Hello! I had previously posted some info on my Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. Yesterday I met with the PEBLO Office and was told I was placed into the IDES and was starting the MEB process after being found unfit for duty from the DAWG. From my understanding, I will start the VA examinations within the next month or so. I was told I would get my VA and military disability ratings from the PEBLO and have the option to accept these ratings and not have to meet a PEB. I am trying to lots of research on my own, and was not sure if this information was correct. Is this indeed how the MEB process could play out? Thanks!
The Informal PEB will determine what conditions that you have are fitting or unfitting and then will apply the VA determinations as to what your ratings for each condition are. So, technically, the above is wrong. You will meet a PEB (informal) in order to get an initial set of findings. However, once you receive the IPEB's findings, you can accept them and not go to a Formal PEB hearing. Probably just a mix up in nomenclature as to the explanation you got.
After your VA appointments your doctor will compose your narrative summary that you will be able to review and sign off on(not rated yet). That package is sent to the PEB and they determine if you are fit or unfit. If deemed unfit your package is then moved to the VA for ratings. The va ratings stage can take from weeks to months depending on your package complexity. After the va is done your ratings then go back to the PEB to be formalized and then are sent to your Peblo to be shared with you to review and sign the findings. So as you can see this process is not quick and you may or may not get updates between steps. Most other info can be found from reading other people stories. Hope I cleared up some confusion and good luck.
Do as much research as you can on your disabilities using the VASRD. That way if you get shortchanged you are already armed with the information to rebutt your ratings. It will also probably give you a wag on what to expect before your ratings arrive. The advice I once read here is no one will care about your case as much as you do and that rings so true.
