If you’re an active-duty service member and you’ve been dealing with a medical condition that affects your ability to perform your military duties, you may find yourself facing the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB), more commonly known as a “Med Board.”
The MEB process is a critical part of the military’s system for evaluating whether service members are physically and mentally fit to continue serving.
It’s a complex and often intimidating process, but understanding what the MEB is and how it works is essential to protecting your military career, benefits, and future.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Medical Evaluation Board, from its purpose and procedures to tips and strategies on how to navigate the process successfully.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) evaluates whether a service member’s medical condition meets military retention standards, determining if they are fit to continue service.
- The MEB process starts when a military physician refers the service member due to a medical condition affecting their ability to perform duties, leading to a detailed medical evaluation.
- If the MEB finds the service member unfit for duty, the case is forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), which assesses fitness for continued service and potential disability benefits.
- Key documents such as medical records, a commander’s statement, and a personal statement are essential for the MEB’s evaluation, and the service member can contest the findings if necessary.
What is the Medical Evaluation Board?
The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) is a formal process used by the military to evaluate service members who have medical conditions that may render them unfit for duty.
The MEB’s primary purpose is to assess whether a service member’s medical condition meets the medical retention standards set by the military.
In simpler terms, the MEB determines whether you are physically and mentally able to continue performing your duties in your current role in the military.
The Purpose of the MEB
The MEB process is designed to ensure that all service members are physically and mentally fit to perform their duties; those who cannot are provided with appropriate care and consideration.
The MEB serves several key purposes:
- Assess Medical Fitness: The MEB evaluates whether a service member’s medical condition meets the military’s retention standards. This means determining whether your condition allows you to continue performing your military duties or if it impairs your ability to serve.
- Determine Eligibility for Continued Service: If the MEB determines that your condition does not meet retention standards, you may be referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), which will decide if you can continue serving or if you should be medically separated or retired.
- Provide a Basis for VA Disability Claims: The MEB’s findings can also serve as a foundation for filing a VA disability claim. If you’re found unfit for duty and medically separated or retired, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation based on the conditions evaluated during the MEB process.
The MEB Board Process Explained: Step-by-Step
Navigating the MEB can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a serious medical condition.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect during the MEB process:
- Referral: The process starts when your military doctor refers you to the MEB because your medical condition is unlikely to improve within a year.
- PEBLO Assigned: A Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) is assigned to help guide you through the MEB process.
- VA Coordination: Your case is then forwarded to the VA Military Services Coordinator (MSC), who helps you file a VA disability claim and schedules your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams.
- Exams and Reports: Once the exams are completed, the results go to the PEBLO and MEB, along with a statement from your commander about how your condition affects your job. You can also submit a personal statement if you want to share more information about your condition.
- MEB Review: The MEB reviews all the evidence and writes a Narrative Summary (NARSUM). This report explains your medical history and how your condition impacts your ability to serve.
- Next Steps: If the MEB finds your condition medically unacceptable, they send the case to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). If the PEB needs more information, they may send the case back to the MEB for additional evidence.
Understanding the Possible MEB Outcomes
The outcome of the MEB process can significantly impact your military career and future benefits.
Here are the potential outcomes:
- Return to Duty: If the MEB determines that your condition meets retention standards, you will be returned to duty and continue your military career as usual.
- Referral to the PEB: If the MEB finds that your condition does not meet retention standards, your case will be referred to the PEB. The PEB will then decide whether you are fit for duty or if you should be medically separated or retired.
- Medical Separation or Retirement: If the PEB determines that you are unfit for duty, you may be medically separated or retired, depending on the severity and permanence of your condition. This decision will also impact your eligibility for VA disability benefits.
Tips and Strategies for Navigating the MEB Process
Successfully navigating the MEB process requires preparation, understanding, and often, a bit of perseverance.
Here are some tips to help you through it:
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the MEB process, your rights, and what to expect. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to advocate for yourself.
- Document Everything: Keep thorough records of your medical condition, treatments, and how your condition affects your duties. This documentation will be crucial during the MEB process.
- Be Proactive: Don’t be a passive participant in the MEB process. Ask questions, seek clarifications, and ensure that your medical condition is accurately represented in the MEB report.
- Understand Your VA Benefits: If you’re separated or retired due to a medical condition, ensure you understand how the MEB’s findings can impact your VA disability benefits. File a VA claim promptly and seek assistance if needed.
The MEB vs. The PEB Comparison Chart
| Aspect | The MEB (Medical Evaluation Board) | The PEB (Physical Evaluation Board) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The MEB assesses the service member’s medical condition(s) to determine if they meet the standards for retention in the military. It forwards its findings to the PEB for final disposition. | The PEB evaluates whether the service member is fit for continued military service. It also determines the disability rating and whether the member should be separated, retired, or returned to duty. |
| Process Initiation | Begins when a military medical provider refers a service member for evaluation due to a condition that may impact their ability to perform duties. | Begins after the MEB concludes and refers the case for further evaluation regarding fitness for duty and potential disability ratings. |
| Decision Maker | The MEB is made up of military medical professionals who evaluate the service member’s health and readiness for continued service. | The PEB consists of both medical and non-medical personnel who determine the service member’s fitness for duty and assign disability ratings when applicable. |
| Outcome | The MEB only forwards recommendations; it does not assign disability ratings or make final separation decisions. It submits its findings to the PEB for further review. | The PEB decides whether the service member will be retained, separated, or medically retired, and assigns a disability rating if applicable. |
| Disability Rating | The MEB does not assign disability ratings but can recommend that the service member’s case be evaluated for fitness for duty by the PEB. | The PEB is responsible for assigning a disability rating based on the severity of the service member’s condition, following VA and DoD guidelines. |
| Appeal Process | MEB findings cannot be directly appealed, but service members can submit additional medical evidence before the case is reviewed by the PEB. | Service members can appeal PEB decisions by requesting a formal hearing or appealing the disability rating decision with the VA. |
| Length of Process | The MEB process is generally shorter and focuses on medical assessments and whether the service member meets retention standards. | The PEB process can take longer, as it involves evaluating the member’s ability to perform their duties, assigning disability ratings, and considering appeals. |
DoD Instruction 1332.18 – The Disability Evaluation System
The MEB process is govered by DoD Instruction 1332.18, effective November 10, 2022, and can be downloaded below:
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) process is a pivotal moment in your military career, especially if you’re dealing with a serious medical condition.
Understanding the purpose, process, and potential outcomes of the MEB can help you navigate this challenging time with confidence.
Remember, your health and future are paramount—stay informed, be proactive, and seek the support you need to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you’re currently facing the MEB process or have questions about your military and VA benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert guidance.
Your military service matters, and you deserve to be fully informed and prepared as you navigate the complexities of the MEB.
The MEB Process: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)?
The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) is a group of military medical professionals responsible for evaluating a service member’s medical condition(s) to determine if they meet the military’s medical retention standards. The MEB is not focused on disability ratings but rather on determining whether the service member’s medical condition allows them to continue their duties. If the condition is deemed medically unacceptable, the MEB will refer the case to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), which will make further determinations regarding fitness for duty and potential separation or retirement.
How does the MEB process begin?
The MEB process begins when a military physician refers a service member to the board due to a medical condition that may limit their ability to perform their military duties. This typically happens when it becomes clear that the condition might impair their operational readiness or ability to perform the duties required by their role. Once referred, the MEB will review the service member’s medical records and other documentation as part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).
What documents are needed for the MEB process?
Several key documents are required for the MEB process:
- Medical records: Complete and up-to-date records outlining the service member’s diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Commander’s statement: A letter from the service member’s commanding officer describing how the medical condition affects the service member’s ability to perform their job.
- Personal statement: The service member may submit a personal statement to describe how the condition affects their daily life, job performance, and future outlook.
These documents provide essential evidence for the MEB to determine whether the service member meets retention standards.
What is a PEBLO in the MEB Board Process?
A Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) is a key support person for service members going through the MEB board process. They guide you through each step, explain the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), and help gather necessary documents like medical records. The PEBLO also coordinates with the VA Military Services Coordinator (MSC) to file VA disability claims and schedule C&P exams. Throughout the process, they provide updates, answer questions, and assist with appeals if needed, ensuring the service member is well-supported and informed.
What happens during an MEB review?
During the MEB review, the board of medical professionals evaluates the service member’s medical documentation to determine if the service member meets retention standards. The board reviews medical records, commander’s statements, and personal accounts to assess the severity of the condition and how it impacts military duties. If the MEB determines that the condition does not meet retention standards, the case is referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) for further review.
What is the Narrative Summary (NARSUM)?
The Narrative Summary (NARSUM) is a detailed medical report prepared by a physician that summarizes the service member’s medical condition, history, and treatment. It outlines how the condition affects the member’s ability to perform their duties. The NARSUM is critical in the MEB process because it forms the basis for whether the service member is referred to the PEB or returned to duty. It includes the physician’s medical opinion on whether the service member’s condition meets military retention standards.
Who sits on the Medical Evaluation Board?
The MEB typically consists of at least two military medical professionals, and one of them must be a physician. In cases where the service member’s condition involves psychiatric or mental health issues, a psychiatrist or psychologist is also required to be part of the board. These professionals review the medical records and other documents to make an informed decision on whether the service member’s condition meets retention standards.
What happens after the MEB review?
After the MEB review, the board issues a report, commonly referred to as the Narrative Summary (NARSUM). This report outlines the MEB’s findings and whether the service member meets the military’s medical retention standards. If the service member is deemed to meet the standards, they are returned to duty. If not, the case is forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) for further evaluation of fitness for duty and the assignment of a disability rating, if applicable.
Can a service member contest the MEB’s findings?
Yes, a service member can contest the findings of the MEB. After reviewing the MEB’s report, the service member has the opportunity to request an independent medical review by another physician. If the service member disagrees with the MEB’s decision, they can submit a rebuttal that includes additional medical evidence or personal statements to support their case. The MEB will review the rebuttal before finalizing its decision.
What is the difference between the MEB and PEB?
The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) focuses solely on determining whether a service member’s medical condition meets military retention standards. It does not make decisions about disability ratings or whether the service member will be separated from the military. The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), however, assesses whether the service member is fit for continued military service and assigns a disability rating if the service member is found unfit for duty. The PEB’s decision affects whether the service member is medically separated or retired, and the level of benefits they will receive.
How long does the MEB process take?
The MEB process usually takes around two months from the date the service member is referred. However, this timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of necessary medical documentation, and how quickly the service member and their command submit the required paperwork. Delays can also occur if additional medical evaluations are needed.
How does the MEB fit into the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)?
The MEB is a critical part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), a process that integrates both the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability evaluation processes. The MEB reviews the medical condition to determine if the service member meets retention standards, and its findings help streamline the VA disability claims process after separation. Once the MEB forwards the case to the PEB, the VA also becomes involved in determining the service member’s long-term benefits.
What happens if the PEB needs more information after the MEB?
If the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) determines that it does not have enough information to make a decision, it can send the case back to the MEB for further clarification or additional medical documentation. The MEB will then gather any additional information needed, such as further medical evaluations or tests, before resubmitting the case to the PEB for a final determination.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
