Topics:
The IPEB
The Appeals Process
Preparing for the PEB Process
If a service member develops a physical or mental conditionthat may make themUnfit for Duty, they must go through theIntegrated Disability Evaluation System(IDES), which combines theDoD Disability Processand theVA Disability Process. The second half of the IDES is known as the PEB Process.
The IPEB
The PEB Process begins after theMedical Evaluation Board(MEB) sends its report to the InformalPhysical Evaluation Board(IPEB), more commonly known as just the “PEB”. The PEB then reviews all the service member’sservice-connectedmedical conditions to determine which qualify forMilitary Disability Benefitsfrom the DoD.To qualify, a condition must make the service memberUnfit for Duty.
At this point in the PEB Process, the PEB either returns the service member to active duty (if no conditions qualify) or sends each of the qualifying conditions to the VA to receive aMilitary Disability Rating.
Once the qualifying conditions are rated, the case is returned to the PEB, and the PEB publishes its decision.
This stage of the PEB Process usually lasts between 2 – 3months. Depending on the complexity of the case, however, it could be shorter or longer.
At this point in the PEB Process, the service member can appeal both the PEB’s decision and the VA’sRating Decision. If the service member does not appeal, then they are either placed onTDRLor separated from the military, and the PEB Process ends.
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The Appeals Process
If the service member disagrees with the PEB’s decision, they can appeal to the next stage in the PEB Process: theFormal Physical Evaluation Board(FPEB).
Once the appeal, or “rebuttal”, is received, the FPEB reviews all the evidence of the case,holds a formal hearing, and makes a final ruling, either upholding the PEB’s original decision or replacing it with its own.
If the service member still does not agree with the FPEB’s decision, the PEB Process ends, but the service member can stillappeal to a higher authority.
At the same time, the service member can also apply to the VA for a reconsideration of its Rating Decision.
The appeals portion of the PEB Process normally lasts 1 – 2 months.
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Preparing for the PEB Process
To properly prepare for the PEB Process, preparations must be made before the start of theMEB Process. The PEB makes its decisions based on all the evidence that is forwarded to them from theMedical Evaluation Board. It is essential, then, that you properly prepare for the MEB Process in order for your PEB Process to proceed speed-bump free.
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FAQs
What is the PEB Process?
The PEB Process is the final step of the medical discharge process. A service member with a medical condition that makes them unfit for duty is referred to the Medical Evaluation Board and then on to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). The PEB reviews the conditions and determines which qualify for DoD Disability.
How long does the PEB Process take?
The PEB Process takes around 3 months to complete.
How do I apply?
You do not apply to the PEB. Instead, you are referred by your military physician to the MEB when you have conditions that they feel make you unfit for duty. The MEB then forwards the case on to the PEB for the final disability determinations.
If I qualify for DoD disability, what benefits will I receive?
If the MEB and PEB both determine that your conditions are unfitting, you will either be medically separated or medically retired, depending on your disability rating. If you are medically separated, you will receive a one-time payment. If you are medically retired, you will receive a monthly payment as well as all other retirement benefits. You will also qualify to receive disability benefits from the VA.
How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?
You will begin receiving your benefits from the DoD within 2 months of separation.
How much money will I get monthly if I'm medically retired?
The exact amount you receive monthly is determined by your based pay and either your combined rating or your retirement percentage, whichever gives you a higher payment. You can find the full equation on our DoD Disability page.
Is the PEB Process part of the IDES?
Yes. The PEB Process is the second half of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). The PEB is the final Board to review the claim for DoD Disability. They decide if the service member will be medically discharged, medically separated, put on TDRL, or returned to duty. The PEB uses the rating decision of the VA to assign ratings to the service member's conditions.
What is the purpose of the PEB?
The PEB's purpose is to decide which of the conditions make the service member Unfit for Duty and if the service member will be medically discharged, medically separated, put on TDRL, or returned to duty.
FAQs
The PEB Process is the final step of the medical discharge process. A service member with a medical condition that makes them unfit for duty is referred to the Medical Evaluation Board and then on to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). The PEB reviews the conditions and determines which qualify for DoD Disability.
How does PEB determine disability rating? ›
The PEB will decide which condition(s) (if any) makes you unfit for continued service and will send the case file to the VA, who will assign your disability ratings. The PEB will then apply the VA ratings to your unfitting conditions. Unless otherwise stated, all 'days' are calendar days.
How long does it take the PEB to make a decision? ›
After the MEB sorts through all the evidence and creates its report for the PEB, the PEB will thoroughly review it. It will take about 3 months for a decision regarding if the condition is deemed unfit for duty or not based on the job of the service member. After the waiting period, the PEB will make their decision.
How does the PEB process work? ›
The PEB is broken into four phases: informal board, member's review, formal board, and final decision. Informal Board: Once a PEB board has determined the servicemember is no longer fit for duty, the board assigns a disability rating. The disability rating determines whether the servicemember is retired or separated.
What conditions automatically qualify you for VA disability? ›
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions like these:
- Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability.
- Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease.
- Severe hearing loss.
- Scar tissue.
- Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)
- Ulcers.
A 70 percent disability rating is warranted when there is occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech ...
How do you maximize disability rating? ›
Obtain a medical opinion from a private physician or specialist that supports the claim for a higher rating. Seek assistance from a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) to file or appeal a claim. Provide evidence of service connection for new or previously denied conditions.
What is the difference between PEB and MEB? ›
The MEB is only authorized for duty related medical conditions that have been found to not meet medical retention standards per AR 40-501. The PEB is the only authority that can find a Soldier unfit for military service.
How much is 100% disability from the military? ›
2024 Pay Rates for 70% – 100% Disability Rating
| Dependent Status | 70% Disability Rating | 100% Disability Rating |
|---|
| Veteran (No Dependents) | $1,716.28 | $3,737.85 |
| Veteran with Spouse (No Dependents) | $1,861.28 | $3,946.25 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 1 Child | $1,968.28 | $4,098.87 |
| Veteran with 1 Child | $1,813.28 | $3,877.22 |
11 more rowsRequesting a formal hearing is likely to be your next necessary step. During this hearing, you'll have the opportunity to present your case in person before a panel. This is your chance to make a direct appeal, supported by your legal representation and medical evidence, to argue against the PEB's findings.
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Definition: The PEB's record of proceedings, which includes the fitness decision, code and percentage rating for each unfitting and compensable condition, stability and permanency of the disability, and administrative determinations.
What are DoD unfitting conditions? ›
Definition: A disability that prevents a service member from performing the duties of their office, grade, rank, or rating. These duties include those performed during a remaining period of Reserve obligation.
What is the easiest condition to get disability? ›
What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits.
What is the most approved VA disability? ›
Yes, some VA claims are more commonly approved than others. Service connection for tinnitus is granted more frequently than any other disability. More than 2.3 million veterans have benefits for tinnitus. Hearing loss may be more difficult to get approved despite being the second most commonly approved disability.
What is the easiest disability to claim for VA? ›
What Are the Easiest VA Disability Claims to Win?
- Sciatica.
- Hearing Loss.
- Cervical Strain.
- PTSD.
- Limited Arm Mobility and Pain.
- Limited Ankle Mobility and Pain.
- Migraines.
- Scar Tissue.
Disability Rating Determinations describe your percentage of disability. This percentage is based on a physician report and on the type of work you were doing at the time of your injury.
How is the disability rating scale scored? ›
The DR scale rates patients on four categories: arousability, awareness, and response to command; cognitive ability for self-care; dependence on others; and psychosocial adaptability. The DR scores range between 0 and 30 with higher scores reflecting greater disability.
How is DoD disability rating calculated? ›
Once the qualification threshold is met, the DoD uses one of two formulas to determine the compensation amount up to a total of 75 percent of base pay: Retired Pay Base x Disability Percentage. Retired Pay Base x (2.5 percent x years in service)
How do you score disability? ›
The scoring has three steps:
- Step 1 – Summing of recoded item scores within each domain.
- Step 2 – Summing of all six domain scores.
- Step 3 – Converting the summary score into a metric ranging from 0 to 100 (where 0 = no disability; 100 = full disability).
