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AW2 Eligibility and Enrollment

The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. Soldiers who qualify for AW2 are assigned to the program as soon as possible after arriving at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU). AW2 supports these Soldiers and their Families throughout their recovery and transition, even into Veteran status. Through the local support of AW2 Advocates, AW2 strives to foster the Soldier's independence. There are more than 23,890 Soldiers and Veterans currently in AW2.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered eligible for entry into AW2, Soldiers must have sustained wounds, illness, or injuries incurred in the line of duty (LOD) after September 10, 2001 and received, or are expected to receive at least a 30 percent Army disability rating from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) for one of the following conditions:

AW2 Eligibility and Enrollment
  • Blindness or severe loss of vision
  • Loss of limb
  • Hearing loss or deafness
  • Burns or permanent disfigurement
  • Paralysis/spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Fatal and incurable disease with limited life expectancy of one year or less

    • - OR -

  • Receive a 30 percent IDES (Army) disability rating for any other combat related condition or condition caused by an instrumentality of war (Answering Yes to V/1 or V/3 on DA Form 199), including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other Behavioral Health (BH) conditions

    • - OR -

  • Receive a combined 50 percent IDES (Army) disability rating for any other combat related conditions or conditions caused by an instrumentality of war (Answering Yes to V/1 or V/3 on DA Form 199)

The AW2 Director has the authority to approve an exception to policy to allow a Solider or Veteran not meeting the above criteria into the AW2 Program on a case by case basis.

AW2 Advocates must check and report any changes of their Soldiers or Veterans that affect their eligibility to remain in the AW2 Program.

Please refer to AR 635-40: Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation for more information.

Enrollment

Soldiers and Veterans who meet AW2 eligibility requirements and are not currently enrolled in AW2 should contact the AW2 Call Center for assistance:

AW2 Call Center
Nationwide (toll-free): (877) 393-9058
Overseas DSN: (312) 221-9113
Email: AW2 Call Center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is every wounded Soldier eligible for AW2?

No. To be eligible for AW2, a wounded Soldier or Veteran has to meet the Eligibility Requirements for inclusion in the program. Please refer to Eligibility Requirements for AW2 entry criteria.

I have a 50 percent disability rating from Veterans Administration (VA). Do I qualify for AW2?

No, unless you meet the Army rating requirements for AW2. A Veterans Administration (VA) disability rating is different from the Army Physical Disability Agency (PDA) rating. AW2 eligibility determination is based on the Army rating and the Army rates for fitness, while the VA rates for service connection.

Am I eligible for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) or assistance with my travel claims?

Your AW2 Advocate is your first point of contact for all pay and financial questions. They can assist you in working with the appropriate Army, Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs programs. Download the fact sheet to learn more about how the AW2 can assist you with pay and benefits.

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