R 291251Z MAY 12

ALCGPSC 065/12
SUBJ: UPDATES TO RESERVE COMPONENT INCAPACITATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
PROCESSES
A.  COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 061359Z APR 12 - ALCOAST 161/12
B.  Reserve Policy Manual, COMDTINST M1001.28 (Series)
C.  Personnel and Pay Procedures Manual (PPPM), PPCINST M1000.2
(Series)
D.  Physical Disability Evaluation System, COMDTINST M1850.2 (Series)
1.  This ALCGPSC announces important updates to Reserve Component
incapacitation system management processes.
2.  Effective immediately, PSC-rpm is implementing new reserve
incapacitation benefits counseling requirements and enhanced
incapacitation case reviews. These changes support the disciplined
management of Reserve incapacitation benefits programs in a manner
that protects both the rights and benefits of reserve members and
Coast Guard interests, and ensures alignment with Refs (A) and (B).
3.  Benefits Counseling Requirements.
a.  PSC-rpm will review each reported case of injury or illness to
determine a member's eligibility for reserve incapacitation benefits
and the type of benefit to be authorized. Once that determination is
made, the member shall be counseled by the unit regarding the
incapacitation benefits using the appropriate CG-3307 (Administrative
Remarks) entry.
b.  Three templates, created as Entry Type Reserve Incapacitation
Benefits (RIB), have been developed for Notice of Eligibility
(RIB-1), Medical Hold (RIB-2), and Active Duty for Health Care
(RIB-3) benefits.  The RIB-1 entry shall be used in place of the
signed member endorsement to the Notice of Eligibility (NOE) memo.
The templates are available in Encl 6 of Ref (C) and may be accessed
via the PPC webpage at: http://www.uscg.mil/hr/psc/3pm.asp.
c.  A copy of the signed CG-3307 entry must be provided to PSC-rpm-3
before benefits will be authorized.
4.  Incapacitation Case Reviews.
a.  Pursuant to Ref (A), PSC-rpm, acting as Benefits Issuing
Authority, has sole authority to determine the type and extent of
reserve incapacitation benefits, including when a reservist shall be
transitioned from active duty orders (medical hold or ADHC) to a NOE.
b.  PSC-rpm shall review all open medical hold and ADHC cases to
validate medical status and incapacitation benefits.  When a review
determines that active duty is no longer required for a member to
receive appropriate medical care/treatment, the member will be
transitioned to a NOE for the remainder of his/her medical
care/treatment.  In addition to medical care, a NOE authorizes
compensation via incapacitation pay for a documented loss of earned
income from civilian employment.
c.  PSC-rpm will notify members of their transition from medical hold
or ADHC to a NOE via their chain of command, including the
appropriate District (Dxr)/DG-1 staff.  Every effort will be made to
ensure sufficient demobilization time prior to RELAD.
d.  A reservist may appeal denial or termination of medical hold,
ADHC, NOE or incapacitation pay benefits to COMDT (CG-13).  Paragraph
6 of Ref (A) explains the appeals process, including guidelines for
filing an appeal.
e.  Transition from medical hold or ADHC to a NOE has no impact on
processing of Physical Evaluation Boards (PEB).  Pending PEBs will
continue to be adjudicated IAW with Ref (D).
5.  PSC-rpm POCs:
a.  LCDR Christa O. Heffelfinger, (202) 493-1761,
christa.o.heffelfinger(AT)uscg.mil
b.  HSC Randi L. Ward, (202) 493-1766, randilward2(AT)uscg.mil
6.  RDML David R. Callahan, Commander, Personnel Service Center,
sends.
7.  Internet release authorized.