Joel L. Pettit

Joel is a MACHINE, and when I put $1 into this MACHINE, $250 came out. When I put $100 in, $25,000 came out. And when I’d put the rest of >$5,000 in, $1,250,000 came out. And then the MACHINE called to refund the remainder of his retainer. Long version: 5x months into IDES, the VA rated me 0% for... a referred condition that my medical documentation clearly supported at 30%. IDES gave me a week to write a VARR, and on the 4th day, and after ample pro bono advice in the preceding advice, I retained Joel. He worked through the entire weekend and late into Sunday night getting a 122x page VARR together - it was a masterwork of art and science. The VARR decision came back in _12x days. I’d been told to expect it in 6x weeks. It was so fast that it bypassed my PEBLO and MSC entirely – they found out days later. My PEBLO said "my eyes popped out of my head" when he saw the VARR decision. The VARR decision took me from 0% to _60%_, not the 30% we were aiming for. This took my overall DoD medical retirement rating from 50% to _75%_; a 25% increase in my monthly DoD retirement check, equaling $2,985/mo., COLA adjusted, for the rest of my life. Joel’s fee was >$5,000. An inflation-protected annuity paying $3,000/mo. would cost me $1.25M today. So my ROI on Joel’s >$5,000 fee was 24,900%. Joel is honest, intrepid, and supremely competent. He’d been very generous with his time earlier in the year developing a strategy for my medical retirement that integrated my own constraints/previous work, that did NOT involve my retaining him. When I finally retained him (at the 11th hour) to write my VARR, he worked through the weekend to get it done, and the results far exceeded anyone's expectations. Don’t be a clown and try to do this yourself. Hire THE MACHINE.

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.