What is Convalescent Leave?

Convalescent leave is a nonchargeable absence from duty granted to expedite a soldier’s return to full duty after illness, injury, or childbirth.

The hospital commander or designee is the approval authority for convalescent leave for 30 days or less (42 days after normal pregnancy and childbirth). Only hospital commanders will approve convalescent leave in excess of 42 days after childbirth when a soldier is assigned or attached to the medical holding unit (AR 40–3, para 9–2) during one continuous period of hospitalization. If the soldier is not hospitalized, unit commander is the approval authority (para 5–5 AR 600-8-10).

The unit commander is the approval authority for up to 30 days convalescent leave (42 days after normal pregnancy and childbirth) for a soldier returning to duty after illness or injury (para 5–7 AR 600-8-10).

The approval authorities establish procedures for granting convalescent leave.

Hospital commanders are the only approval authority for requests in excess of 30 days (or in excess of 42 days for childbirth).

For more info: Using Convalescent Leave