JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
For U.S. Army Soldiers in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area who find themselves going through the Medical Evaluation Board process, bar certified attorneys with specialized training in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System adjudication process are available at the Office of Soldiers’ MEB Counsel to provide legal advocacy at no cost to the Soldier.
Kari-Lynn Wenciker, SMEBC attorney, is available from the initiation of an MEB until the Soldier transitions out of the Army. The sole function of the SMEBC is to advise and represent Soldiers independent of the MEB, Warrior Transition Unit or commanders. The attorneys of the SMEBC support, advise and represent Soldiers in identifying goals, gather information and develop evidence throughout the MEB process.
Wenciker works with confidentiality to ensure Soldiers make fully informed decisions and helps them achieve their desired outcome of the MEB process, whether it is to try to remain in the Army or pursue a medical separation with an appropriate disability rating.
“It’s important to know that you’re not alone in this process,” said Wenciker. “We are here to work with you on ensuring that you get what you’ve earned through your sacrifices and your time with the U.S. Army,”
As Soldiers progress through the system, more specific advice, such as whether to request an independent medical review, appeal an MEB, or request a formal hearing before the physical evaluation, is provided. SMEBC, with the assistance from the Soldier, can prepare the Individual Medical Readiness and appeals as needed.
The disability ratings assigned by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs is an important factor in the MEB. Wenciker also provides guidance and advice to interpret the VA’s compensation and pension exam, which is used to determine a veteran’s level of disability and can become a Soldier’s Physical Evaluation Board rating.
The SMEBC is co-located with the Soldier’s PEB liaison officers. The JBLE SMEBC now has the capability for video teleconference appointments for Soldiers in remote areas. There is now also a fully staffed office on Fort Lee, Virginia, located in Kenner Army Health Center to help Soldiers who reside in the Richmond, Virginia, metro area.
The JBLE SMEBC can be reached at 314-7740. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday by appointment only. Walk-ins are welcome.