Five Steps to Winning Your PEB Case
If you are a service member who has been injured and are not able to perform your duties, the odds are quite high that you will be processed through your branch's version of the Physical Evaluation Board ("PEB") system. For those in the DOD, you will be processed through the Joint DOD/VA IDES system. For those in the Coast Guard, you will be processed through its version of the IDES/VA system. Not to worry — I have been successfully representing clients in all branches of the armed and uniformed services in both systems for more than two decades.
Step One — Obtain the Best Advice Possible
The most important thing you can do when facing a Physical Evaluation Board is to obtain the best legal advice and representation available. The PEB process is complex, and the stakes — your career, your benefits, your future — are enormous. An experienced military disability attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the system effectively.
Step Two — Defining Your Goals
Before you can achieve your goals, you must define them. Do you want to remain on active duty? Are you seeking a disability retirement? Are you looking to maximize your disability rating? Understanding what you want to achieve will shape every decision you make throughout the PEB process.
Step Three: Learning the Rules and How the Game is Played
The PEB process is governed by a complex set of regulations and policies that vary by branch of service. Understanding these rules — and how they are applied in practice — is essential to achieving a favorable outcome. An experienced attorney can help you understand the rules and develop a strategy to achieve your goals.
Step Four: Take Responsibility for Your Own Medical Care
Your medical records are the foundation of your PEB case. It is essential that you take an active role in your medical care, ensuring that all of your conditions are properly documented and that your records accurately reflect the severity of your disabilities. Do not assume that the military medical system will do this for you.
Step Five: Recognize the Importance of Non-medical Evidence
While medical evidence is the cornerstone of any PEB case, non-medical evidence can also play a crucial role. Statements from fellow service members, supervisors, and family members can help paint a complete picture of how your disabilities affect your ability to perform your duties and your daily life.
It is up to you to seek out the best advice and representation that you can to achieve your goals in the PEB arena. It will require some additional effort on days that you may feel as though you cannot even stand up, but it will be worth it in the end. After all, it is your future — make it a good one.
If you would like my help with your case, please complete my contact form and indicate the best times and days to call you. Not to worry, I am glad to be able to help.