Author Archives: John Gately

The most important question you will be asked about any referred diagnoses are listed on Page One of your VA Form 21-0819 is how these medical conditions impact you in the performance of your duties.  If you want to be found Fit and anticipate that you may have to fight this issue on the FPEB […]

​As of March 2017, it appears that the various DOD services are offering their members the choice of participating in the IDES or legacy PEB systems.  For active duty service members, the IDES process combining VA and DOD ratings is usually the best option. While the legacy system is quicker, the disability percentages assigned by […]

​In a major change to the TDRL process, all service members placed on the TDRL with a retirement date on or after January 1, 2017 will no longer enjoy a five-year period in which their cases may be reviewed and finalized.  For persons retiring on or after January 1, 2017, all cases will be adjudicated […]

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will host an awards ceremony to honor the lives lost and recognize heroic actions during the tragic event on Sept. 16, 2013, at the Washington Navy Yard. It will be streamed live at 9:30 a.m. (EDT).  Here is the link to view this moment of remembrance, along with a […]

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will host an awards ceremony to honor the lives lost and recognize heroic actions during the tragic event on Sept. 16, 2013, at the Washington Navy Yard. It will be streamed live at 9:30 a.m. (EDT).  Here is the link to view this moment of remembrance, along with a […]

It is quite common for me to deal with issues concerning inadequate medical care or a lack of support from my clients’ command structure whilst they are going through the IDES or legacy process.  However, many clients lack the perspective to realize that formal hearing panels are focused solely upon your medical condition(s) and how […]

It is quite common for me to deal with issues concerning inadequate medical care or a lack of support from my clients’ command structure whilst they are going through the IDES or legacy process.  However, many clients lack the perspective to realize that formal hearing panels are focused solely upon your medical condition(s) and how […]

Today’s case illustrated the importance of developing a good rapport with your client.  By spending hours practicing responses to the types of quesitons that I would ask as well as those that might be raise dby baord members, my client was quite comfortable, relaxed and able to think on his feet.  These practice sessions refreshed his  memory and brought to […]

Today’s case illustrated the importance of developing a good rapport with your client.  By spending hours practicing responses to the types of quesitons that I would ask as well as those that might be raise dby baord members, my client was quite comfortable, relaxed and able to think on his feet.  These practice sessions refreshed his  memory and brought to […]

One of the biggest administrative difficulties that I encounter occurs when clients do not properly plan their travel to formal hearings to allow for several hours of preparation the night before the proceedings. While we will have undergone extensive preparation by phone, Skype and other methods ahead of time, the night before your hearing is […]