Service members going through a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) as part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) are generally entitled to free legal counsel, often called Soldiers' Counsel, Trial Defense Service, or similar names depending on the branch. This counsel helps you understand your medical board findings, prepare rebuttals, and navigate the PEB process before you separate or retire. This is a military personnel benefit and is separate from the VA disability compensation claims process itself.
Once you file a claim for VA disability compensation, whether during IDES or after separation, a different system of free help applies. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the DAV, VFW, American Legion, and many others provide free assistance with filing claims, gathering evidence, and appealing decisions. You do not need to be a member of these organizations to use their services in most cases. You can appoint a VSO representative using VA Form 21-22, or an individual accredited claims agent or attorney using VA Form 21-22a.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →If specialized free legal help through a base legal assistance office or Soldiers' Counsel becomes limited or unavailable, that does not remove your options for the VA claims side. VSOs remain free at every stage, including initial claims, Supplemental Claims (VA Form 20-0995), Higher-Level Reviews (VA Form 20-0996), and Board Appeals (VA Form 10182). Accredited attorneys and claims agents can also represent you, and while they cannot charge fees for help with an initial claim, they may charge for work on an appeal of a denied claim under rules set out in 38 CFR 14.636.
If you are worried about losing access to free legal help during the medical board or claims process, the most reliable path is to contact an accredited Veterans Service Organization directly and ask them to file VA Form 21-22 so they can represent you at no cost, regardless of what happens with base-level legal assistance staffing.
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