There’s no doubt that military service can be physically challenging. The physical demands and requirements to serve one’s country can and may eventually take its’ toll. Over time, there may come a time when you are required to test your fitness for continued service. Under normal circumstances, a service member who is sick or injured will be placed on light duty or no duty. If your injury or sickness is prolonged, a formal medical discharge process can initiate through the MEB and/or the PEB. If you are in a potential situation that may result in MEB or PEB processing, or you are currently going through this process, you may want to consult with an experienced military attorney to help determine what is best for you.
How Does The MEB/PEB Process Work?
With the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) process, a soldier goes through a complete evaluation of all medical conditions. Once this evaluation concludes, the MEB makes a decision on whether the soldier’s condition or conditions fail the standard.
If it is determined that the soldier’s condition fails the standard, the soldier is then referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), which determines fitness for continued service. Any condition failing the standard is assigned a disability rating percentage. This rating, or percentage, ultimately determines whether you, as the soldier, will continue with active service.
In many situations, soldiers do not receive the news from the MEB/PEB process which he or she was expecting. In addition to the already overwhelming & complicated process, this can add additional frustration. In times like these, it is best to consult with an experienced military attorney who is familiar with this process & your rights. At Williams Stone, PC, two of our attorneys served 20 years each in the U.S. Marine Corps and are very familiar with your rights as they relate to the MEB/PEB process.
Your Decision Making During This Process
Very important decisions lie ahead of you if you are being evaluated by the MEB or PEB. The PEBLO can definitely help provide general information for you, and the military has attorneys who can represent service members, but it may be in your best interest to hire a civilian attorney that has multiple lawyers who have served in the military for many years and have extensive experience handling high-stakes cases. At Williams Stone, PC, we are this law firm and welcome your call.
Knowing and deciding whether you have the physical ability to continue service is the very first thing you’ll need to decide. Next, you need to know whether you want to fight to stay in the service even though you’re injured or have an illness. If your choice is to challenge and fight, a lengthy process will most likely initiate involving the findings of the board, the need for a nonmedical assessment from your chain of command that is favorable, proof that you are deployable, are capable of meeting the physical fitness requirements and standards of your service and are able to perform in your MOS. With all of these requirements, a proven military attorney who knows this process may definitely be in your best interest.
By working with our attorneys, the facts of your case will be extensively reviewed & we’ll be able to advise you on what potential evidence may be needed to justify a proper rating and how to get it. Our attorneys will also work with you if an appeal is necessary. Every soldier’s situation is unique and we encourage you to contact us today at 540-625-1913 to discuss the MEB/PEB process further with our law firm.
Appealing The Medical/Physical Evaluation Board Results
After a formal hearing deciding whether or not your injury or sickness has made you unfit for duty & eligible for separation or disability discharge, you can choose whether to accept or appeal the decision.
Before accepting a decision or deciding to appeal, it is important to speak with a military attorney regarding your situation. Simply accepting may result in you losing your rights to appeal at a later date.
Contact Williams Stone, PC Today
If you’ve been referred to an MEB, it’s important you call Williams Stone, PC today.
We can assist with the following & more:
- IDES/MEB process explanation
- Case assessment and document review
- Requests for medical treatment/documentation
- Non-Medical Assessment (NMA) review
- Narrative summary (NARSUM) review
- Impartial Medical Review (IMR) requests
- Veterans Affairs (VA) reconsideration petitions
- Formal PEB hearing preparation
- Coordination with other agencies/organizations to secure benefits
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
