c. Distribution. Unless otherwise specified, DA Form 3947 (Medical Board
Proceedings) and enclosures are prepared in the number of copies required for
distribution (see table 5-1). For example, in a returned-to-duty case, the original of the
proceedings is filed in the health record, the first carbon copy is filed in the inpatient
treatment record, and the second carbon copy is sent to the hospital file. For a case which
may result in a finding of mental incompetency, one additional copy is prepared. All
members of the board must sign the original and initial the duplicate of medical board
proceedings. When there is a finding of mental incompetency, all copies for use by the
finance officer must be signed by each board member. A psychiatrist who is a member of
the medical board is identified by adding the letter "P" in parentheses after the branch in
item 28, 29, or 30 of the form. The copy of SF 502 (Narrative Summary) which becomes
part of the clinical record is annotated by the attending medical officer to show disposition
of the patient. DA Form 3947 is designed for use with mechanical reproduction machines.
When these machines are used for copies, the master copy is considered the hospital
record copy, and reproduced copies are acceptable for physical evaluation boards and for
other administrative purposes.
5-22. REQUEST FOR DISCHARGE OR RECONSIDERATION
a. If the medical board finds that the patient's disability existed prior to his entry into
the service and that the disability has not been aggravated by his service experience, the
patient may apply for expeditious discharge (see Application for Expeditious Discharge in
figure 5-4), and referral to
the physical evaluation board is
not required.
b. The patient who disagrees with the findings or recommendations of the medical
board is given the opportunity to submit pertinent statements of evidence for consideration
by the approving authority. Any statements or evidence submitted becomes a part of the
board proceedings.
5-23. APPROVING AUTHORITY
a. The appointing authority is also the approving authority for medical board
proceedings. As approving authority, he reviews the medical board proceedings and
enters the action taken on the DA Form 3947. At the earliest practicable date after
approval of the findings and recommendations, or confirmation of a decision to reconsider
the previously approved board action, the recommended disposition is effected.
b. The approving authority may delegate the authority to review and act on medical
boards, provided the individual to whom this authority is delegated (for example, the chief
of professional services) does not participate in the medical board proceedings as a
member, witness, consultant, or in another capacity.
MD0755
5-19