Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)

If you are an active-duty service member who has suffered a physical injury currently preventing you from performing your duties, you may receive a disability rating from a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). However, the PEB will only rate those injuries that render you unfit for continued military service. Once you leave service, you may be able to obtain additional benefits for conditions incurred in or aggravated by military service, as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In fact, it is very common for a service member to receive a higher combined disability rating from the VA than from the PEB.

If you have already received a disability rating from the PEB, you should speak with a veterans benefits attorney concerning your rights.

About the Physical Evaluation Board

Each branch of the military has a procedure to determine a service member’s fitness to continue military service. If you have suffered a physical injury during your service that prevents you from performing the duties expected of you, you will be referred to a PEB. This board will determine:

• If you are unfit to continue military service
• If you are eligibile for disability compensation
• Your disability percentage rating
• If your injury or illness is combat-related

There are two levels of PEBs:

• Informal Physical Evaluation Board — This board will review written medical evidence concerning your condition and fitness for duty, as well as your disability rating and eligibility for permanent or temporary disability, retirement or disability severance pay.
• Formal Physical Evaluation Board — If you wish to contest a finding of unfitness for duty, you can request a hearing before this board. You can be represented by a military lawyer or private attorney.

When a service member is referred to the Physical Evaluation Board, he or she is assigned a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO). This officer counsels the service member regarding the member’s rights and benefits. While PEBLOs are dedicated military professionals, you may wish to consult with an experienced veterans benefits attorney, who can provide advice and counsel from an objective viewpoint.

Free Consultation

Turn to the Berry Law Firm to learn more about PEBs and your right to disability benefits. We represent veterans throughout the United States. Your consultation is free. Call or contact us online.