Advance Your Career as a Physician with the U.S. Army
Are you a medical professional seeking a shift from traditional clinical care to a role that directly impacts military readiness and fairness? The U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) is currently accepting applications for a Physician specializing in Disability Evaluation. This position is vital for ensuring that Soldiers within the Active, Reserve, and National Guard components receive the accurate and thorough evaluations they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Disability Evaluation Physician, your daily tasks involve more than just clinical review. You will:
- Adjudicate Fitness: Evaluate medical records and Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) case files to determine fitness for duty.
- Ensure Regulatory Consistency: Apply complex federal and military medical regulations to ensure that every Soldier is treated according to established standards.
- Board Adjudication: Act as a medical member on informal and formal boards, reviewing evidence and providing expert testimony.
- Investigation: Assess the nature, cause, and severity of medical disabilities to provide accurate ratings.
- Collaborative Hearings: Participate in in-person, telephonic, or video-conference hearings to finalize disability cases.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet several stringent requirements:
- Education: A valid M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted medical license from a U.S. state or territory.
- Training: Completion of a 4-year ACGME-accredited residency program.
- Experience: One year of specialized clinical experience that demonstrates the ability to analyze and communicate complex medical data.
Comparison Table: Why Choose a Federal Role?
| Feature | Private Practice | U.S. Army Physician (PDA) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Work | Patient-focused treatment | Adjudication & Policy implementation |
| Hours | Variable/Patient-load driven | Standardized federal schedule |
| Impact | Individual health | National military readiness |
| Benefits | Varies by employer | Comprehensive federal benefits |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $123,077 to $400,000 per year, depending on qualifications and location. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy the security of federal employment, which includes health insurance, retirement plans (FERS), and paid time off.
How to Apply
Applying to a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages and clearly documents your clinical hours and duties. Visit the USAJOBS portal, upload your credentials, and submit before the October 28, 2026, cutoff. Remember that your license and transcripts are non-negotiable requirements.
Serving as a Physician with the Army Physical Disability Agency is a rewarding way to pivot your medical career toward public service. If you possess the clinical depth and the desire to support our service members, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by serving as a pivotal medical adjudicator for the U.S. Army's Physical Disability Agency.
Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Human Resources Command is seeking a dedicated Physician to join the Physical Disability Agency. This role is central to the integrity of the Army's disability evaluation process, ensuring that Soldiers—including Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel—receive fair, accurate, and consistent medical determinations. You will apply your clinical expertise to adjudicate fitness for duty and assess the severity and permanence of medical conditions, playing a critical role in supporting our nation's military readiness.
Requirements for Physician (Disability Evaluation)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Possession of a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license.
- Completion of at least one year of supervised clinical internship or residency.
- Successful completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program (4 years of training).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Disability Evaluation)
- Professional experience in rating disability claims.
- Demonstrated expertise in the Disability Evaluation System (DES).
- Strong analytical and advanced communication skills.
- History of participation in formal administrative or medical board settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for telework based on agency policy.
- ✓Participation in a stable, mission-focused public service organization.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Disability Evaluation) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights specialized clinical experience and does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Gather supporting documentation, including medical licenses, board certifications, and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online application questionnaire via the provided portal.
- Upload all necessary documents and submit your application prior to the October 28, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Use plain, professional language and avoid obscure medical jargon.
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the number of hours worked per week for each role to verify your specialized experience.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have finished the virus scan process before finalizing submission.
- Log in periodically to check your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, the role may require participation in formal hearings, which can include telephonic or video-conference participation.
Can I apply if I have a foreign medical degree?
Yes, provided you offer evidence that your education is equivalent to U.S.-accredited programs, such as ECFMG certification or successful completion of USMLE.
What is the security clearance requirement?
This position requires a Secret clearance, and the applicant must be able to pass a mandatory drug test.
Job from Us Army Human Resources Command (Dru)
The Physical Disability Agency (PDA), under the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, plays a crucial role in the military personnel lifecycle. Civilian employees within this organization provide essential medical, legal, and administrative support that maintains the integrity of the Disability Evaluation System (DES). By joining the PDA, you are becoming part of a "Total Army" force that values diverse perspectives and professional excellence.