Military Disability – IDES
MILITARY DISABILITY
Dedicated representation for service members facing medical separation. Service members facing the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) often encounter complex medical and legal issues that can affect their military careers and long-term benefits.
The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) combines Department of Defense and VA evaluations for service members whose medical issues may affect their fitness for duty. It determines whether you are fit or unfit for duty and establishes your disability rating and benefits eligibility.
Our firm assists with
- Representation through the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) stages of the Disability Evaluation System
- Duty-related injury determinations
- Fit vs. unfit findings advocacy
- Unfit disability ratings challenges
- COAR/COAD guidance
- Combat related special compensation guidance
- Other military administrative matters
IDES VS. VA CLAIMS — WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
IDES is a Department of Defense process that decides whether you remain fit for duty and what disability rating applies as you separate from service. A VA claim is a separate process with the Department of Veterans Affairs, for benefits after — or apart from — your time in service. The two processes are not the same, and they run on different rules.
If you are filing or appealing a claim with the VA, start here instead.STATIONED AT FORT BLISS?
We keep a page written specifically for service members and families at Fort Bliss, walking through the IDES, MEB, and PEB process step by step.
Stationed at Fort Bliss? Read this.HOW IT WORKS
What Working With Jessie Looks Like
- 1
A free consultation to review your medical documentation and how you were referred into the process.
- 2
Preparing your case for the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).
- 3
Advocacy on the fit-vs-unfit finding and the proposed rating before the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).
- 4
Reviewing your options after a finding, including continuation-on-active-duty (COAD) guidance where it applies.
If you are active duty, reserve, or National Guard — from any branch — and facing a medical board at Fort Bliss or beyond, please reach out. We have over a decade of experience and are prepared to assist members of every branch.
QUESTIONS
Common Questions About IDES
What is IDES?
The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) combines Department of Defense and VA evaluations for service members with medical issues that may affect their fitness for duty. It determines whether you are fit or unfit for duty and establishes your disability rating and benefits eligibility.
What is the difference between an MEB and a PEB?
The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) reviews your medical condition and refers cases that may not meet retention standards to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), which makes the formal fit-or-unfit finding and, where applicable, the disability rating.
Do you represent service members outside El Paso?
Yes. We provide virtual representation for IDES cases nationwide. For family law and estate planning matters, we primarily serve clients in El Paso and surrounding areas.
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