How LMC Soldiers Can Obtain IMB/RMB Medical Board Proceedings Through RTI for Disability Pension Claims
Thousands of soldiers, sailors, and airmen are released from the Indian Armed Forces every year after being placed in a Low Medical Category (LMC) due to injuries, diseases, or medical conditions. Depending upon the nature of the disability, applicable Entitlement Rules, and Pension Regulations, they may become eligible for Disability Pension, Disability Compensation, or Impairment Relief.
However, one common problem faced by many Ex-Servicemen is that they do not possess a copy of their Release Medical Board (RMB) or Invaliding Medical Board (IMB) Proceedings, which is one of the most important documents required while pursuing disability pension claims, appeals, Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) cases, or other legal remedies.
Many veterans later discover that their disability claim has been rejected or requires additional documentation, but by then they no longer have access to their Medical Board Proceedings.
This article explains why every LMC soldier must obtain a copy of the approved IMB/RMB proceedings and how they can easily obtain it by filing an Online RTI Application.
What is an IMB or RMB?
Before understanding the RTI process, it is important to know the difference between the two medical boards.
Invaliding Medical Board (IMB)
An IMB is conducted when a soldier, sailor, or airman is being invalided out of service because he or she is medically unfit to continue military duties.
The Board assesses:
- Nature of disability
- Percentage of disability
- Attributability to military service
- Aggravation by military service
- Functional limitations
- Recommendations regarding disability benefits
Release Medical Board (RMB)
An RMB is conducted when personnel retire or are discharged in a Low Medical Category (LMC) after completing their tenure or on other grounds.
Although such personnel are not invalided out, the RMB assesses:
- Existing medical condition
- Disability percentage
- Attributability or aggravation
- Eligibility under Pension Regulations
- Future medical review, if applicable
The recommendations of the RMB play a crucial role in determining disability compensation.
Why Are IMB/RMB Proceedings So Important?
Many veterans mistakenly believe that their Pension Payment Order (PPO) is sufficient.
In reality, the Medical Board Proceedings are often required for:
- Disability Pension claim
- Disability Element revision
- Appeals against rejection
- First Appeal
- Second Appeal
- Armed Forces Tribunal cases
- High Court proceedings
- Medical re-assessment
- Service record verification
- Future pension disputes
Without these documents, proving the findings of the competent Medical Board becomes extremely difficult.
Why Do Many Ex-Servicemen Not Have Their Medical Board Copy?
Unfortunately, many personnel are released from service without collecting copies of their approved Medical Board Proceedings.
Common reasons include:
- Lack of awareness
- Belief that Records Office will preserve everything
- Ignorance of future legal requirements
- Pension sanctioned without explaining documentation
- Long gap between retirement and filing appeal
Several veterans realize the importance of these documents only after receiving rejection of disability claims.
Can You Obtain IMB/RMB Proceedings Later?
Yes.
Even years after retirement or discharge, you can request a certified copy of your Medical Board Proceedings.
One of the most effective methods is by filing an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act).
Why Use RTI?
The RTI Act empowers citizens to obtain official records held by public authorities.
Since Medical Board Proceedings form part of your official service records maintained by Defence authorities, you are entitled to seek a copy unless specifically exempt under law.
Most veterans receive copies after submitting a properly drafted RTI application.
Which Authority Should Be Selected?
While filing the RTI online, select:
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW)
In the application text clearly mention:
“This RTI Application is for ______ Record Office.”
Example:
- This RTI Application is for Rajputana Rifles Record Office.
- This RTI Application is for Signals Records.
- This RTI Application is for Corps of Engineers Records.
- This RTI Application is for Air Force Record Office.
- This RTI Application is for Indian Navy Record Office.
This helps the RTI Cell forward your application to the appropriate Records Office.
Information to Request in RTI
You may request:
- Certified copy of IMB/RMB Proceedings.
- Proceedings approved by the Competent Medical Authority.
- Disability assessment sheet.
- Attributability/Aggravation opinion.
- Final approval note.
- Relevant forwarding letters, if available.
Request only documents related to your own case.
Documents Required
While submitting RTI, upload one identity proof.
Suitable documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- EPIC (Voter ID)
- Any other valid Government-issued identity proof (if accepted)
Ensure the uploaded copy is clear and legible.
Step-by-Step Process to File RTI Online
Step 1
Visit the Government of India’s Online RTI Portal.
Step 2
Click on:
Submit Request
Step 3
Read the guidelines carefully and proceed.
Step 4
Select:
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW)
Step 5
Fill your personal details.
Step 6
In the application text write:
“This RTI Application is for ______ Record Office.”
Then request a certified copy of your IMB/RMB Medical Board Proceedings.
Step 7
Upload your Aadhaar Card or EPIC copy.
Step 8
Pay the prescribed RTI application fee online.
Step 9
Submit the application.
Save the RTI Registration Number for future tracking.
What Should Be Included in Your RTI Application?
Mention:
- Full Name
- Rank
- Service Number
- Unit (if known)
- Date of Retirement/Discharge/Invalidment
- Record Office
- Nature of information required
Providing complete information helps authorities locate records faster.
What Happens After Submission?
After submission:
- RTI is registered.
- DESW examines the application.
- Application is transferred to the concerned Record Office, if required.
- Information is processed.
- Certified copies are sent.
If additional time is required due to transfer between departments, the applicant is informed accordingly under RTI provisions.
How Long Does It Take?
Normally, public authorities are expected to respond within the timelines prescribed under the Right to Information Act, subject to any lawful transfers or exemptions.
Applicants should regularly monitor the RTI portal for status updates.
Expert Advice for Defence Pensioners
ESM Info Club strongly recommends that every soldier released in Low Medical Category should preserve the following documents permanently:
- IMB/RMB Proceedings
- PPO
- Release Order
- Medical Category Documents
- Disability Claim Orders
- Appeal Orders
- Service Book extracts
- ECHS documents
These documents may be required even decades after retirement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Waiting until disability claim is rejected.
❌ Depending only on Record Office without documentary proof.
❌ Filing incomplete RTI.
❌ Forgetting to mention the Record Office.
❌ Uploading unclear identity proof.
❌ Requesting vague information.
Why Every LMC Soldier Should Act Immediately
If you were:
- Released in Low Medical Category,
- Invalided out of service,
- Discharged on medical grounds,
- Retired with disability,
and you do not possess your Medical Board Proceedings,
you should obtain them immediately.
These documents may become indispensable for future pension revision, appeal, court proceedings, or disability compensation claims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is every LMC soldier entitled to receive Medical Board Proceedings?
Generally, every individual whose IMB or RMB has been completed is entitled to seek copies of their own records through the appropriate official process, including RTI where applicable.
Can I obtain the copy after many years?
Yes. Subject to record availability, retired personnel may seek copies of their Medical Board Proceedings through the competent authority.
Which Record Office should I mention?
Mention your own Army, Navy, or Air Force Record Office in the RTI application.
Which department should be selected?
Select Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) while filing the online RTI application.
What ID proof should I upload?
You may upload your Aadhaar Card or EPIC (Voter ID) copy, ensuring it is clear and matches your application details.
Conclusion
For every soldier, sailor, or airman released in a Low Medical Category, the IMB or RMB Medical Board Proceedings are among the most valuable service documents. These records form the foundation of disability pension claims, appeals, and legal proceedings. Yet, many veterans are unaware of their importance until they face difficulties years later.
If you do not have a copy of your approved Medical Board Proceedings, do not delay. File an Online RTI Application through the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), clearly mention your concerned Record Office, attach a valid identity proof, and request a certified copy of your IMB/RMB documents.
Taking this simple step today can protect your rights and ensure that you have the necessary evidence to pursue any future disability pension or compensation claim with confidence.
ESM Info Club Advice: Every Defence Pensioner and Ex-Serviceman should maintain a personal file containing all pension, medical, and service-related documents. Proper documentation is the strongest safeguard for protecting your pensionary and legal entitlements.