In the Army, a PEBLO seeking guidance on standards of medical fitness would consult which document?

• A. AR 40-501
• B. AR 600-8-2
• C. AR 15-1
• D. AR 350-1

Answer: (A)

Standards of medical fitness are set by Army Regulation 40-501, which defines who is medically qualified for duty, how examinations are conducted, and how conditions are evaluated for retention, separation, or transition. It explains the medical fitness categories, the use of the physical profile (PULHES), disqualifying conditions, waivers, and the Medical Evaluation Board/Physical Evaluation Board process. For a PEBLO, this regulation is the primary reference because it translates medical status into duty capabilities and informs the guidance given to Soldiers during medical boards and retention decisions. The other regulations cover areas like awards, training, or boards but do not provide the comprehensive medical fitness standards used in the PEB/MEB process.