The MEB Process and Your VA Disability Application

If you are currently enlisted and considering VA disability, you are probably going through the MEB (Medical Evaluation Board) to get a disability rating. That rating process is different than what you go through for VA disability, but the results can be related. We explain it all in detail below. If this article on the MEB and VA disability leaves you with more questions than answers, give us a call. We’re happy to help you figure out your eligibility.

In this article about the MEB process:

• What is the MEB Process?
• What is Considered Medically Acceptable by the MEB?
• The 3-Step MEB Process Takes About 100 days
  • 1. An Injured Service Member Starts the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
  • 2. The MEB will submit a report to the PEB
  • 3. The PEB will review the documentation and make the final decision.
  • Unfit and Separation Without Benefits
  • Unfit and Separation with Severance Pay
  • Unfit and Placement on Permanent Disability Retirement List (PDRL)
  • Unfit with placement on Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL)
  • Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records
  • Army Physical Disability Review Board (APDRB)
  • Army Disability Rating Review Board (ADRRB)
  • Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR)
  • Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard
  • Board for Correction of Naval Records

  What is the MEB Process?

  The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) is a process made to determine if a service member’s long-term medical condition allows them to continue to meet medical retention standards, in compliance with military service regulations. It usually consists of two medical doctors, sometimes three if there is a mental health provider or a dentist needed. The main objective of the MEB is to determine what conditions are medically acceptable for VA benefits.

  

  For example, if you are missing one of your thumbs and one of your index fingers, the MEB will always say that is medically unacceptable, but not necessarily unfitting by the PEB. However, if you are a gunner, the PEB could say that it’s unfitting because you would need those fingers to properly operate a gun. If you were a translator, the PEB would probably say you are fit for duty since you wouldn’t need to use those fingers for that job.

  This process is better known as the “med board” across all branches of the U.S. Military. The MEB is an informal process, meaning it does not make any final decisions. The MEB solely provides information to the PEB, and it’s this board that makes the final decision.

  

  What to Know After the MEB Process Begins

  If your condition worsens after you have begun the MEB process, you will need to provide additional documentation to your PEBLO proving it worsened. This also applies if further medical evidence, like lab results, becomes available after the process begins. For example, if you have a knee injury that is currently being reviewed by the MEB, but you fall and it becomes worse, you need to report that to your PEBLO. Your PEBLO will pass along that information so that you can get the best rating for your condition.

  How to Appeal a PEB Decision

  If you disagree with the PEB decision, you can appeal to the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB). The FPEB will review all the evidence and the PEB’s original decision. If the FPEB disagrees with the original decision, it has the right to adjust that decision at any time in the process. Any changes the FPEB makes will override the PEB’s decision.

  If the FPEB agrees with the original decision, a formal hearing will be scheduled and you will have the chance to present your evidence in person. If the FPEB still agrees with the original decision after the hearing, the decision stands. If you disagree with the FPEB’s decision, you can appeal to a higher level of authority. Each branch of the military has its Boards to appeal at this level.

  You don’t have to use a Veteran’s compensation lawyer that is nearby. We can work with you over the phone and apply or appeal electronically.

  Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records

  The Air Force’s Personnel Center has directions for requesting and changing your military records. You can apply by mailing the DD Form 149 and VA Form 10-5345 to this address:

  Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records
  3351 Celmers Lane
  Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762-6435

  Army Physical Disability Review Board (APDRB)

  If you were separated from the Army because of a medical disability within the past fifteen years, and the PEB’s rating decision did not allow you to receive any compensation, you can apply to this Board. To apply, you must write a letter that includes the following:

  • Your contact information
  • Your rank
  • Your full name
  • Your social security number (SSN)
  • The contact information of your legal representative (if you choose to have one)
  • The contact information of any witnesses you would like to testify on your behalf (this is not necessary if you have the right medical record evidence)
  • All the reasons why you think you deserve a higher disability rating for your condition.

  You will need to include a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, which is DD Form 214. You will need to mail this to:

  Army Review Boards Agency
  251 18th Street South, Suite 385
  Arlington, VA 22202-3531

  Army Disability Rating Review Board (ADRRB)

  If you were officially separated from the military within the last five years and you were given a disability rating of 10 percent or higher, you can apply to this Board. To apply, you will need to write a letter including:

  • Your contact information
  • Your rank
  • Your full name
  • Your social security number (SSN)
  • All of the reasons why you think you deserve a higher rating

  Mail this letter to the same address listed for the APDRB above.

  Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR)

  If none of the other Army Boards have been able to fix your rating decision, or there is a blatant mistake in your military records, or if you are unable to apply to the other Boards, then you should apply to the ABCMR. This Board is the highest authority when it comes to all Army disability decisions, and it has the last say on your Army disability. Make sure you prepare your case carefully before applying to this Board.

  To apply to the ABCMR, mail DD Form 149 to the address listed on the form; it’s the same one for the other two Army Boards. They will only review your case if they can see that you have tried all other options first, so make sure to include copies of all correspondence with any Boards regarding your case. You can also find more information about the different Army Boards here.

  Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard

  This Board serves the Coast Guard. You can apply by mailing DD Form 149 to this address:

  DHS Office of the General Counsel
  Board for Correction of Military
  Records, Stop 0485
  2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S.E.
  Washington, DC 20528-0485

  Board for Correction of Naval Records

  If you were in the Navy or Marines, you’ll have to work through the Board for Correction of Naval Records. To apply, mail DD Form 149 to this address:

  Board for Correction of Naval Records
  701 S. Courthouse Rd, Suite 1001
  Arlington, VA 22204-2490

  The Navy has a three-year limit for applying, so if you were separated more than three years ago, they may not review your case.

  How MEB Records Can Help with VA Claims

  MEB records can greatly increase the chances of getting VA disability. A condition ruled medically unacceptable for service by the MEB will most likely support winning VA disability compensation. Even though we cannot help you appeal a PEB decision, we can help you file an initial VA disability claim during your time in the IDES. We will not charge you a fee unless we win your VA disability claim case.

  At Woods and Woods, the Veteran’s Firm, we’ve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. We’ve been adding staff and lawyers during the Covid pandemic to serve disabled veterans better in difficult times.

  Call us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. The call is free and we won’t charge you a single fee until we win your case. We even pay for the postage for all of the documentation you send to our office. You can look for a VA disability attorney near you or call us and join the thousands of veterans living off of VA disability thanks to Woods and Woods.

  Talk to Us About Your Claim:
  (812) 426-7200

  What is the MEB, PEB, and FPEB in the military?

  The MEB comes first. The Medical Evaluation Board makes a temporary ruling on your health. They submit a report to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) that makes the final ruling. If you don’t like that ruling and you want to appeal it, you talk to the FPEB: Formal Physical Evaluation Board. The FPEB is not the highest ruling Board. Each branch of the service has its own higher levels of review beyond the FPEB.

  If I get Med-boarded and discharged, will I automatically get VA disability?

  There is very little ‘automatic’ when it comes to VA disability. The med board may begin your VA disability process for you but they might only do it for the condition they review. They will not likely look into a VA rating for all of your possible conditions. Pay attention to all of your medical reports and your C-File to make sure you get all that you are entitled to.