Preparing for a Board Hearing: Tips for Administrative Separations or Medical Boards

Military board hearings are some of the most pivotal moments in a service member’s career. Whether you are facing an administrative separation for alleged misconduct or being evaluated by a medical board due to health concerns, the outcome can permanently shape your future.

At Conway & Associates, our military law firm has decades of experience guiding service members through these complex proceedings with professionalism and dedication.

This guide explains the different types of military boards, outlines a good preparation strategy, and describes what to expect before, during, and after your hearing. If you’ve been called up for a board hearing, contact us now for a free strategy meeting.

Understanding Military Board Hearings

Military boards are official proceedings where a panel of officers or senior enlisted members evaluates a service member’s conduct, performance, or medical condition. Broadly speaking, there are two categories:

• Administrative Separations – These boards determine whether a service member should be involuntarily separated from duty for reasons such as misconduct, substandard performance, or failing to meet military standards. These are sometimes referred to as administrative separation army boards or administrative separation navy boards, depending on the branch. They all fall under the broader umbrella of administrative separation defense policy.
• Medical Boards – These include Medical Evaluation Boards (MEBs) and Physical Evaluation Boards (PEBs), which decide whether a service member’s physical or psychological condition makes them unfit for duty.

The stakes during board hearings are incredibly high. Outcomes often decide whether a member receives an honorable, general, or other-than-honorable (OTH) discharge. That characterization influences eligibility for VA benefits, post-service employment, and even long-term career prospects.

For further perspective on correcting unfair board hearing outcomes, see our Discharge Review Boards page.

Types of Military Boards

Several types of military boards hold hearings for service members. Understanding which one you’re being called for is an essential part of planning your strategy for the best outcome:

Administrative Separation Boards

An administrative separation board (ASB) is convened when a command recommends that a service member be involuntarily discharged. The reasons vary: misconduct, pattern of minor disciplinary infractions, substance abuse, or failure to meet standards of duty performance.

Unlike a court-martial, an administrative separation is not a criminal trial. However, the consequences can be just as severe. If separated with an other-than-honorable discharge, a member may lose access to key VA benefits, including healthcare and the GI Bill.

Because each branch has slightly different procedures, service members should consult their regulations. For example, administrative separation army guidance is found in AR 635-200, while administrative separation navy cases follow MILPERSMAN procedures.

Medical Evaluation Boards

A medical board focuses on a service member’s fitness for duty. A Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) reviews medical records to determine whether a condition limits military performance. If so, the case may proceed to a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), which assesses fitness for continued service and recommends a disability rating.

These cases often overlap with VA disability claims, making coordination essential. An unfavorable finding can end a career prematurely or reduce compensation. Our Medical Evaluation Boards Guide provides a deeper look at how MEBs and PEBs operate.

It’s worth noting that the term medical board is not unique to the military. Civilian professionals may be familiar with agencies such as the Georgia Medical Board, Florida Medical Board, or the Georgia Composite Medical Board, all of which regulate healthcare providers.

While different in scope, the concept of a state medical board review offers a valuable comparison to military disability evaluations.

Other Types of Military Boards

While administrative separations and medical separations are the most common, other types of board hearings can also affect service members’ careers:

• Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Hearings – Convened when allegations of domestic abuse arise, with possible consequences for custody, housing, and career advancement.
• Security Clearance Revocations – Boards that review whether a service member should retain clearance eligibility, often triggered by financial issues, foreign contacts, or misconduct.

Your strategy to affect the best outcome will change depending on which type of military board hearing you’re called into. Even for state-run review boards such as the Georgia Medical Board, contact Conway & Associates to formulate a plan that can protect you from the worst consequences.

Steps to Prepare for Your Hearing

Success at an administrative separation board often depends on preparation. Consider the following steps:

• Gather Evidence – Collect all documents, witness statements, medical records, and performance evaluations that support your case. Even small details can shift the board’s perception.
• Review Regulations – Each branch has specific instructions governing hearings. Understanding the procedural rules ensures you know what evidence is admissible and how the board is required to operate.
• Practice Testimony – Rehearse answers to anticipated questions. Boards look for credibility, honesty, and consistency. A prepared statement is useful, but you must also be ready for cross-examination.
• Work with Experienced Counsel – A qualified military attorney can organize evidence, craft arguments, and guide you through each step.

Ensuring you’re prepared for your board hearing is the best thing you can do to achieve a preferable outcome. Otherwise, you risk your job, career, and veteran benefits if you show up to your meeting ill-prepared.

What to Expect During the Hearing

Learning about the present parties, official procedures, and what rights you have and don’t have is essential preparation for your board hearing:

Who’s Present?

A typical board panel includes three members– usually senior officers or NCOs– along with a recorder (similar to a prosecutor), the service member, their counsel, and in some cases, witnesses. A presiding officer leads the proceedings.

Procedures

Military administrative separation board hearings follow a structured order:

1. Opening Statements – Both the recorder and defense counsel present initial arguments.
2. Evidence Presentation – Documents, medical records, and personnel files are entered into the record.
3. Witness Testimony – Witnesses may testify under oath and be subject to cross-examination.
4. Cross-Examination – Counsel challenges the credibility, accuracy, or interpretation of the evidence.
5. Closing Arguments – Each side summarizes its case.

This structured approach ensures fairness but can be intimidating without the proper preparation. It’s helpful to learn the differences between civilian and military rules of evidence, especially if you’re looking to challenge the legitimacy of any evidence presented against you.

Rights You Have

All board hearings afford important rights to involved parties. Understanding and exercising them can significantly alter the outcome:

• Right to Counsel – You are entitled to representation by military defense counsel at no cost, or you may hire civilian counsel of your choice. Exercising your right to an attorney is an essential aspect of any defense strategy.
• Right to Call Witnesses – You can request the presence of favorable witnesses, though the board president may rule on their relevance.
• Submitting Written Statements – Written submissions allow you to present additional context or personal accounts that may sway the board’s recommendations.

It’s vital to understand that no one, aside from your defense counsel, is going to check you on your rights throughout the board hearing process. Understanding what rights you have and how to exercise them is essential to procuring the best outcome for your case.

Post-Hearing Steps

After your hearing, you may feel like you’re home free. If your board hearing went your way, you may be! However, if you received a decision that wasn’t ideal, you still have options:

Appeals Process

Appealing any decision made by a medical board or administrative separation board must be done promptly:

• Administrative Appeals – For separation cases, appeals may go to the Service Secretary or higher-level review boards. The Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) is one example.
• PEB Appeals – In medical cases, you can challenge a PEB’s finding through a formal hearing or higher-level review.

Strict deadlines for the appeals process apply, so immediate action is critical. Consult with your provided counsel or contact Conway & Associates for prompt appeals and post-hearing action on your behalf.

To examine parallels in challenging unfair results, see our guide to Court-Martial Appeals for a deep dive.

VA Coordination

Many service members face dual systems: Department of Defense evaluations and VA disability ratings. Aligning these outcomes is vital and requires coordination between two separate entities.

For example, if the DoD assigns a lower disability rating than the VA, your retirement and compensation could be affected. Working with counsel ensures your VA claims accurately reflect the evidence presented, especially when your DoD disability rating is different.

Contact Conway & Associates for Qualified Legal Advice for Military Board Hearings

The outcome of a military board hearing can determine whether you retain your benefits, your career, and your good name. These proceedings demand preparation, strategy, and skilled advocacy.

Conway & Associates represents service members across Georgia in board hearings, administrative separations, and disability evaluations. Whether you are facing an administrative separation board or navigating the complexities of a medical evaluation, we are here to protect your rights.

Prepare for your board hearing with a strategy session from a qualified military defense attorney. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation!