38 CFR §17.609
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
The initial appointment of physicians for obligated service will be made in a grade commensurate with qualifications as determined in 38 U.S.C. 7404(b) A physician serving a period of obligated service is not eligible for incentive special pay during the first three years of such obligated service. A physician may be paid primary special pay at the discretion of the Secretary upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health.