Retiring? Separating? Get a SHPE! Published April 14, 2015 By Lt. Col. Jiffy Seto 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- As of Jan 1, 2015, a new mandatory Department of Defense Separation, History and Physical Examination process launched to facilitate active duty Team Dover Airmen to improve coordination of their medical care as they transition to the Department of Veterans Affairs including any disability claims. All Airmen separating from the Air Force will require a visit to the 436th Medical Group for a SHPE which will include an audiogram, medical history review and a comprehensive medical physical. Who needs a SHPE? All active duty Team Dover Airmen separating or retiring who have served more than 180 days on active duty require a SHPE. Reservists who have served more than 180 days of consecutive service or 30 days in support of a contingency operation will also require a SHPE in the future when finally determined by Air Reserve Personnel Center. However, a Service Member's separation or retirement date will not be extended solely to conduct a SHPE. A SHPE is NOT required for service members separating or retiring due to being found unfit by the disability evaluation process or if they have had a SHPE in the past 12 months. Why? SHPE serves to improve continuity of medical care between the DoD and VA and to improve disability claims efficiency. When will a SHPE be performed? Ideally, when you know you are separating or retiring, please contact the Medical Group to coordinate your SHPE. If you plan on filing a disability claim, a VA exam can be performed within 180 days of your date of separation. However, your SHPE should be started within 90 days of your terminal leave beginning to allow the necessary paperwork to be collected and returned to the Medical Group. If your date of separation or retirement is within the next 90 days, a SHPE exam will be booked in the Medical Group with your Primary Care Manager. You will still be able to file a disability claim with the VA and see medical specialists regarding your claim. What components of the exam make up a SHPE? You will receive an audiogram to document any hearing loss incurred during your military service. A complete medical history from the time you entered the military will be documented on a DD2807-1, Report of Medical History, and a complete head-to-toe medical examination will be documented on a DD-2808, Report of Medical Examination. SHPE Tips: Common SHPE errors include not completing the DD2807-1 correctly. Please pay attention to each question and clarify any answers that need further explanation. Do not wait until the last minute to come to the Medical group to start this process. Beginning the SHPE process with the VA within 45 days of your exact date of separation or retirement will allow better determination of your disability claim. Beginning the process later as you head into separation or retirement may delay the final disposition of your disability rating. The Separation, History and Physical Examination program is run by the Medical Standards and Medical Evaluations section of the Flight and Operational Medicine Clinic on the third floor of the 436th Medical Group (Building 300). Please come by if you have any questions or call 302-677-6527.