20.8.4 Discharges 'Below Medical Standard' (BMS)

In general, no prima facie presumption should be drawn that a member discharged as BMS ('Below Medical Standard') is entitled to incapacity compensation. In some cases, the member will have been offered, but declined, alternative suitable employment or will have a substantial capacity for suitable employment. Medical and other evidence should be collected before approving compensation for incapacity.

Note however, that cases do occur (chiefly older discharges) where the circumstances of a BMS discharge are indistinguishable from those of a MUFS discharge. In such cases, the MUFS (i.e. MEC 4) procedures should be followed.