The MEB/PEB Process Isn’t Just Paperwork—It’s Your Future. Here’s How to Protect It.
When you’ve served your country with honor, you deserve a fair and compassionate process when facing a medical retirement. But too often, the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) process feels anything but fair. That’s why defending your rights isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about ensuring your future is secure.
The Process: What’s at Stake
The MEB/PEB process determines whether you are fit for duty and, if not, the level of disability compensation to which you are entitled. The decisions made during this process affect:
- Whether you are separated or medically retired
- The amount of disability pay you receive (or don’t)
- Your eligibility for TRICARE, commissary privileges, and other benefits
- Your ability to transition to VA benefits with the right rating
It’s not just a decision about your health—it’s a decision that can shape your financial security, healthcare access, and family stability for the rest of your life.
When the Rating Is Wrong
Imagine this: after months—sometimes years—of dealing with chronic pain, surgeries, or mental health challenges, you finally reach the end of your service. You expect a fair assessment. But then the PEB assigns you a 10% rating instead of 50%. That number means the difference between medical separation and a full medical retirement.
Medical separation with a low rating might offer a one-time severance. That’s it. No retirement pay. No continued TRICARE. No permanent disability compensation. And to make it worse, that rating can affect your VA benefits too.
You can appeal, but the window is tight. You’re suddenly faced with legal jargon, deadlines, and a system that doesn’t always explain your options. You’re trying to recover and plan for the next chapter—but now you’re also expected to navigate one of the most complex administrative processes in the military.
Why Legal Support Matters
This is where a skilled attorney can change everything. A legal team with experience in the MEB/PEB system can:
- Review your medical file for errors or missing documentation
- Request an Independent Medical Review
- Build a strong rebuttal for the informal PEB findings
- Represent you at a formal hearing
- Fight for the correct disability rating and retirement status
- Advise you on when and how to transition to VA claims
The process is filled with legal hurdles that are easy to trip over without help. Timelines are short, evidence rules are strict, and appealing a bad decision takes both precision and persistence.
You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone—especially when you’re already facing the challenges of a disabling condition.
Compassion, Not Complication
You’ve carried out your duties with loyalty and resilience. Now the system should carry out its responsibility with fairness and integrity. The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon believes in standing up for those who stood up for all of us. We help ensure the MEB/PEB process doesn’t fail you, and that your rating reflects the true impact of your condition.
About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon
Based in Washington, DC, the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon is one of the nation’s leading military and federal defense firms. We represent active duty, reserve, guard, retired, and civilian federal employees across all branches. With decades of experience in military disability, retirement law, and administrative appeals, we guide service members through every step of the MEB/PEB process and beyond—ensuring your service is honored and your rights are protected.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. Individuals facing legal or administrative challenges should consult with a qualified attorney who is experienced in military and Federal law to receive guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.