OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS

This post, like this site, is a work in progress. I realized recently that even though all the information on the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) can be found here, first time visitors probably need a guide to understand what is going on with their case.

I will be posting a more comprehensive "Guide" in the near future. But for now, I want to put out this post to help newcomers and members alike understand how to use this site.

First, in the Physical Disability Evaluation System Overview Forum, you can find some basic overview/information papers on understanding the process. The updated "Guide" that I will publish will eventually replace the info papers found there. But for now, you can get a grasp of the process.

I will try to cover some high points. The PDES is mandated by Federal Law. The system is composed of four components:
1) Medical Evaluation (carried out by the MEB).
2) Physical Disability Evaluation (Carried out by PEB)
3) Counseling (carried out by PEBLO)
4) Personnel Action/Approval. (Carried out by Service Secretary or designee).


The MEB will determine if you have conditions that are disqualifying for retention. They do not make fitness determination, nor do they assign ratings. Their most important function as far as your case is concerned is in accurately diagnosing your conditions, and providing other info in their Narrative Summary. In order to find what conditions are disqualifying you should look here, depending on your Branch of Service:

Army AR 40-501 Chapter 3
Navy/USMC SECNAVINST 1850.4E Chapter 8
Air Force AFI 48-123.
Coast Guard Medical Manual, Chapter 3 Section F

If you have conditions that they are not considering, you have the right to appeal the findings and recommendations of the MEB.
Here are the regulations covering the MEB for each Service:

Army AR 40-400, Patient Administration. Chapter 7
Navy/USMC Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 18
Air Force AFI 41-210, Chapter 10
Coast Guard COMDTINST M1850.2D

You should also look in the MEB Forum for some posts on MEBs.

Once you have identified what conditions are disqualifying, you should look them up in the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities. You can find each system in this link to Conditions Forum. Once you have found each condition, you should compare your conditions to the rating criteria and see what you should be rated at. If you have the results of an Informal PEB in hand, you should also see what the criteria is for what they rated you at and compare what you think is correct versus what they actually rated you at. If there is a difference, you need to think about why they did not rate you at the higher level. Oftentimes, it is because you lack evidence of the severity of your condition. You should try to think of ways to better document your condition. This may include other medical evaluations, examinations, photographic evidence, or statements from others. Your own testimony may help as well.

You should read this post on Fitness vs. Unfitness. You can only be rated by the PEB for conditions that are unfitting. The following links contain the regulations for each Service's PEB:

Army AR 635-40
Navy/USMC SECNAVINST 1850.4E
Air Force AFI 36-3212
Coast Guard COMDTINST M1850.2D

You may want to look over the following forums for discussions on Informal PEBs and Formal PEBs.

Later, I will post some on how to find info on appeals and post administrative remedies.

One last thought. I have been privileged to represent Servicemembers both on active duty and in private practice as a civilian attorney. I have learned that there are three very important phases of your case. The first happens well before the PEB. It can make a huge difference in your case if you have a good understanding of what you will be rated on and how to ensure your conditions are properly documented. The next crucial phase is the Formal PEB. Here, a good advocate can present your case in the strongest manner, but equally important is identifying and preserving the legal errors made in your case. The third crucial phase is in appealing the decision if the PEB has made an error in your case. Based on this, my best advice is to start educating yourself and preparing for your case early. In this way, you can better understand what is happening with your case and you can ensure you have the evidence you need to get an accurate rating. Waiting until you are at the Formal hearing before preparing is putting yourself at a disadvantage.

Okay, like I said, this is a work in progress. Any requests will be considered.
 
A rating of 30% is required for retirement if you have less than 20 years of service. At 20 years or more of active federal service, any unfit finding will get a retirement finding.
 
Jason or anyone who can help,
I have been looking all around the forum for the answer to my question and no luck so I will just ask here. I was diagnosed with PTSD just before leaving active duty in the Army (VA rated 60% upon separation) I was unaware of what my findings would be so I joined the Active reserves in fear of re-deploying (so I have no break in service.) I have been sent an option sheet if you will asking do I want a honorable discharge or MEB. My plan was to go through with the MEB in hopes of a medical retirement. I called the DAV in my area today to ask them a question about the MEB guys' request for an LOD. He informed me that since my injury happened while I was on active duty and I have already been separated from active duty, that I do not qualify for medical retirement or severance since it is the reserves MEBing me out and this did not happen when I was in the reserves. What do I do? is that info correct? Also I read that if you have less than 20 years in that you cant draw military retirement and VA disability, is this correct? BTW I have 7 years in.

Thank you!
-Frank
 
No, that is flat out wrong. Your injury was incurred on active duty, so you are eligible. You need an LOD done by your present unit. Ask for the PEB, but you need to have an LOD done first. Your unit needs to do this.

The general rule is that you cannot get both DoD and VA disability compensation. If you have more than 20 years, you can qualify for Concurrent Disability and Retirement Pay (CRDP). In your case, it sounds like you would qualify for Combat Related Special Compensation (assuming your PTSD is as a result of combat experience). So, you may be able to get at least a partial restoration of your DoD offset money.
 
Thanks a lot Jason,
I just breathed a sigh of relief...so there should be no problem with having an LOD filled out 3 years after I was diagnosed? I called my unit and asked them to do an LOD and they couldn't wrap their head around it, they said my medical records and VA award letter should be enough. I'm glad and thankful for you developing this forum because just in my little experience with this process, it is mind boggling how many people, who are supposed to know answers about this stuff, really are ill informed!
 
Good luck getting a fair deal with a back injury in the military. I hope you get good doctors. My husband was hurt 4 years ago on deployment and everything was done wrong. He has an LOD and is unable to work, forced to leave his civilian job as a police officer, and army said he is unfit for any duty. Yet they only granted him 40 percent disability. The flawed disabilty rating is very antiquated. Does not rate high for back injuries. Fight for everything, get good advice, and maybe even seek legal advice from someone who knows the military system. We did not, and the Army took advantage of my husband, who is a great guy and used to folllowing orders. Don't be afraid, like he was, to make waves. I will pray for you.
 
sir, my husband has been in the Army for almost 17 years and just had an internal defibrillator put in his chest due to him collapsing during PT and suffering sudden cardiac death because of V-fib. We were told by his PA that they have to send him to a MEB but not being told much else. What happen's now? He feel's like he let everyone down because of his health problem. A MRI showed possible Hypertrophic cardiomyapathy but we aren't sure if he has that. We have also been told that if he has that disease that the VA will not compensate him for that because they say that it is hereditary and that he should have known about it before the army. No one in his family has ever been diagnosed with that or suffered from sudden Cardiac Death. What can we do so that he can finish out his 20 and retire the way we want to.
 
Both the military and VA are required to presume conditions, not noted on the entry physical, are service connected or service aggravated, making the condition compensable. To deny benefits, both the military and VA must overcome the presumptions of service connection and aggravation with clear and unmistakable evidence tot he contrary.

The military, by law, compensates unfitting conditions even if they existed prior to serivce if the member is on active duty and has at least eight years of active duty credit.

The outcome of you husband's case could be retention on active duty, medical separation or medical retirement. If he desires to stay on active duty, he would benefit greatly by getting twenty years and being potentially eligible for CRDP.

Mike
 
He want's to finish his 20 and retire with his pride and dignity and honor intact. Right now it seem's like his unit is ready to write him off or put him out to pasture...word's that my husband uses. He couldn't even become an instructor because his GT score is too low but not sure what else he will be able to do.
 
Hi, just found these boards and was wondering if someone could help me out. I was in week 7 of BCT when I was diagnosed with a grade 4 tension side femoral neck stress fracture. The CPT in the Physical Therapy dept. that's handling my case said that my injury is too severe and that just a medical discharge would not be an option, I have to be Med Boarded. Right now I'm on 30 day Con Leave so that I can heal enough to survive in the barracks while I wait through the whole process (the CPT had to really push even for the orthopedic surgeon to approve my Con Leave, and if I injury myself any more I'll need a hip replacement).

Basically I was just wondering what I can look forward to. Does the Med Board process take longer if you're in BCT? And does anyone know the likelihood of me coming out of this with any benefits? Is there any way to speed this process along? And if it is unlikely that I would recieve any benefits would it be possible for me to refuse the Med Board and just go for a medical discharge? Most importantly, would there be any way for me to wait out the Med Board process at home? I'm just trying to get some answers before I return to the barracks and am cut off from all outside knowledge. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
You do not want a medical discharge. You would leave with no benefits whatsoever except possible VA benefits after a year-long wait. With a MED BOARD (MEB) you could receive three outcomes: return to duty, separation with severance, or medical retirement. Medical retirement would be in one of two forms: Permanent (unlikely) or Temporary (TDRL). If temporary, you'd be required to get a follow-up exam every 18 months until you are stabilized. If stabilized you could be returned to duty, given a severance, or permanently retired.

DO NOT refuse a MED Board. You could be throwing away benefits you'd receive the rest of your life!

You still belong to the military and until the MEB/PEB process is complete you must be immediately available. Special approval would be required for you to even take leave as you could be called back at any time to take exams or meet with your PCM. Once the MED Board process is initiated, you will meet with a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) who will be able to explain the process and answer most of your specific BCT questions.

It could be that after your 30 days CONV leave you'd be healed enough to perform light duties. Fractures have a way of healing themselves.
 
Hi,
I am waaay new to all of this forum stuff so feel free to advise if I am doing something wrong... Anyways I have some questions...

1. I NEED HELP! People seem to assume that because I have been in since 07 that I know what all these things are but I do not. I am Army National Guard and my unit does not seem to be a very good source of information and help. I have one or two people who do what they can but I am still confused.

Here is a brief overview;
I was injured during basic training in 07 but I was BSed about how LODs work so I have only one when I should have two to three. Then they lost my medical file so I cannot even obtain a retro-active LOD. I have a very crapy situation and therefore cannot obtain medical insurance (yes even tri-care). My unit placed me on temp profile when I arrived in 08 and I have been on it ever since because nobody knew what to do. I FINALLY was sent to a VA ortho Doc who did a VERY brief eval and some ex-rays. He could not figure out what was wrong with me so he told me I had Fibromyalgia. Then he issued me a perm profile that said I could not do anything except walk at my own pace because I had "Myofascial pain syndrome" (which I do not believe is true).
SO now I have been recommended for a non-duty related medical separation. I was given the option to take it to a PEB so I did, but now I do not know what to do next.
I was sent a packet of things to be completed and returned to the PEB I have asked for help and was told to seek Soldier Council at the place where my PEB will be (most likely Ft Lewis, WA) however I cannot even seem to find this information.
Furthermore, whatever is wrong with me I feel is duty related as I had NO problems before I was injured in training, however it seems there is no way to get them to change this non- duty related status.
I am very frustrated and confused. My ETS date is Oct 26, 2012 and I AT LEAST wanted to finish my contract. I also wanted for my medical problems to be properly handled by the military as I believe they are the cause! I know people who took medical discharges during basic training and are getting compensated for their injuries as well as PTSD and many other things simply because they knew how to work the system to their advantage. I feel I did the right thing and stayed in and was honest and finished my training and lived up to the Army values by not quitting, fulfilling my obligation, serving selflessly, and having the integrity and personal courage not to puss out and take a discharge when I knew I did not need one much-less play the system to get paid for things I did not deserve like other did! However now I am being put out because nobody wants to take the time to properly resolve this, and its insulting that it is happening so close to the end of my contract! It makes me feel like a failure for doing what I believed what the right, and honest thing!

Please help me prove I can still do my duties no matter what may or may not be wrong with me at this point.

I am a National Guard Medic in a non-deployable unit. We conduct PHAs every month. My civilian job is a care-giver for a 58 year old hemiplegic. I do EVERYTHING for her. So if I can carry around a 150 pound woman all day 5x per week then am I not qualified enough to give a few EKGs or run a urinalysis station and sign my name a few times once a month???

Thank you to anyone and everyone who took the time to read this and also to anyone who has any words of advice or guidance!
 
First, I would like to thank those that created this board. This is very hard for me. I have sent many Soldiers through this process and did not realize how much of a maze it is and how nerve wracking it is unitl now I have to go through it. I am a Captain, Field Artillery, and I love my job. I was transfered to this office position to "reset" a little after multiple deployments. Over the course of a year to make a long story short I was diagnosised with Multilple Sclerosis. My neuro says that it is relapisng/remitting. My mom has MS as well. I am on drugs not for the rest of my life. I am going through the new IDES process and have a few questions. Since I am an AD FA Officer I will cannot progress in my career with a P2 or P3 profile. We can song and dance it, but at the end of the day if I cannot deploy and serve in austere locations that my career is basically over. I do not want to do anything else.

Now that I have given everyone the background now I want to get to the meat of my issue.

My MEB was going along nicely and out of the blue I get a call from the MEB doctor writing the NARSUM. He said that I am not severly enough disabled to go to the PEB. I told him GREAT, now remove the profile completely so that I can go on to my 20. I have 11 years in now. He said that he wanted to give me a P2 profile and call it a day. Well I went nuts. I told him that irregarless of what he thinks, no Brigade commander is going to let me command if I cannot deploy or might lose the ability to see or use an apendage. He got with my commander and came down a different way. My C-o-C wrote me a glowing letter of recommendation but at the end of the day could not support me staying in because of my future position. I am awaiting the NARSUM for review. Any advice?
 
I am a new member that just found this sight and I have tried to research this question before asking it as a repeat, but it applies to the new Navy PRT instruction which now states that if you have two waivers in row, you will automatically be sent to a PEB. I just left my PCM and he said if I miss these two upcoming PRT's, I will be admin sep'd not PEB'd or MED'd. Can I just be admin sep'd for missing two PRT's? Wouldn't they have to look at my condition on a PEB or MEB? I have Degenerative disk disease on my L4, L5, and S1 with bulging disks from an injury on the flight deck. Thanks to any one who responds!
 
If I understand the regulation right you are not eligible for MEB if you have less than six months in service.

Hi, just found these boards and was wondering if someone could help me out. I was in week 7 of BCT when I was diagnosed with a grade 4 tension side femoral neck stress fracture. The CPT in the Physical Therapy dept. that's handling my case said that my injury is too severe and that just a medical discharge would not be an option, I have to be Med Boarded. Right now I'm on 30 day Con Leave so that I can heal enough to survive in the barracks while I wait through the whole process (the CPT had to really push even for the orthopedic surgeon to approve my Con Leave, and if I injury myself any more I'll need a hip replacement).

Basically I was just wondering what I can look forward to. Does the Med Board process take longer if you're in BCT? And does anyone know the likelihood of me coming out of this with any benefits? Is there any way to speed this process along? And if it is unlikely that I would recieve any benefits would it be possible for me to refuse the Med Board and just go for a medical discharge? Most importantly, would there be any way for me to wait out the Med Board process at home? I'm just trying to get some answers before I return to the barracks and am cut off from all outside knowledge. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
Hi, I am trying to find out some information. I have been recommended for MEB due to MDD -- Recurring and three hospitalizations for it in 8 years. My psychiatrist wrote me P3 profile on Thursday. I know he had to forward it to someone else for approval. What can I expect to happen?

Also my Command said they will not transfer me to the WTU. Also even though it says in my profile I can not be in a stressful environment, need access to Behavioral Health Professionals and must be given enough time between shifts to gty 8 hours of sleep along with no overnights, they still intend to send me to the field in October. Do I have any recourse about going to the field and can I request to be PCSd to WTU?
 
I am an Army Reserve Soldier (with a 20 yr letter and 24 'good'years)I was injured during my tour to Iraq in 2005. After just over 6 years, I've finally been medically discharged with an Army rating of 60% and, I"m on the Permanent list. I was promoted to Major on October 2012 and my retirement orders were effective on January 23, 2013. My condition was rated as a direct result of combat and an instrument of war. I think my rating is good but, I'm having a very difficult time finding relevant information. received my orders on the day they were effecitve, so I had no time to clear my unit or educate myself on my new retirement benefits. I am currently appealing my VA claim and I am getting ready to initiate another claime for a primare unfitting condition that the Army has rated 50%. My current VA rating is 70%. I am seeking information on the following.
  1. Where can I get information on my retirement pay and benefits. Everything I can find is either directed at active duty or strict reservist retiring at age 60.
  2. How can I get my pay grade corrected to reflect the new pay grade?
  3. Would it be possible to change the effective date of my retirement to allow me to write evals/ awards / clear the unit properly?
  4. Is there any seminars for people with my retirement circumstances where I can learn more about what is available to me?
  5. Is there anything else I need to consider at this point?
 
Speaking from memory, others can provide more details.

1. Your total active duty and reserve points are added together to determine your years of service for retirement pay purposes. As an 04 with 7200 points, that would be 20 years (7200 / 360). If you have only 3600 points, that would be 10 years. For active duty pay an 0-4 with 10 years=x. For retirement pay multiply your 60% times x. On numerous sites, you can find tables for computing reserve retirement pay as well.

2. BCMR, visit Army online site
3. You were not well informed by your PEBLO about the orders process--typical. You should have been asked for a requested retirement date based on unit out processing time (normally around 60 days) plus and accumulated leave time. I'd put the PEBLO to work on this one if he/she screwed up and didn't provide you with your entitled options.
4. TAP seminars are supposed to be mandatory before separation. The PEBLO missed the mark on that one to. You can receive them from any military installation while on active duty or after retirement. Contact personnel office.
5. Consider reviewing your entire medical record to see if you should have been rated for any other unfitting conditions by the military. If you find something, submit it with your request to the BCMR. Also, make sure all your service connected medical conditions have been applied for with the VA.
 
I have recently had an MEB submitted from my PCM. I recieved a AF form 422 stating that I was disquallified to continue in my AFPC as a firefighter but qualified for retention. What does this mea? Does that mean it still needs to go to the MEB section to determin if I can still retain AD status? Has that desicion been made already? Will it go to the PEB office and be decided there if I am going to be coded? The form I recieved didn't specify that I was going to be coded. I am just wondering if I am going to be relassified or if they are going to decide that I just need to be seperated. What if I don't want to be retrained into something else. Can I just opt to get out?
 
I have recently had an MEB submitted from my PCM. I recieved a AF form 422 stating that I was disquallified to continue in my AFPC as a firefighter but qualified for retention. What does this mea? Does that mean it still needs to go to the MEB section to determin if I can still retain AD status? Has that desicion been made already? Will it go to the PEB office and be decided there if I am going to be coded? The form I recieved didn't specify that I was going to be coded. I am just wondering if I am going to be relassified or if they are going to decide that I just need to be seperated. What if I don't want to be retrained into something else. Can I just opt to get out?
The form will be sent to the MEB. They will make the decision if you will go through the board. For the moment, please read up on the info on this site and try not to stress over thos too much. You may just get lucky and be able to reclass... What is the injury/illness that they are submitting for?
 
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