The Department of Defense (DoD) recently published the 2011 DoD Compensation and Benefits Handbook, a comprehensive resource guide describing compensation and other benefits service members and their families would be entitled to upon separation or retirement as a result of serious injury or illness.

“The intent of the Handbook is to give seriously ill and injured service members and their families a quick reference guide to information, covering everything they may need during recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration,” said Mr. John R. Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy (WWCTP).

The Handbook was designed to answer questions in the order in which they are most likely to arise, including chapters on:

• Recovery resources
• Medical care
• DoD pay and allowances
• Disability Evaluation System
• Compensation and benefits
• Reintegration into civilian life

The Handbook was compiled in cooperation with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and the Social Security Administration, along with the military services. It also provides references to assistance provided by other governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations.

Many of the answers to specific questions will depend on the Service member's personal circumstances. Service members should take advantage of the assistance of their Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC), Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Advocate, Navy Safe Harbor Non-Medical Care Manager (NMCM) or Federal Recovery Coordinator (FRC) to help find the answers to questions or contact the appropriate experts.

Ed. Note: Cross-posted from Office Of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy.