Title 10 — Armed ForcesRelease 119-73
§14519 Deferment of retirement or separation for medical reasons
Title 10 › Subtitle Subtitle E— - Reserve Components › Part PART III— - PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF OFFICERS ON THE RESERVE ACTIVE-STATUS LIST › Chapter CHAPTER 1407— - FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION AND INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION › § 14519
Summary
The Secretary can delay an officer’s required retirement or separation if the officer needs hospital care or medical observation to finish the physical evaluation and that care can’t be completed before the scheduled retirement or separation date. Any delay cannot last more than 30 days after the medical evaluation or observation ends.
Full Legal Text
Title 10, §14519
Armed Forces — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)If, in the case of an officer required to be retired or separated under this chapter or chapter 1409 of this title, the Secretary concerned determines that the evaluation of the physical condition of the officer and determination of the officer’s entitlement to retirement or separation for physical disability require hospitalization or medical observation and that such hospitalization or medical observation cannot be completed with confidence in a manner consistent with the officer’s well being before the date on which the officer would otherwise be required to retire or be separated, the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation of the officer.
(b)A deferral of retirement or separation under subsection (a) may not extend for more than 30 days after the completion of the evaluation requiring hospitalization or medical observation.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
10 U.S.C. § 14519
Title 10 — Armed Forces
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73