How hard is it to get a military discharge upgraded?

It is very difficult to get a discharge upgrade, so you should submit comprehensive evidence and/or find an attorney to help you submit a complete package. Make sure to request and submit your military records and positive post-service history.

When is it possible to upgrade your military discharge?

When and How to Apply for an Upgrade. Under the law, you must make your application for discharge upgrade within 15 years of discharge. If your discharge is older than 15 years, you must apply for a change to your military records.

Who is eligible for an honorable discharge upgrade?

Here are a few examples of veterans who might be eligible for a military discharge upgrade: A veteran who abused drugs and alcohol as a means to self-medicate his or her post-traumatic stress disorder What Do I Need to Upgrade My Military Discharge? In order to receive an upgrade to your discharge, you’ll need to have proof.

What does it take to upgrade a punitive discharge?

The only basis for upgrading a punitive discharge is clemency. In other words, the Board must find good reason for treating you compassionately, and upgrading your discharge despite your court-martial conviction. For that reason, it’s essential to present the strong evidence of compelling achievements since your military discharge.

How do you get a discharge from the military?

Complete an Application for Review of Discharge From the Armed Services of the United States. You can complete it online, or get it from a local Department of Defense installation or the regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Either submit the application online or mail it to the address below for your branch of the service.

How do I upgrade my military discharge?

Learn which “Board” to apply to
Gather any records that may be useful
Find out if you should mention issues like PTSD or TBI
Gather all the different pieces of your application
Write a short essay about why you should receive an upgrade
Ask important people in your life to write letters of support

How do you upgrade discharge from military?

If you received a discharge characterization that is other than “Honorable,” you may request a military discharge upgrade. To do so, you must submit a DD Form 293 to the appropriate Discharge Review Board (DRB) and convince them that your discharge rating should be upgraded.

How do I upgrade my discharge?

To receive a discharge upgrade, you must prove to the board that your undesirable discharge was “inequitable” or “improper.”. Submit the form online or by mail to the Discharge Review Board of the proper service branch. Each branch maintains its own board, except that the Navy board handles cases involving both Navy and Marine veterans.

What is discharge upgrade?

Discharge Upgrades. If you are not satisfied with the discharge or characterization of service that you received from the military, you have the option of applying for an upgrade. An upgrade can change your characterization of service, the reason for the discharge, and your re-enlistment code. It can also change your discharge to medical…