Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) & Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)

The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) are formal review steps used by the Department of Defense to determine whether a service member is medically fit for continued service. These boards are mandatory components of the military’s disability evaluation process, including both the IDES and LDES pathways.

What is an MEB?

The Medical Evaluation Board is the first formal step. It is initiated by a military physician who identifies a condition that may permanently interfere with your ability to serve. The MEB reviews your medical records and determines whether your condition meets the retention standards of your branch of service.

  • Initiated when a long-term or serious medical condition is diagnosed
  • Comprised of at least two military physicians
  • Evaluates whether your condition meets retention standards
  • Does not determine fitness for duty or compensation
  • If standards are not met, case is forwarded to the PEB

What is a PEB?

The Physical Evaluation Board determines your fitness for continued service and assigns a disability rating if appropriate. It has the authority to recommend medical separation or retirement based on your condition.

  • Comprised of legal, medical, and line officers
  • Determines whether you are “fit” or “unfit” for duty
  • If unfit, determines whether separation or medical retirement applies
  • Assigns preliminary DoD disability rating (DoD-only under LDES, VA rating under IDES)
  • You may accept the results or file a rebuttal

Fitness Determination

You are considered unfit for continued military service if your condition prevents you from performing duties appropriate to your grade and position. Fitness decisions are based on duty limitations, prognosis, and deployability—not solely on medical severity.

Possible PEB Outcomes

  • Fit for duty – Return to service
  • Unfit – separation without benefits (if < 30% and < 20 years)
  • Unfit – medical retirement (if ≥ 30% or ≥ 20 years service)
  • Opportunity to appeal or rebut findings through formal hearing

Your Rights During the Process

  • You are entitled to a copy of the MEB report and your Narrative Summary (NARSUM)
  • You may submit personal statements and supporting evidence
  • You may request a **Formal PEB** and legal counsel (typically provided by JAG or service legal office)

References