Author Archives: John Gately

Prior to every formal hearing, I always provide board members with an overview of our case that outlines our goals and discusses the evidence supporting our contentions.  For every condition that you seek to have found unfitting at a formal hearing, it is necessary for us to provide board members with a clear, cogent analysis […]

In Navy PEB cases, I always file a formal reconsideration petition prior to formal hearings. This is a “second bite at the apple” should your initial reconsideration petition be denied on the IPEB level.  If our petition is granted, then we will receive a summary decision- an “on the record decision”.  If it is not […]

In Navy PEB cases, I always file a formal reconsideration petition prior to formal hearings. This is a “second bite at the apple” should your initial reconsideration petition be denied on the IPEB level.  If our petition is granted, then we will receive a summary decision- an “on the record decision”.  If it is not […]

Prior to every formal hearing, I always provide board members with an overview of our case that outlines our goals and discusses the evidence supporting our contentions.  For every condition that you seek to have found unfitting at a formal hearing, it is necessary for us to provide board members with a clear, cogent analysis […]

For a witness to be effective, he or she must be prepared regarding the questions that you will ask, as well as those that you expect the board members to ask.  In Coast Guard cases, you must also anticipate the questions that your opponent will ask.  Any witness that I call in your case will […]

For a witness to be effective, he or she must be prepared regarding the questions that you will ask, as well as those that you expect the board members to ask.  In Coast Guard cases, you must also anticipate the questions that your opponent will ask.  Any witness that I call in your case will […]

This week’s hearings drove home a critical lesson- when health care providers question the frequency and consistency with which clients display symptoms of orthopedic and neurological complaints, it is vital to have nonmedical evidence witnesses testify live or via speakerphone on these points.  Today I had a very salty prior enlisted “black shoe” testify in […]

This week’s hearings drove home a critical lesson- when health care providers question the frequency and consistency with which clients display symptoms of orthopedic and neurological complaints, it is vital to have nonmedical evidence witnesses testify live or via speakerphone on these points.  Today I had a very salty prior enlisted “black shoe” testify in […]

Nonmedical evidence is absolutely critical to winning your military disability case.  No matter what is contained in your medical records, both IPEB and FPEB members want to know how each potentially unfitting condition affects you in the military workplace.  If you want to be found fit, it is critical to have letters from supervisors and […]

In Army IDES PEB cases, it is vital that your Commander’s Functional and Performance Statement be drafted in a manner that supports your goals. Why?  Well, first because your servicing medical officers will want to incorporate its language into your MEB Narrative summary, if the form has been completed prior to your medical board physical. […]