A Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) has the official capacity to make decisions regarding a service member’s physical condition and ability to serve. These determinations can have a serious impact on someone’s future career or benefits, depending on whether the PEB believes they meet specific standards.
In some cases, a service member may disagree with the evaluation carried out by the PEB. They should be given a chance to review this information, and they may be able to appeal the decision or take other steps to have their records updated. There are five key determinations that the board will make:
- Whether or not the service member is fit enough to continue service
- If they are eligible for compensation based on a disability
- What disability code applies to their case and the percentage rating of that disability
- The disposition of the case
- If the illness or injury that the service member is suffering is combat-related
Service members do need to provide medical evidence about their conditions and any care they have received.
The impact of the determination
Once the aforementioned determinations have been made, it can have a major impact on whether or not a service member can continue in the military and if they are eligible for benefits.
For instance, the board may set a disability percentage rating that is far lower than the service member believes is accurate. This can change the type of compensation and benefits they receive. They may be interested in appealing this decision so that they can seek the full level of benefits they believe they deserve, securing their future.
This can be a complicated process, but it is very important to understand exactly what legal steps to take. It can be helpful to work with an experienced attorney.