjudication, VA rating integration, and finally
disposition. This matches the regulatory-mandated flow ensuring rights protection at each
stage.
Q5: A Marine is referred to IDES while stationed overseas. Under DoDI 1332.18, what is the
maximum allowable extension to the standard 295-day processing timeline for service members
in overseas locations?
A. No extension is permitted
B. 30 days
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct because DoDI 1332.18 permits up to a 90-day extension for service members
stationed outside the continental United States to accommodate medical evacuation, travel
coordination, and logistical requirements. This matches the overseas accommodation provision
in the instruction.
Q6: During which IDES phase does the VA conduct its Compensation and Pension (C&P)
examination to establish disability ratings for conditions found unfitting by the PEB?
A. Prior to MEB initiation
B. Concurrently with the MEB phase
C. Following PEB findings but prior to discharge
D. After the service member has separated from service
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the VA C&P examination is conducted concurrently with the MEB
phase under IDES, enabling parallel processing that integrates VA ratings into the PEB
adjudication. This matches the integrated design principle distinguishing IDES from the legacy
LDES process.
Q7: A service member is participating in IDES and has completed the MEB phase. The Medical
Evaluation Board has returned findings recommending the service member is "not fit for duty."
What is the next mandatory step before the case proceeds to the PEB?
A. The service member must sign a waiver of appellate rights
B. The service member must receive PEBLO counseling on the MEB findings
C. The service member must submit a rebuttal to the MEB findings
D. The service member must undergo additional C&P examinations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because PEBLO counseling on MEB findings is mandatory before PEB referral
to ensure the service member understands the implications and available options. This matches
the counseling obligation requirement designed to protect informed decision-making.
Q8: Under IDES, a service member may be placed in which of the following statuses during the
processing period to maintain pay and benefits while awaiting final disposition?
Fundamentals Questions and Answers.
Section 1: IDES Process Overview and Timelines (Questions 1–10)
Q1: A service member is referred into the IDES process after a medical condition is identified
during deployment. According to DoDI 1332.18, what is the maximum allowable timeframe
from the date of referral to the completion of the PEB phase?
A. 180 days
B. 240 days
C. 295 days
D. 365 days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because DoDI 1332.18 establishes a maximum processing standard of 295
days from referral through PEB completion, though extensions are permitted for valid
operational or medical reasons. This matches the statutory timeline framework designed to
balance thorough evaluation with timely disposition.
Q2: During the IDES intake phase, the PEBLO must ensure the service member receives
counseling within a specific timeframe. Within how many days of referral must the initial PEBLO
counseling occur?
A. 3 days
B. 5 days
C. 7 days
D. 14 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because DoDI 1332.18 mandates that initial PEBLO counseling occur within 5
days of IDES referral to ensure the service member understands the process, rights, and
obligations from the outset. This matches the regulatory requirement for prompt engagement.
,Q3: A soldier is found unfit by the PEB and elects to accept the findings rather than appeal.
Under standard IDES timelines, approximately how many days should the soldier expect from
PEB findings to VA compensation commencement, assuming no delays?
A. 30–45 days
B. 60–90 days
C. 90–120 days
D. 120–180 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the VA rating integration and compensation initiation process
typically requires 60–90 days following PEB findings acceptance, accounting for final processing,
discharge coordination, and VA systems update. This matches the standard interagency
coordination timeline.
Q4: Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of IDES phases from
initial referral through final disposition?
A. Referral → MEB → PEB → VA Rating → Disposition
B. Referral → PEBLO Counseling → MEB → PEB → VA Rating → Disposition
C. Referral → PEBLO Counseling → MEB → PEB → Disposition → VA Rating
D. Referral → MEB → PEBLO Counseling → PEB → VA Rating → Disposition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the proper IDES sequence requires PEBLO counseling immediately
after referral, followed by MEB evaluation, PEB adjudication, VA rating integration, and finally
disposition. This matches the regulatory-mandated flow ensuring rights protection at each
stage.
Q5: A Marine is referred to IDES while stationed overseas. Under DoDI 1332.18, what is the
maximum allowable extension to the standard 295-day processing timeline for service members
in overseas locations?
A. No extension is permitted
B. 30 days
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct because DoDI 1332.18 permits up to a 90-day extension for service members
stationed outside the continental United States to accommodate medical evacuation, travel
coordination, and logistical requirements. This matches the overseas accommodation provision
in the instruction.
Q6: During which IDES phase does the VA conduct its Compensation and Pension (C&P)
examination to establish disability ratings for conditions found unfitting by the PEB?
A. Prior to MEB initiation
B. Concurrently with the MEB phase
C. Following PEB findings but prior to discharge
D. After the service member has separated from service
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the VA C&P examination is conducted concurrently with the MEB
phase under IDES, enabling parallel processing that integrates VA ratings into the PEB
adjudication. This matches the integrated design principle distinguishing IDES from the legacy
LDES process.
Q7: A service member is participating in IDES and has completed the MEB phase. The Medical
Evaluation Board has returned findings recommending the service member is "not fit for duty."
What is the next mandatory step before the case proceeds to the PEB?
A. The service member must sign a waiver of appellate rights
B. The service member must receive PEBLO counseling on the MEB findings
C. The service member must submit a rebuttal to the MEB findings
D. The service member must undergo additional C&P examinations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because PEBLO counseling on MEB findings is mandatory before PEB referral
to ensure the service member understands the implications and available options. This matches
the counseling obligation requirement designed to protect informed decision-making.
Q8: Under IDES, a service member may be placed in which of the following statuses during the
processing period to maintain pay and benefits while awaiting final disposition?
