Do I need an attorney for MEB/PEB process?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:25:20 -0400

Recently I was diagnosed with an illness. I have been doing some research and it is most likely going to result in a medical retirement. In the notes of what my doctors he said that my symptoms started when I was a teenager, Which is wrong. I don't know how to quite go about things now

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 6:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:31:18 -0400

I believe you are afforded the right to seek council/legal representation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 6:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:36:12 -0400

Email that provider directly so there is a paper trail asking for a correction. If he is not compliant, I'd recommend getting an attorney.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 6:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:47:30 -0400

Seeing an attorney is a part of the MEB process.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 30 at 2020 3:55 AM

SSG Brian G. — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 03:55:08 -0400

The Doctor is going to have to back that up with evidence. You made it through MEPS and their medical screening process and were good to go. Anything from that point until you depart the service is service related and does not matter when in a Doctors opinion symptoms started.

You will be assigned a lawyer in the MEB process. It is part of the procedure.

Response by SGT(P) Abner Lozano made Sep 30 at 2020 10:40 AM

SGT(P) Abner Lozano — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 10:40:41 -0400

During the IDES process you will have a MEB Legal Brief where you’ll meet with an Army Attorney. You can ask questions and theyll have some sort of presentation for you. As you go through the process, you will be afforded the opportunity to seek Legal Counsel shall you require it for whenever you get back your VA Findings Packet and Ratings. You do not need to use this, but it is highly recommended to ensure that your packet is squared away before you sign anything blindly. Remember, that is their job, to help and assist a Medboarding soldier.

Currently in the IDES process awaiting ratings from the IPEB.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Oct 1 at 2020 11:56 AM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 11:56:15 -0400

Depending on what your illness is, military service can aggravate the condition. But unless it is a well-known and proven he cannot say that it is prior service. Unless that doctor is specialized in that illness, he cannot say it. Your doctor at the aid-station is likely a PA at best. The real doctors are in the base hospital, but they are not a specialist either.

Oh to answer your question, you will have one. You also have the right to hire your own attorney at your own expense. But when I was on med board, I don't recall ever see one.

Good luck.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 1 at 2020 1:37 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:37:02 -0400

I would go back and talk to the MD if possible to get him to correct his information. A word of caution, approach this in a humbling manner, not guns blazing. "Doc, I don't seem to recall saying I had this as a teenager, where did you get that information from?" As opposed to "Doc you made a mistake, fix it."