{"id":353828,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/military\/administrative-issues-benefits\/how-do-i-prepare-for-the-physical-evaluation-board.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T20:25:06","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T01:25:06","slug":"how-do-i-prepare-for-the-physical-evaluation-board","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/military\/administrative-issues-benefits\/how-do-i-prepare-for-the-physical-evaluation-board.html","title":{"rendered":"How do I Prepare for the Physical Evaluation Board?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How do I Prepare for the Physical Evaluation Board?<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The first step of the process is the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB), which is an informal board composed of at least 2 physicians who clearly document any medical conditions and determine if a military member meets retention standards. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Service members who are injured or who suffer from medical conditions and can’t perform required duties, will enter a two-step process to determine whether they can continue serving and whether they are entitled to disability benefits.<\/p>\r\n

If the MEB determines that a service member is unfit to continue serving, the file is then sent to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), which provides a formal finding of medical fitness and determination of eligibility for disability benefits.<\/p>\r\n

The PEB process can be confusing for inexperienced attorneys and downright daunting for a service member suffering from injuries or a severe medical condition. In some ways, this process can be even more unsettling than the Social Security disability<\/a> process for civilians. During the formal PEB process, board members may ask difficult questions about your condition or injury, so it’s important to be prepared and make your best possible case. Because of this and because there\u2019s often a lot riding on a PEB determination, you should be sure to seek counsel and\/or representation from a seasoned military law attorney experienced with the PEB process.<\/p>\r\n

The Physical Evaluation Board Procedure<\/h2>\r\n

At a formal PEB hearing, the service member is given the opportunity — with the assistance of an attorney — to present their case with sworn testimony and medical evidence. Service members are typically provided active duty counsel, but a service member can hire a civilian attorney (at their own expense) if they need more involved assistance and advice.<\/p>\r\n

The PEB will determine a military member’s:<\/p>\r\n