Joel L. Pettit

I am so glad I hired Joel Pettit Law to help me with my Line of Duty investigation. I have been in the Navy Reserves for 10+ years and never knew I had to get an LOD for the injuries I suffered during ADT or drill. I was going to the VA and had a VA disability rating, so I thought I was good to go. ...I was taken completely off gaurd when I was put in the Medical Retention Review or MRR process because my knee started to give out and my Command wouldn’t do a Line of Duty investigation because the injury happened a few years ago. I tore multiple tendons and ligaments in my knee during two different AT’s and told my Lead Petty Officer about it each time. I even told the CO when my knee buckled during a physical readiness test and I barly passed. Apparently none of that mattered without an LOD. Joel not only explained why my saying something DID matter, but showed me the exact part of the regulations that outlined exactly what the Command should have done when I said something. He clearly knew exactly what he was talking about. Within a few hours of my initial call with Joel he requested my MRR package and got started on reviewing all the documents the Navy relied on to deny me a fair process. Joel even called my Command and was able to get my drilling status reinstated until the Navy made a final determination about my MRR package. In the end, the line of duty got done correctly and in my favor. Joel even got me retained in the Reserves. I am extremely thankful because if I ever have to leave the Navy because of my knee, at least I know that they cannot say it didn’t happen on duty. Honestly, I was completely in the dark about all this before I spoke with Joel. His fees were more than worth the trouble he saved me and the likely result of being medically separated without any benefits. I can’t say enough good things about Joel. He worked with me after I got off work, explained things clearly, and came up with a strategy that handled my current situation and took into consideration potential issues in the future. If you want to hire a lawyer to help with your MRR or PEB, Joel’s the one to hire.

I want to share how grateful I am for Joel Pettit, who helped me win a very difficult case with the Air Force Physical Evaluation Board. From the first time I spoke with Mr. Pettit, I knew I was in good hands. He really understood the entire Air Force IDES process and cared about getting the best res...ult for me. My case was complicated because it involved a lot of medical issues and some command issues that could have hurt my case badly. Taking care of these issues was very important to me because it could have affected my military career and my future. Mr. Pettit carefully went through every detail of my case, including all my medical records and past evaluations. He made sure nothing was missed and knew exactly how to handle the tough bureaucracy of the Air Force and the PEB process. He even contacted my command directly to figure everything out before we decided what strategy was best. Mr. Pettit did all this while I waited to hear back from my appointed JAG attorney. One thing I really appreciated about Mr. Pettit was how well he communicated with me. He made sure to follow up frequently and didn’t get frustrated when he had to repeat himself. He explained everything in a way that I could understand, which made the whole process a lot less stressful. Anytime I had a question, no matter how small, Mr. Pettit was there to answer it. He also kept me updated on what was happening with my case, so I never felt in the dark. When it came time for the hearing, Mr. Pettit was amazing. He presented my case clearly and made sure the important points were understood by the board. His ability to explain the details of my situation was key to getting the positive decision I needed. It was clear that Mr. Pettit knew a lot about both the legal and medical parts of my case, and this knowledge helped us win. It’s ironic that my government appointed JAG attorney didn’t contact me until the day before the hearing to offer any assistance. Needless to say I wasn’t even going think about going that route. In the end, because of Mr. Pettit’s hard work and dedication, I got a favorable decision on every topic we appealed. This means I can move forward with my life and career. I’m so glad I didn’t use the JAG lawyer to handle my case. Mr. Pettit is an amazing PEB lawyer and advisor. I only regret not hiring him sooner.

I was lucky enough to work with Joel Pettit, a dedicated and tenacious IDES and PEB attorney, who successfully represented me from the Medical Evaluation Board through the formal Physical Evaluation Board hearing, in just under 10 months. My case centered on a PTSD diagnosis that evolved out of sever...al preliminary diagnoses by several doctors and psychologists/therapists. My case was complex and emotionally charged, requiring not only legal expertise but a thorough understanding of Army culture and the challenges faced by Soldiers dealing with mental health issues. From the very beginning, Mr. Pettit demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment. Understanding the profound impact that PTSD can have on a Soldier’s life, he approached the situation with the sensitivity and respect it deserved. I had served for over 10 years without getting any bad paper but was struggling with mental health issues since my last 2 deployments, an experience that, unfortunately, many Soldiers share. Mr. Pettit quickly recognized the importance of ensuring that I received the disability benefits and support necessary for my and my family’s continued well-being. I was actually amazed at how much Mr. Pettit knew about the ins and outs of the Army IDES process, specific individual staff at the PEB and even the PEB board members. One of the most remarkable qualities of Mr. Pettit’s approach was his thorough preparation at every stage. He meticulously reviewed my medical records, service history, and all relevant documentation. This attention to detail ensured that no aspect of the case was overlooked. Moreover, he took the time to explain every step of the process so that I was fully informed and comfortable throughout the proceedings in the MEB and PEB. This level of communication was instrumental in alleviating my anxiety about the process, allowing me to focus on my treatment and family issues that kept coming up. Joel also displayed an impressive understanding of the legal and admin complexities involved in Army PEB cases, particularly those involving PTSD. He was well-versed in the specific criteria that the VA and the PEB use to evaluate mental health issues, and he skillfully navigated the nuances of federal law, Army regulations, and DoD instructions. Honestly, I didn’t even know all those things mattered in the PEB process. His legal arguments were not only persuasive but grounded in a serious understanding of my condition and the realities of life with PTSD. This combination of legal acumen and empathy proved to be a winning formula with the PEB board members. During the hearing, Mr. Pettit was a remarkable advocate. He presented a compelling case, drawing on fellow Soldiers’ and doctors’ testimony, medical studies, and his own experiences to paint a realistic picture of the challenges I faced with PTSD. His ability to convey my struggles in a clear and impactful manner was key in convincing the PEB to rule in my favor. The outcome of the case was a testament to Mr. Pettit’s skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his client. Beyond his abilities as a lawyer, what truly sets Joel apart is his genuine care for his clients. Throughout the case, it was evident that he was not just focused on winning, but on ensuring that I received the support and resources necessary to set me up for success after I left the Army. This soup-to-nuts approach to legal representation is rare and says a lot about Mr Pettit’s character and integrity. In conclusion, Mr. Pettit is an exceptional litigator who combines military legal expertise with compassion and dedication. His successful representation in my case is a testament to his skills and commitment to seeing Soldiers get what they deserve. For any Service member facing a similar battle, Joel Pettit would undoubtedly be an invaluable ally. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Mr. Pettit helped me win my Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL) formal PEB hearing and then filed my CRSC application, that was granted. He was very communicative and positive throughout the processes despite having to give me some hard truths along the way. Although he was a Marine JAG and i...s very direct, he knew how to communicate well when I was not in a healthy emotional state. He really put me at ease when I needed it most. What helped a lot was that Mr. Pettit is very transparent about his bills and where all your money is being spent. I don’ t think I’ve ever dealt with someone so open about their business and not afraid to share details. Mr. Pettit actively gave me updates, explained his strategy and made sure I understood and agreed with it all before we executed the plan. Having worked with the government assigned lawyer when I was active duty, this was 180 degrees different. I was never lost and always knew why made the moves we did. I also appreciated that he did a deep dive into my records to the point that I felt he knew more about me than anyone else. He took the time to understand all the parts of my case. I think this is what places him above all the other PEB attorneys out there. The legal arguments he made seemed to be more forceful because the facts from my case were included perfectly, letting the PEB members clearly understand how the law applied to me. In the end, I went from being separated with severance pay from the TDRL, to being retired with all of my waived retirement pay given back through CRSC payments. Mr. Pettit truely changed my life. He has my sincerest thanks and highest recommendation.