FPEB stands for Formal Physical Evaluation Board. It is a board that a service member can appeal to if they disagree with the decision of the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) regarding their fitness for duty due to a medical condition.
The Formal Physical Evaluation Board provides a more formal review of the service member's case. Key aspects of the FPEB include:
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Composition: The board consists of at least three members:
- A military officer who acts as the board president.
- A physician.
- A line officer.
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Purpose: The FPEB reviews the service member's medical records, the IPEB's findings, and any additional evidence or arguments presented by the service member. Its goal is to determine whether the service member meets the medical retention standards for continued service.
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Appeal Process: The FPEB provides a crucial opportunity for service members to challenge unfavorable IPEB decisions and present their case for continued service.
Essentially, the FPEB is the next level of review in the military's physical evaluation board system, offering a more structured and formal process compared to the IPEB. It aims to ensure fairness and accuracy in determining a service member's fitness for duty.