I received my informal PEB results today and I am shocked at how low my DOD % is. I spoke with my Jag and they said I could appeal this through a formal PEB and add my PTSD / Depression / anxiety to try and add it to my referred condition to hopefully be medically retired instead of being medically separated. Any advice would be greatly appreciated if anyone has gone through this process / has any tips for me. I am rated 50% for my PTSD / Anxiety / Depression. Thank you.
Need help
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I'm in a similar situation with a shockingly low DoD%. How did this all play out for you?
Consider hiring a private attorney to submit your FPEB and draft a VARR if needed.
It worked out in the end. Instead of being rated for my mental health and having it included in my DOD rating, they applied the 30% rating I received for scars as an unfitting condition, combined with what I already had. This bumped my DOD rating from 10% to 40%, which allowed me to be medically retired instead of medically separated. I didn’t use an outside lawyer—my government-appointed lawyer did an excellent job advocating for me. I also didn’t have to pay anything for the process.
I originally thought my mental health conditions would be rated and contribute to my unfitness, but the board chose not to include them in my DOD rating. If I could offer any advice for anyone going through an FPEB board, it’s crucial to have all your ducks in a row. Know your treatment history inside and out—be familiar with every procedure, the timeline, and how it’s impacted you. It can make all the difference.
I originally thought my mental health conditions would be rated and contribute to my unfitness, but the board chose not to include them in my DOD rating. If I could offer any advice for anyone going through an FPEB board, it’s crucial to have all your ducks in a row. Know your treatment history inside and out—be familiar with every procedure, the timeline, and how it’s impacted you. It can make all the difference.
Totally agree with your advice. Especially if you are going to use assigned legal counsel. They don't have a lot of time to spend on each Soldier's case so the more work you can do to further your case the better.
I'm glad I did some "thread necromancy" and found this. It provides some comfort to the rest of us in absolute administrative hell, just trying to survive. Thanks for the update!
If anyone has any questions about the MEDBOARD process or the FPEB process please do not hesitate to reach out. I did not have anyone to help me through this process and I figured out 99% of it by myself. If there is any way I can potentially help you or if you have any questions at all feel free to DM me. I will help you to the best of my abilities and answer any and all questions.
So.. random question, I got told it will take a couple weeks to get a lawyer and then the process starts etc. How long was it for you to get the informal changes back? Or did you go through the full Formal board?
Can you rephrase your question? I’m having trouble following what you are trying to ask. The medboard process was about 12 months for me but once I received my findings I elected to appeal with a Formal PEB board. It took about 1-2 months from the date I received my finding until I had my Formal PEB board.
Gotcha, what i was asking was the timeline from electing to appeal to getting the updated findings. Secondary question was whether you went in front of the board or if they gave you an early rebuttal without going to the board.
About 2 months from electing to appeal until updated findings. I went in front of the board and my lawyer informed me that they updated my rating from 10% -> 40% based upon how the FPEB went and all of the evidence I provided them with. All of the hearings are now done virtually, they aren’t doing them in person anymore apparently.
Good info, thank you! Just trying to get an idea of what to expect. There's a new process out there (for Navy at least) where they do an informal quick review and modify the findings based upon the brief. Maybe that will reduce the overall time outlay.
@Rekmor , I'm a month behind you -- 28FEB findings in, 50% DoD/100% VA. But 50% for MH, and _0%_ for my primary referred condition (should be 30-60% but C&P examiner FUBARed it). I already got as new DBQ -- what should I be doing now? Open to hiring private attorney. Thanks!
My recommendation is to contact your MSC to see if any changes after the initial proposed ratings have gone through. In my case, they had already done a supervisory review and corrected the error. If not, you can mention that to the MSC to see what steps are next. If you don't get the relief there, mention a VARR to your FPEB lawyer. That will trigger the review in a more official capacity. I got my FPEB lawyer about two weeks prior to my board date and I got everything corrected the Thursday before the week of my board.
You could go the lawyer route as I considered it as well, but if your DBQ matches up with the CFR, then just mention that it looks like a "CUE" to the MSC and see if that speeds things up a bit.
Kinda circular as I was writing in stream of consciousness,but if you have more questions, let me know.
You could go the lawyer route as I considered it as well, but if your DBQ matches up with the CFR, then just mention that it looks like a "CUE" to the MSC and see if that speeds things up a bit.
Kinda circular as I was writing in stream of consciousness,but if you have more questions, let me know.