Case-Winning Tips

Practical guidance on the MEB/PEB process, disability ratings, TDRL reviews, and how to fight for the military disability benefits you earned.

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63 posts

Bee Ruling on PTSD, TBI & Medical Retirement Claims
TDRL & Appeals

Bee Ruling on PTSD, TBI & Medical Retirement Claims

A new Federal Circuit ruling strengthens PTSD and TBI correction-board claims by requiring liberal consideration of the fitness question itself.

6 min readJohn B. Gately
#Bee v. United States#PTSD#TBI
The Navy Just Rewrote Its MEB Rulebook. Here's What Actually Changes for You.
Navy PEB

The Navy Just Rewrote Its MEB Rulebook. Here's What Actually Changes for You.

On 3 August 2026, the Navy issued BUMEDINST 6000.19A — a complete rewrite of how Navy Medicine runs Medical Evaluation Boards. Four changes buried in the new instruction matter if you're on LIMDU right now.

6 min readJohn B. Gately
#Navy MEB#LIMDU#BUMEDINST 6000.19A
Coast Guard IPEB Reconsideration Request: When to File and What to Include
MEB/PEB Process

Coast Guard IPEB Reconsideration Request: When to File and What to Include

Unhappy with your Coast Guard IPEB findings? Learn when a reconsideration request is the right move, what grounds support one, and how to build a focused submission.

5 min readJohn B. Gately, Attorney & Counselor at Law
#Coast Guard PEB#Coast Guard IPEB reconsideration#Coast Guard PEB reconsideration request
When to Hire a Civilian Navy PEB Lawyer (And When You Don't Need One)
Navy PEB

When to Hire a Civilian Navy PEB Lawyer (And When You Don't Need One)

JAG counsel is free. Civilian attorneys cost money. Here's an honest breakdown of when a civilian Navy PEB lawyer makes a decisive difference — and when JAG representation may be sufficient.

6 min readJohn B. Gately
#Navy PEB#civilian attorney#JAG
Navy Formal PEB Attorney: What to Expect at Your Hearing
Navy PEB

Navy Formal PEB Attorney: What to Expect at Your Hearing

The Navy Formal PEB is your best opportunity to fight for the disability rating and retirement you've earned. Here's exactly what to expect — and how an experienced attorney prepares your case.

8 min readJohn B. Gately
#Navy PEB#Formal PEB#FPEB
Navy PEB: The Critical Difference Between 20% and 30% Disability Ratings
Navy PEB

Navy PEB: The Critical Difference Between 20% and 30% Disability Ratings

The gap between a 20% and 30% Navy PEB disability rating is the difference between a one-time severance check and a lifetime retirement. Here's what determines which side of that line you land on.

7 min readJohn B. Gately
#Navy PEB#disability rating#medical retirement
Adding Unfitting Conditions at the Navy Formal PEB: What You Need to Know
Navy PEB

Adding Unfitting Conditions at the Navy Formal PEB: What You Need to Know

The Navy PEB doesn't always catch every condition that should be rated. Here's how to identify missed unfitting conditions, add them at the Formal PEB, and why it can push your rating over the retirement threshold.

8 min readJohn B. Gately
#Navy PEB#unfitting conditions#Formal PEB
Navy PEB Found You Fit for Duty? Here's How to Appeal
Navy PEB

Navy PEB Found You Fit for Duty? Here's How to Appeal

A Navy PEB fit finding isn't final. Learn the appeal process, the evidence that overturns fit determinations, and how a civilian attorney can protect your rights at the Formal PEB.

8 min readJohn B. Gately
#Navy PEB#fit for duty#appeal
DA Form 199: 10 Things Every Soldier Should Check Before Signing Army PEB Findings
MEB/PEB Process

DA Form 199: 10 Things Every Soldier Should Check Before Signing Army PEB Findings

Received your Army DA Form 199? Before you sign, review these 10 issues involving fitness, unfitting conditions, disability percentages, combat-related findings, and appeal rights.

6 min readJohn B. Gately, Attorney & Counselor at Law
#Army PEB#DA Form 199#DA 199 Army PEB

John B. Gately

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