Navy PEB Representation
Navy Physical Evaluation Board Attorney
The Navy PEB process is complex and the stakes are high. Attorney Jack Gately has represented Navy sailors and officers through the IDES and legacy PEB process for over 25 years — including cases at installations across the country and overseas.
How the Navy PEB Process Works
When a Navy sailor or officer is found to have a condition that may prevent them from meeting Navy retention standards, the case is referred to the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The MEB documents the unfitting conditions in a Narrative Summary (NARSUM) and refers the case to the Physical Evaluation Board, which makes the final determination on fitness for duty and disability rating.
The Navy PEB is conducted at the Physical Evaluation Board in Washington, D.C. A combined disability rating of 30% or more — or 20 years of qualifying service — entitles you to disability retirement: lifetime monthly pay, TRICARE, commissary and exchange privileges, and other benefits. Below 30%, you receive only a one-time severance payment. The difference can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
Navy-Specific PEB Issues Attorney Gately Handles
LIMDU and Fit-for-Duty Determinations
Sailors placed on Limited Duty (LIMDU) face a mandatory MEB referral after 12 months. We help sailors navigate the LIMDU-to-MEB pipeline and ensure their conditions are properly documented before the PEB.
NARSUM Accuracy and Rebuttals
The NARSUM drives your entire case. If it understates your condition, omits ratable diagnoses, or misapplies the VASRD, your rating will be too low. We review every NARSUM and prepare rebuttals when needed.
Officer vs. Enlisted Considerations
The PEB process applies differently to officers and enlisted sailors in certain respects. Attorney Gately understands these distinctions and tailors the representation strategy accordingly.
Reserve Component Cases
Navy Reserve sailors face unique challenges in the PEB process, including questions about line-of-duty determinations and qualifying service. We handle Reserve component cases with the same rigor as active-duty cases.
Formal PEB Hearing Representation
At the Formal PEB, you have the right to appear with counsel, present evidence, and make legal arguments. We prepare your case thoroughly and advocate aggressively on your behalf before the board.
What to Expect: Navy PEB Timeline
MEB Referral
Your treating physician refers your case to the MEB when your condition may prevent you from meeting Navy retention standards. The MEB documents your conditions in the NARSUM.
VA Examination & Rating (IDES)
In IDES cases, the VA conducts a C&P exam and proposes a disability rating. In legacy cases, the PEB applies the VASRD directly. Either way, the rating assigned at this stage drives your benefits.
Informal PEB
The PEB reviews your MEB packet and issues a written determination. You may accept, rebut, or demand a Formal PEB — a decision that should never be made without legal counsel.
Formal PEB (if requested)
You appear before the board with your attorney. We present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for the rating and disposition you deserve.
Final Disposition & Appeals
The PEB issues a final determination. If unfavorable, appeal options include the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) and the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR).
Navy PEB Resource Center
In-depth guides on every stage of the Navy disability evaluation process — written by Attorney Jack Gately.
Navy PEB Found You Fit for Duty? Here's How to Appeal
A fit finding at the Informal PEB isn't final. Learn how to demand a Formal PEB, what evidence overturns a fit determination, and why the 10-day window matters.
Read article →Navy Formal PEB: What to Expect at Your Hearing
The FPEB is your best opportunity to fight for the rating you've earned. Here's exactly what happens at the hearing and how an attorney prepares your case.
Read article →When to Hire a Civilian Navy PEB Lawyer
JAG counsel is free. Here's an honest breakdown of when a civilian attorney makes a decisive difference — and what to look for when choosing one.
Read article →Navy PEB: The Critical Difference Between 20% and 30%
A 20% rating means severance pay. A 30% rating means a lifetime retirement. Learn what drives that number and how to fight for the rating you deserve.
Read article →Adding Unfitting Conditions at the Navy Formal PEB
The PEB doesn't always catch every condition that should be rated. Learn how to identify missed conditions and add them at the FPEB to maximize your combined rating.
Read article →Navy Sailor or Officer Facing a PEB? Call Before You Decide Anything.
Whether you have just received an IPEB determination or are preparing for a Formal PEB hearing, the decisions you make now can affect your benefits for the rest of your life. Call for a free consultation before you sign anything.
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