Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 660)
The General Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines is designated to process all claims for death gratuity and disability pension under Republic Act No. 610.
Payment of approved claims shall be made through the Philippine Veterans Board.
The Secretary of National Defense directs the payment of death gratuity upon determination of line of duty and service connection of the decedent's death, and after the Judge Advocate General determines the persons entitled to payment and their respective shares.
The AFP Disability Rating Board is a board composed of at least three officers, two of whom are medical officers, which determines the extent of disability for persons applying for disability pension under Republic Act No. 610.
The Board uses findings and recommendations from Certificates of Disability Discharge Board, clinical records, and follows the US Veterans Administration schedule for rating disabilities (1945 edition), except as provided otherwise in the Order.
Conditions include pulmonary tuberculosis (minimal, moderately advanced, and advanced active stages), cerebral hemorrhage, Hansen's disease, chronic nephritis, dementia praecox, new malignant growths, and cirrhosis, each within specified time limits after discharge from service.
A medical certificate with supporting laboratory, radiological, and/or histological examinations from a specialist at V. Luna General Hospital or any other approved competent specialist is required.
Disabilities rated less than 25% receive no pension; those rated between 25% and less than 40% are rated at 25%; those rated between 40% and less than 50% are rated at 50%.
For applications filed within one year after separation from service, pension starts the day after discharge; if filed after one year, pension starts on the day the application is received by the Adjutant General's Office.
Yes, findings and determinations approved by the Secretary of National Defense are conclusive and serve as sufficient authority for payment by the Philippine Veterans Board.
The Philippine Veterans Board shall keep complete records of all disbursements.
Executive Order No. 660 supersedes Executive Order No. 484 dated November 8, 1951.