DoD Recovering Warrior Task Force

Recovering Warrior Task Force Co-Chairs VADM Matthew L. Nathan, MD, USN Mrs. Suzanne Crockett-Jones

Recovering Warrior Task Force Members CSM Steven D. DeJong, ARNG Mr. Ronald Drach TSgt Alex J. Eudy, USAF & SOCOM LtCol Sean P. K. Keane, USMCR COL Karen T. Malebranche (Ret.), RN, MSN, CNS MG Richard P. Mustion, USA LTC Steven J. Philips (Ret.), MD David K. Rehbein, MS CAPT Robert A. Sanders, LPD, JAGC, USN MG Richard A. Stone (Ret.), MD LtCol Theodore L. Wong, USMC

Report contributors included the following RWTF staff: COL Denise Dailey (Ret.), Executive Director, Designated Federal Officer (DFO)

Insight Policy Research: ICF International: Rachel Gaddes, MPH John Kunz, MA Bryan Johnson, JD, MBA Suzanne Lederer, PhD Amber Bakeman, MA Matthew D. McDonough, MA Crosby Hipes, MA Karen Egan, PhD Ashley Schaad, MA Karen Wessels, MA

Operations team: John Booton; Stephen Lu; David McKelvin; Heather Moore; Joseph Nagorka; John Oti; and Tiffany Reese; LaKia Thomas —Wagner Resources

Prepared by Insight Policy Research Subcontractor - ICF International

Cover photo captions (clockwise from top left) BETHESDA, Md. (April 19, 2011) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Todd E. Hammond shows his Purple Heart medal to his two- year-old daughter as his wife looks on. Hammond was presented the medal for wounds received in action while serving in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Zona T. Lewis/Released) Specialists Craig Smith (left) and Filipe Hill block a Navy competitor from the ball during wheelchair-basketball preliminaries at the 2010 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO. Jeffrey Adams and Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) Service Dog Sharif Woman in wheelchair on phone: shutterstock_11238490 Wounded young American in hospital bed: istockphoto_12550949

Website: http://rwtf.defense.gov/

Table of Contents PAGE

Executive Summary ______1

Chapter 1  Introduction ______5

Overview of Recovering Warrior Task Force’s Work ...... 5

Looking to the Future ...... 7

Conclusion ...... 10

Chapter 2  Recommendations and Findings ______11

Integrated Disability Evaluation System ...... 11

1: Design new approach to replace current DES ...... 11 Supporting an Enduring RW Mission ...... 18

2: Publish DoDI for addressing needs of RW family members and other caregivers ...... 18 3: Establish uniformed representative from each Service at WCP ...... 24 4: Increase WCP effectiveness through realignment and leadership re-grade ...... 25 5: Secure enduring resources to maintain RW programs ...... 26 6: Establish interagency policy on DoD and VA WII programs ...... 28 Facilitating RW Recovery and Transition ...... 30

7: Optimize family contribution to RW recovery ...... 30 8: Facilitate transfer of Service member from DoD to VA ...... 33 9: Take affirmative steps to ensure employment programs are meeting expectations ...... 35 Facilitating Access to Health Care ...... 40

10: Require health insurance as condition of employment in RC ...... 40 Best Practices ...... 41

Status of FY2013, FY2012, and FY2011 Recommendations ...... 48

Notes ______54

Annexes

Annex 1 – Member Biographies ...... 1-1 Annex 2 – Acronym Listing ...... 2-1

FY2014 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  i

Appendices

Appendix A – Legislation ...... A-1 Appendix B – Charter ...... B-1 Appendix C – Reference Handbook ...... C-1 Appendix D – Methodology ...... D-1 Appendix E – Business Meetings and Presentations/Panels ...... E-1 Appendix F – Site Visits ...... F-1 Appendix G – Information Sources by Topic ...... G-1 Appendix H-1 – Recovering Warrior Focus Group Protocol ...... H-1 Appendix H-2 – Family Member Focus Group Protocol ...... H-9 Appendix H-3 – Recovering Warrior Mini-Survey ...... H-17 Appendix H-4 – Family Member Mini-Survey ...... H-23 Appendix I-1 – Recovering Warrior Mini-Survey Results ...... I-1 Appendix I-2 – Family Mem