Author Archives: John Gately
The Purpose of VA One-time Reconsideration Requests
Many times when I am reviewing initial IDES combined rating decisions with prospective clients, they will tell me that they want to go to a formal hearing (“FPEB”) to increase the ratings assigned to DOD unfitting conditions. Frankly, in the IDES process, that is not how things work. The purpose of FPEBs is to add […]
Celebrating the anniversary of the Scott O’Grady Rescue
Today’s post is different than most- given all of the angst raised by the SGT Bergdahl prisoner exchange, I thought that it would be worth reminding all Americans of a special moment in our military history. You see, today is a day worth celebrating- the anniversary of the day that we brought home Scott O’Grady. […]
Celebrating the anniversary of the Scott O’Grady Rescue
Today’s post is different than most- given all of the angst raised by the SGT Bergdahl prisoner exchange, I thought that it would be worth reminding all Americans of a special moment in our military history. You see, today is a day worth celebrating- the anniversary of the day that we brought home Scott O’Grady. […]
For Coasties Only
Given the unique nature of the Coast Guard’s legacy disability system, I have taken the liberty of developing a booklet providing specific action steps that are designed to help you to work with me to obtain the best possible results for you and your family. These tips address every stage of the process and are […]
When to Hire Counsel
Today I had to break the news to three DOD service members seeking to retain counsel for formal hearings that there was no way in which I could effectively represent them in hearings that were only a week away. You see, by the time that you reach the formal hearing stage, you have been in […]
When to Hire Counsel
Today I had to break the news to three DOD service members seeking to retain counsel for formal hearings that there was no way in which I could effectively represent them in hearings that were only a week away. You see, by the time that you reach the formal hearing stage, you have been in […]
USAF Summary FPEB Requests
The Air Force FPEB has now effectively standardized my customary practice of submitting formal case outlines with exhibits in order to determine whether a summary decision- an “on the record “decision- may be granted. It is critical that you and your attorney ensure that this information is provided to the FPEB at least 72 hours […]
The Night Before Your Hearing
We will spend several hours the night before your formal hearing supplementing all of our previous telephonic, written and electronic case preparation. This is the time when I will walk you through all aspects of how the board will proceed the following day- including voir dire of board members, opening statements, the presentation of evidence, […]
The Night Before Your Hearing
We will spend several hours the night before your formal hearing supplementing all of our previous telephonic, written and electronic case preparation. This is the time when I will walk you through all aspects of how the board will proceed the following day- including voir dire of board members, opening statements, the presentation of evidence, […]
USAF Summary FPEB Requests
The Air Force FPEB has now effectively standardized my customary practice of submitting formal case outlines with exhibits in order to determine whether a summary decision- an “on the record “decision- may be granted. It is critical that you and your attorney ensure that this information is provided to the FPEB at least 72 hours […]
