Coast Guard PEB Guide
How to Win Your Coast Guard PDES Case
A practical guide for Coast Guard members navigating the Physical Disability Evaluation System — covering medical board referrals, VA coordination, and strategies for protecting your disability rating and retirement eligibility.
Download Free PDF GuideWhat Coast Guard Members Need to Know About the PDES
The Coast Guard operates under the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) — a process that shares the same basic framework as the other branches but has important procedural differences. The Coast Guard's smaller size and unique administrative structure mean that cases are handled differently, and service members often have fewer resources available to them during the process.
The decisions made during your PDES case will determine whether you receive lifetime disability retirement or a one-time severance check. A combined rating of 30% or more — or 20 years of qualifying service — means lifetime retirement pay, TRICARE, and full military benefits. This guide explains every step and the strategies that matter most for Coast Guard members.
The Coast Guard PDES Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Medical Board Referral
The process begins when your treating physician determines that your condition may prevent you from meeting Coast Guard retention standards. The case is referred to a Medical Board, which documents your conditions and evaluates whether you meet the standards for continued service. The Medical Board findings are the foundation of your PDES case — errors and omissions at this stage can affect every outcome that follows.
Step 2: Fitness Determination
The Coast Guard Physical Disability Review Board (PDRB) reviews the Medical Board findings and makes an initial fitness determination. If you are found unfit for continued duty, the case proceeds to a disability rating evaluation. Understanding the fitness determination standard — and how to challenge an incorrect finding — is critical to protecting your rights.
Step 3: VA Examination and Rating
The VA conducts Compensation & Pension (C&P) examinations and proposes a disability rating for each unfitting condition. The quality of C&P exams varies widely, and the proposed rating is often too low. Both the exam quality and the rating can be challenged before the board issues its determination.
Step 4: Formal Board Procedures
Coast Guard members have the right to a formal hearing before the Physical Disability Review Board. At the formal hearing, you can appear with your attorney, present evidence, and make legal arguments. Attorney Gately represents Coast Guard members at formal PDES hearings regardless of installation location.
Step 5: Final Disposition and Appeals
After the formal board, a final determination is issued. If the result is unfavorable, Coast Guard members have appeal options including the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) and the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR). These post-separation remedies can correct improper ratings — but a well-prepared formal hearing is always the better path.
Common Coast Guard PDES Issues Attorney Gately Handles
Medical Board Errors
The Medical Board understates your condition, omits ratable diagnoses, or fails to document the full functional impact of your injuries. A formal rebuttal with supporting medical evidence can correct the record.
VA Rating Discrepancies
The VA proposes a rating that does not reflect the true severity of your condition. We review the C&P exam, identify examiner errors, and challenge inadequate ratings.
Separation vs. Retirement Threshold
The difference between a 29% and 30% combined rating is the difference between a one-time severance check and lifetime retirement pay. We fight for every percentage point.
Unique Coast Guard Procedures
The Coast Guard's PDES has procedural differences from the other branches. Attorney Gately is experienced in navigating the Coast Guard-specific rules and administrative requirements.
BCMR Petitions
If your case resulted in an improper separation or rating, the Board for Correction of Military Records can provide relief. We prepare and litigate BCMR petitions for Coast Guard veterans.
Download the Full 2026 Coast Guard PDES Guide
The complete guide covers every stage of the Coast Guard PDES process — including medical board strategy, VA rating challenges, formal board preparation, and BCMR appeals. Free to download.
2026 Edition · PDF
Download Free PDFCoast Guard Member Facing a PDES Case?
The decisions you make in the next few days can affect your benefits for the rest of your life. Call Attorney Gately for a free consultation before you sign anything.
757-481-0772Request a Free Consultation