VA and DOD plan to launch a pilot program later this month to assess whether the two agencies can move to a single physical examination to cover “fitness for duty” and “disability pay” determinations. A release from the VA states that servicemembers at three military treatment facilities—Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews AFB, Md.; National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.—will participate, but VA personnel are to conduct the medical evaluations, which could take place at VA facilities.
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…