AF Form 348R: Line of Duty for Restricted Sexual Assault – AF Form 348R: Line of Duty Determination for Restricted Report of Sexual Assault is a specialized U.S. Air Force form designed to support victims of sexual assault who choose the Restricted Reporting option while ensuring access to critical benefits, medical care, and disability processing.
This form enables a confidential Line of Duty (LOD) determination without compromising the privacy protections of a Restricted Report. It is particularly relevant for Air Force, Space Force, and Air Reserve Component (ARC) members, including Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel, who experience physical or psychological conditions linked to a sexual assault reported confidentially.
What Is Restricted Reporting in the Air Force?
The Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force offer two primary options for reporting sexual assault through the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program:
- Unrestricted Reporting: Triggers an official investigation, command notification, and potential legal processes.
- Restricted Reporting: Allows adult victims (service members and eligible adult dependents) to confidentially disclose the assault to specific individuals—primarily a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), SAPR Victim Advocate (VA), or certain healthcare personnel—without automatically notifying command or initiating a criminal investigation.
Under Restricted Reporting, victims can still receive:
- Medical and mental health treatment (including forensic exams where evidence may be stored anonymously).
- Victim advocacy and support services.
- Legal advice from a Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC).
- Safety assessments and other resources.
Command receives only limited, non-identifying information about the incident for oversight and safety purposes, but not the victim’s or alleged offender’s identity. Victims retain the right to convert a Restricted Report to Unrestricted at any time.
Important: Restricted Reporting is available even if the assault was disclosed to command by a third party or if an independent investigation exists (as long as the victim did not personally initiate an Unrestricted Report or report directly to law enforcement).
Purpose of AF Form 348R
Standard AF Form 348 handles general Line of Duty determinations for injuries, illnesses, or diseases incurred or aggravated in military service. However, for victims using Restricted Reporting, the Air Force created AF Form 348R specifically to protect confidentiality.
The form facilitates an LOD determination for conditions (physical injuries, mental health issues such as PTSD, or other service-aggravated conditions) stemming from the sexual assault. This is essential for:
- Accessing military medical care and benefits.
- Medical Continuation (MEDCON) orders for Air Reserve Component members.
- Incapacitation (INCAP) Pay eligibility.
- Processing through the Disability Evaluation System (DES), including Medical Evaluation Boards (MEB) or Physical Evaluation Boards (PEB) for fitness-for-duty or disability retirement/separation decisions.
In ARC sexual assault cases processed through the DES, either AF Form 348R (Restricted) or the standard AF Form 348 (Unrestricted) is required per relevant instructions like DAFI 90-6001 (SAPR Program) and DAFI 36-2910 (LOD Determinations). The disclosure on AF Form 348R is strictly limited to the information necessary for duty or disability determinations.
Download the official form here: AF Form 348R PDF
How AF Form 348R Fits into the Air Force LOD Process?
A Line of Duty determination answers whether an illness, injury, or disease was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty (ILOD) and not due to the member’s misconduct. This finding affects eligibility for benefits, pay, and disability processing.
For sexual assault cases under Restricted Reporting:
- The form allows a confidential LOD finding without full command or investigative disclosure.
- It supports presumptions of service connection where applicable (e.g., conditions incurred while on duty or in authorized status).
- For ARC members, it helps determine eligibility for MEDCON or INCAP Pay while protecting privacy.
Key governing documents include:
- DAFI 36-2910: Line of Duty Determination, Medical Continuation (MEDCON), and Incapacitation (INCAP) Pay (updated guidance streamlines some processes for members on extended orders).
- DAFI 36-3212: Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, and Separation.
- DoD SAPR policies (e.g., DoDI 6495.01 and 6495.02).
Note: LOD timelines and approving authorities vary; recent updates aim to accelerate determinations for certain ARC members on active-duty orders exceeding 30 days.
Who Uses AF Form 348R and When?
- Primary users: Air Force and Space Force service members (including Reserve and Guard) who filed a Restricted Report of sexual assault and now require an LOD for related medical conditions.
- When required: When the condition impacts duty performance, requires extended medical care, or enters the Disability Evaluation System. It is especially critical for ARC members seeking benefits tied to the assault.
- The form is completed with input from medical providers, SAPR personnel, and LOD authorities, while maintaining restricted status protections.
Victims should work closely with their SARC, SAPR VA, or assigned healthcare providers to initiate the process. Legal counsel (SVC) can also provide guidance on rights and documentation for VA claims, including Military Sexual Trauma (MST) benefits.
Steps for Victims Seeking LOD Support via AF Form 348R
- File a Restricted Report — Contact a SARC or SAPR VA and complete DD Form 2910 (Victim Reporting Preference Statement) to elect Restricted Reporting.
- Seek Medical/Mental Health Care — Receive treatment; document conditions potentially linked to the assault.
- Initiate LOD Determination — Coordinate with medical units, Reserve Medical Units (RMU), or appropriate LOD points of contact. For Restricted cases, use AF Form 348R.
- Provide Limited Documentation — Share only necessary details for the LOD while preserving confidentiality.
- Follow Up on Benefits — Use the finalized LOD for MEDCON, INCAP Pay, DES processing, or future VA claims.
- Consult Support — Engage your SVC, SARC, and mental health providers throughout the process.
Resources for Air Force Personnel:
- Contact your local SARC or installation SAPR office.
- DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or safehelpline.org (confidential 24/7 support).
- Air Force myAirForceBenefits or e-Publishing for official forms and instructions.
Why This Form Matters for Recovery and Benefits?
AF Form 348R balances the Air Force’s commitment to victim privacy and support with the need to document service-connected conditions for legitimate benefits. Sexual assault can lead to lasting physical and psychological effects; a proper, confidential LOD determination helps remove barriers to care and ensures eligible members receive entitled medical, financial, and disability support.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available immediately and confidentially through SAPR channels. Early access to care improves outcomes, and tools like AF Form 348R exist to protect your privacy while securing necessary benefits.
For the most current guidance, consult official Air Force publications on e-Publishing.af.mil, DAFI 36-2910, and SAPR resources. Policies and forms can be updated, so verify with your SARC or servicing legal office.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on publicly available Department of the Air Force and DoD sources. It is not legal or medical advice. Victims should consult qualified SAPR personnel, healthcare providers, and Special Victims’ Counsel for personalized guidance.