Who has the authority to determine the fitness of a military member for duty?

The Medical Evaluation Board is responsible for determining the fitness of a military member for duty. This board conducts comprehensive evaluations of a service member's medical condition to make informed decisions regarding their ability to perform their duties effectively. The process typically involves reviewing medical records, conducting physical examinations, and assessing any potential limitations that the member may have due to health issues.

This board plays a critical role, particularly for those individuals with serious or chronic health conditions that might impact their duties. Their authority is typically established by regulatory guidance and they work closely with medical professionals to ensure that decisions are based on objective medical evidence.

While immediate supervisors, deployment availability working groups, and commanding officers may have input or insights regarding a member's readiness or performance, they do not possess the specialized training or authority to conduct the thorough medical evaluations necessary to establish fitness for duty. Thus, the Medical Evaluation Board stands out as the definitive authority in this context.