Like the other services, the Coast Guard Physical Evaluation Board- also called the Coast Guard PEB- process begins with the Informal Panel at the Coast Guard Personnel Servicing Center (PSC-adm-1) conducting a paper review of your MEB, your Command Nonmedical Assessment and any other items accompanying your MEB package.
When you receive the findings of the Informal Panel- also known as the IPEB, you will make an election of rights as to whether you accept the initial findings or wish to seek a formal hearing at the Personnel Servicing Center.
I always submit a written Petition for Reconsideration to the IPEB on behalf of my clients before proceeding to a formal hearing. There is nothing to lose, as the petition will include a demand for a formal hearing if your request for reconsideration is not granted. Either they grant us an on the record decision or we will receive valuable feedback as to where the case is weak so that we can correct any shortcomings.
At the formal hearing, we will present any and all evidence, testimony and documents that support our case. Not to worry, I will ensure that you are so well prepared that there will be no question that anyone- even our opponent- could ask for which you will not have a clear, persuasive and honest answer. Yes, I did say opponent.
The Coast Guard is the only service that puts a living, breathing opponent- known as the Recorder- in its cases to try to uphold the findings of the IPEB. No worries, we will be very well prepared for any scenario. If we need to rebut the findings of the Formal Panel, your fee agreement covers this step and any appeals to the Physical Review Council- PRC- and the Coast Guard Board of Corrections for Military Records- CGBCMR- as well.
Instead of telling you how well I handle Coast Guard PEB cases, I would rather let you read what my clients have to say:
“When Jack Gately won my case, he did so by finding flaws in the Coast Guard PEB system regarding the assessment of spinal injuries and made sure that he both won my case and corrected the problem. He then handled my VA case at no additional charge. Five years later, the VA tried to reduce my disability rating even though my condition had not improved. Jack stopped them in their tracks, got my rating reinstated and did not charge us a dime! Hiring him was the best money that I’ve ever spent!” BM2 Eric Larson, USCG (ret.) ezbrewmaster@verizon.net
“When I first called Jack Gately, I was focusing on an ankle injury. Little did I know that Jack’s review of my medical records would disclose signs of a complex neurological disorder that my military doctors had not spotted. Jack fought to ensure that I received the maximum disability rating possible, the best medical care and has stood by me over the past five years during the VA claims process, voc rehab and the start of my service-disabled veterans owned business. He is not just my lawyer, he is family." MK1 Dustin Wagner, USCG (ret.) President@OperationalSecurityServicesInc.com