Procedure for Payment of Death Gratuity
- The Secretary of National Defense directs the payment of death gratuity upon determining that the death occurred in the line of duty and is service-connected.
- The Judge Advocate General of the AFP must determine the rightful recipient(s) of the gratuity and the allocation of shares.
- The Judge Advocate General’s determination is guided by Republic Act No. 136, as amended, insofar as it does not conflict with Republic Act No. 610.
- No payment shall be made by the Philippine Veterans Board without these determinations.
Creation of the AFP Disability Rating Board
- A board of three officers, with at least two being medical officers, is created under the AFP, supervised by the Adjutant General.
- This board operates full-time and is known as the AFP Disability Rating Board.
Procedures for Disability Pension Application
- All disability pension applications must be referred to the AFP Disability Rating Board.
- The Board evaluates disability extent based on authorized Certificates of Disability, clinical records, and the 1945 US Veterans Administration disability rating schedule.
- A majority vote among Board members is sufficient for rating determination.
Service-Connected Disability Conditions and Time Limits
- Certain conditions arising within specified timeframes after discharge qualify as service-connected disabilities even if the veteran was physically sound at separation. These include:
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis (various stages within 3-12 months)
- Cerebral Hemorrhage (within 12 months)
- Hansen’s disease (within 6 months)
- Chronic Nephritis (within 6 months)
- Dementia Praecox (within 6 months)
- Malignant New Growths (within 6 months)
- Portal Cirrhosis (within 6 months)
- Diagnosis must be supported by medical certificates and relevant tests from V. Luna General Hospital specialists or other competent specialists approved by the AFP Surgeon General.
Rules for Rating Disabilities
- Disabilities rated below 25% do not qualify for a monthly pension.
- Disabilities rated between 25% to less than 40% are rated at 25% for pension purposes.
- Disabilities rated between 40% to less than 50% are rated at 50% for pension purposes.
Commencement of Pension Benefits
- Pension benefits start on the day after discharge if the application is filed within one year of separation.
- If the application is filed more than one year after separation, pension benefits commence on the date the application is received by the Adjutant General's Office.
Conclusiveness of Disability Rating Board Findings
- Findings by the AFP Disability Rating Board, once approved by the Secretary of National Defense, are conclusive and authorize the Philippine Veterans Board to disburse the appropriate pension.
Record-Keeping and Supersession of Previous Orders
- The Philippine Veterans Board must maintain complete records of all payments made under Republic Act No. 610.
- This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order No. 484 dated November 8, 1951.