Active Duty and Reserve Coast Guard members who are not fit for continued service due to illness or injury and are being processed through the Disability Evaluation System (DES) are entitled to representation by an attorney at no cost. Alternatively, a member can decline detailed military counsel and hire a civilian attorney at his or her own cost. To contact the Office of Member Advocacy and be connected with a Coast Guard Disability Attorney, please email us using the following link: email

Frequently Asked Questions

IDES Member's Guide