What situation typically triggers an evaluation by the MEB?

An evaluation by the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) is typically triggered by concerns about a service member's deployment readiness. This process is essential to ensure that all personnel are physically and mentally fit to serve, especially during deployments. When a service member is found to have health issues that might impair their ability to perform their duties or affect their readiness for deployment, this raises concerns that warrant a formal evaluation.

The MEB evaluates the service member’s medical condition in relation to military standards and determines whether they can continue their service or if medical treatment or discharge is necessary. This ensures that the armed forces maintain a well-prepared and capable force. Other options such as a request for a referral, completed health screenings, or annual performance reviews do not specifically initiate an MEB evaluation, as they deal with different aspects of a service member’s health and performance that may not directly indicate readiness for deployment.