To protect Sailors and Marines suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) or any other diagnosed mental health condition, the U.S. Navy will now ensure such conditions are considered before separating a service member. Previously a service member's misconduct took precedence over diagnosed mental health conditions, which impacted the veteran's ability to receive benefits. Now, if it contributed to the misconduct, the medical condition will take precedence. Effective immediately, Sailors and Marines being processed for any type of involuntary administrative separation (ADSEP) who have a diagnosed mental health condition may be referred into the Disability Evaluation System. If the Sailor or Marine is being administratively processed under a less than honorable discharge, the case must be referred to the first general officer/flag officer in the chain of command.
For more Navy news, visit the Military.com Navy section. For more resources on TBI, visit this Military.com section. For more on mental health and wellness, visit the Military.com Mental Health and Wellness page.
