Become a Disability Evaluation Physician for the U.S. Army
Serving as a Physician within the U.S. Army’s Physical Disability Agency is a unique opportunity to combine clinical expertise with public service. This role is essential to the well-being of our military personnel, ensuring that Soldiers transitioning through the disability system receive a thorough, fair, and evidence-based assessment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physician in this capacity, you will:
- Adjudicate Soldier fitness based on complex medical records.
- Investigate the nature and severity of medical conditions to determine compensability.
- Serve as a medical member on formal and informal boards.
- Participate in hearings to provide expert medical perspective.
- Ensure uniform application of federal disability regulations.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice medicine.
- Experience: Completion of an accredited residency and 5 years of independent clinical practice.
- Security: Ability to pass a Secret security clearance and drug testing.
Salary and Comparison
Physicians in this role are compensated according to federal pay schedules, which vary based on location and experience.
| Pay Variable | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $123,077 - $320,000 |
| Schedule | Competitive Service |
| Clearance | Secret |
| Benefits | Full Federal Benefits |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including premium-covered health insurance, a robust retirement system with employer contributions, and significant leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Detail Your Work: Include hours worked per week for every job listed.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the final hours to account for file upload times.
If you are a Physician seeking a career that blends clinical oversight with a noble mission, the U.S. Army offers a rewarding path where your contributions directly support the defenders of our nation.
Why This Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job Matters
Advance your career as a Physician for the U.S. Army and play a critical role in the disability evaluation process for our nation's Soldiers.
Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Human Resources Command is seeking dedicated Physicians for the Physical Disability Agency. This is a Direct Hire Authority position where you will evaluate the medical fitness of Active Duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard personnel. You will join a mission-critical team responsible for ensuring fair and standardized disability determinations, serving at either Fort Knox, Kentucky, or Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Requirements for Physician (Disability Evaluation)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited school.
- Hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from a U.S. state, DC, or territory.
- Must have completed an accredited residency program.
- Minimum of 5 years of independent clinical practice in direct patient care.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Subject to pre-employment and recurring drug testing.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Disability Evaluation)
- Extensive clinical expertise with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Professional familiarity with the Disability Evaluation System (DES).
- Direct experience in the rating of disability claims.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Competitive federal retirement plans (FERS).
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Paid federal holidays.
- ✓Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation assistance may be authorized.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload a resume limited to two pages.
- Upload transcripts if using education to meet qualifications.
- Upload a copy of your current medical license.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that aren't widely recognized.
- Submit your documents early to allow sufficient time for the automated virus scanning process.
- Clearly label all supplemental documents to avoid confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to non-citizens?
No, this position is open to U.S. citizens only.
Can I work remotely?
The position allows for telework eligibility, but it is not a fully remote role.
How is the salary determined?
The salary range reflects federal pay scales, including locality pay and potential market supplements.
What is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA)?
DHA allows agencies to bypass traditional competitive rating and ranking procedures for specific positions, speeding up the hiring process for critical needs.
Job from Us Army Human Resources Command (Dru)
The U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) serves as the backbone of the Army's personnel management. The Physical Disability Agency manages the medical board process for Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers, ensuring that those who can no longer meet retention standards are supported throughout their transition.