DA Form 3947: Medical Evaluation Board Proceeding – DA Form 3947: Medical Evaluation Board Proceedings is a key document in the U.S. Army’s Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). It formally records the findings and recommendations of a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) regarding a service member’s medical fitness for continued duty.
This article explains the form’s purpose, structure, completion process, and its role in the MEB/PEB process for U.S. Army personnel. Official guidance comes from AR 635-40 and Army Publishing Directorate resources.
What Is DA Form 3947?
DA Form 3947, titled Medical Evaluation Board Proceedings, documents the MEB’s evaluation of a soldier’s medical conditions against Army retention standards in AR 40-501.
The board reviews clinical records, lab findings, physical exams, and VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams (in IDES cases) to determine if the soldier meets medical retention standards. The form lists all relevant diagnoses, indicates which fail retention standards, notes if conditions existed prior to service (EPTS) or were aggravated by service, and provides the board’s recommendation (e.g., refer to Physical Evaluation Board or return to duty).
It serves as the official record of MEB proceedings and is a critical part of the case file forwarded to the PEB if needed. The current version is dated JUN 2017 (with updates through 2026).
Purpose of the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and DA Form 3947
The MEB determines whether a soldier’s medical condition(s) prevent them from performing duties in accordance with retention standards. It does not assign disability ratings—that is the role of the PEB and VA.
DA Form 3947 captures:
- All diagnosed conditions (especially those confirmed by VA exam in IDES).
- Whether each meets or fails AR 40-501 retention standards.
- EPTS status and service aggravation.
- Collective impact of conditions (if no single condition fails standards).
- MEB recommendations and signatures.
- Soldier’s concurrence or election options (e.g., Impartial Medical Review or rebuttal).
Accurate completion protects the soldier’s rights and ensures proper consideration for medical retirement, separation, or return to duty with limitations.
Key Sections of DA Form 3947
The form includes several structured blocks:
Soldier Identification and Board Convening
- Blocks 1–10: Name, rank, SSN/DOD ID, DOB, sex, MOS/AOC, service, component, and unit.
Diagnoses and Evaluation (Block 11)
This core section lists up to 12 (or more with continuation) diagnoses in descending order of significance. For each:
- a. Diagnosis (with reference to AR 40-501 if failing standards).
- b. Approximate Date of Origin.
- c. Meets / Does Not Meet retention standards.
- d. Existed Prior to Service (EPTS).
- e. Permanently Aggravated by Service.
Combined Effect (Block 12)
If no single condition fails retention standards, the board assesses whether conditions collectively cause the soldier to fall below standards.
Board Recommendation (Block 13)
Options include:
- Referred to Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).
- Returned to duty.
- Returned to duty with specific limitations.
- Referral to another service’s authority (if applicable).
Provider Signatures (Blocks 14–16)
Requires signatures from required MEB providers (e.g., physician reviewers; psychiatrist/psychologist for behavioral health).
Service Member Action and Elections
Soldiers have 5 calendar days to review and elect: concur, request Impartial Medical Review (IMR), or non-concur and submit a rebuttal (within 7 calendar days).
Impartial Medical Review and Final Approval Authority
These sections document IMR results (if requested) and the approving authority’s final decision, which may include amendments.
How to Download the Official DA Form 3947?
Download the latest fillable PDF directly from the Army Publishing Directorate:
Always use the official source for the most current version.
The MEB Process: What Happens After DA Form 3947?
- Soldier receives the completed form, NARSUM (Narrative Summary), DA Form 3349 (Profile), and related documents.
- Soldier consults with PEBLO and may seek legal advice from Soldiers’ MEB Counsel (SMEBC).
- Soldier makes election on the form.
- If referred, the case goes to the PEB for fitness and disability rating decisions.
- Timelines are important—missing deadlines can result in the case proceeding as if concurred.
Common Questions and Tips for Soldiers
- What if I disagree? Request an IMR or submit a rebuttal with supporting evidence. Consult SMEBC promptly.
- Multiple conditions? Ensure all service-related conditions are properly listed and evaluated.
- Accuracy matters: Errors in diagnoses, retention standards, or EPTS determinations can affect outcomes. Review carefully with your provider and counsel.
- Supporting documents: Provide all relevant medical records to the PEBLO.
Soldiers facing an MEB should contact their local Patient Administration or PEBLO office immediately for guidance. Legal assistance through JAG or SMEBC is available at no cost.
Understanding DA Form 3947 empowers soldiers to navigate the medical evaluation process effectively, protecting their health, career, and benefits. For official instructions, refer to AR 635-40 and consult your chain of command or medical professionals.