When a certification for military caregiver leave has been completed by a non-military-affiliated health care provider, as defined in § 825.125, an employer may request a second and third opinion. (For additional information about second or third options, see Medical Certification – Second and Third Opinions.)

Second and third opinions are NOT permitted for leave to care for a veteran when the certification has been completed by a:

• U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) health care provider;
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care provider;
• DOD TRICARE network authorized private health care provider; or,
• DOD non-network TRICARE authorized private health care provider.

Recertifications are not permitted for leave to care for a veteran.

Return to Military Family Leave Certifications.