What is convalescent leave?

Convalescent leave is a type of military leave granted to active-duty service members who require time to recover from an illness, injury, or surgery. The purpose of convalescent leave is to help service members fully recover from their medical condition before returning to duty.

The length of convalescent leave can vary depending on the severity of the medical condition and the recommendations of the treating physician. Typically, convalescent leave can range from a few days to several weeks.

During convalescent leave, service members often receive medical care and support from their healthcare provider. In some cases, service members may be required to check in with their commanding officer or military medical personnel to ensure they are making progress in their recovery.

Service members are usually entitled to receive their regular pay and benefits during convalescent leave, as long as they meet certain eligibility requirements and follow the proper authorization procedures. If convalescent leave exceeds the authorized time frame, the service member may be required to take additional leave such as administrative leave or personal leave.