John Gately

I’m writing this review after hiring John “Jack” Gately for my MEB/PEB case. Jack started working with me prior to the official start of my MEB and stuck with my case through the MEB, PEB, retirement, and appeals with the VA to be granted 100% P&T. If you’re currently in the process or expecting to be shortly, here’s a few things I learned first-hand: 1. Control what you can. There are countless variables involved in a PEB outcome. The best way to influence the result is to be proactive and hire an expert. This is not the time to be a ‘barracks lawyer.’ 2. Jack is a true specialist. If you do any bit of research on PEB cases, you’ll see that there are only a handful of attorneys who truly understand these boards. Jack is one of them. He is incredibly well-read on the current state of the boards and he knows what it takes to win today, not ten years ago. 3. View the fee as an investment. The retainer is a small price compared to the lifetime value of the benefits you’re fighting for or the ability to stay in service. To get the absolute best out of Jack (and frankly, likely any good attorney), you must be an active participant in your own case. He is a high-level strategist, not a micromanager. He’s your Brigade Commander, not your Squad Leader. Think of it like a train: Jack is the conductor with the map and the expertise to navigate the system. You are an assistant on the engine—helping provide ‘steam’ by attending every appointment and keeping him updated. He speaks our language, his humor is spot on, and most importantly, he gets results. I would highly recommend Jack Gately and would hire him immediately if I had to go through the process again. Thank you, Jack!

John is extremely knowledgable, professional and compassionate. We were able to speak with him the same day we reached out and he reviewed all of our documents related to my husband's PEB the same evening and was able to give us guidance quickly. After speaking with John, we were able to make a decision on appealing the PEB decision with confidence. If you are going through a med board, I highly recommend reaching out to John.

I highly recommend Jack for your military disability needs. I’m so glad I hired him to help me through the IDES process. His rebuttals were well written and his arguments ensured I received my desired result through the DES process. Thank you for all your help, Jack!

Highly recommend hiring Jack early in your PEB process. He is the expert and his sound advice ensured a win in my case.