New medical element assists separating Airmen Published Jan. 27, 2015 By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A new office in the 71st Medical Group is up and running to assist Airmen separating from active duty and incoming Team Vance members. The Medical Standards Element, which came into effect Air Force-wide in October 2014, handles medical clearance for Airmen who receive permanent-change-of-station orders, are retiring, separating, retraining, or transitioning to the Air Force Guard or Reserve. Along with separations, they are the belly button for in-processing new Team Vance members, who previously visited the Public Health Element. "We had people retiring who did not know what benefits they were entitled to and left in the dark," said August Schaefer, the medical standards element manager. "We are here to make sure that never happens again." Separating personnel will consult with medical standards Airmen to discuss the eligibility of disability claims before visiting Veteran's Affairs for a physical to make sure all their ducks are in a row. "We will help them make sure their claims are in order so they aren't rejected because they are missing some form or record," said Schaefer. Those who do not make any medical disability claims will receive a physical from a medical standards nurse. The new office is across from immunizations in the Vance Clinic.