What is the purpose of a medical evaluation board (MEB)?

The purpose of a medical evaluation board (MEB) is primarily to evaluate service members for medical conditions that may impact their ability to perform their duty. The MEB reviews a service member’s medical history and the results of clinical evaluations, determining whether the individual is fit to continue serving in their current capacity. This assessment is crucial for ensuring that personnel who are unable to meet the physical and mental demands of their military roles receive appropriate recommendations for further treatment, potential reassignment, or medical separation if necessary.

This focus on duty performance ensures the overall effectiveness and readiness of the military forces, as personnel who cannot reliably fulfill their roles due to health issues could compromise mission success and the safety of others. The MEB plays a vital role in the medical fitness evaluation process, supporting service members as they navigate challenges related to their health while serving.

In contrast, the other choices present different aspects of healthcare and service member support but do not align with the specific function of an MEB. Ongoing medical treatment addresses the management of health issues rather than evaluation for duty performance, routine health screenings are preventative and designed to monitor health rather than assess performance capability, and determining eligibility for retirement benefits pertains to financial and administrative processes rather than medical evaluations.