Veterans who received less-than-honorable discharges (Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, General) can apply to upgrade their discharge characterization, which may restore access to VA benefits, GI Bill, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Two boards handle these requests: the Discharge Review Board (DRB) for discharges within the last 15 years, and the Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCMR/BCNR) for older discharges or more complex corrections.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Obtain your service records — Request your DD-214 and complete service record from the National Archives (NPRC); review them for errors, omissions, or mitigating circumstances
- Determine which board to apply to:
- Discharge Review Board (DRB): discharge within the last 15 years; can upgrade characterization only (not reason for discharge)
- Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR/BCNR): discharge older than 15 years, or you want to change both characterization and reason; has broader authority
- Complete the appropriate application form:
- DRB: DD Form 293 (Application for Review of Discharge)
- BCMR/BCNR: DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
- Write a compelling personal statement — Explain why your discharge was unjust, inequitable, erroneous, or improper; include mitigating factors such as PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, mental heal...
- Gather supporting evidence — Medical records, mental health evaluations, character references, employment history showing rehabilitation, legal opinions, and any documentation of in-service trauma ...
- Consider obtaining legal representation — Free legal help is available through VSOs, legal aid organizations (Swords to Plowshares, National Veterans Legal Services Program), and law school veteran...
Common Mistakes
- Not applying because of shame or hopelessness
- Submitting without a personal statement
- Missing the DRB 15-year window
- Not mentioning mental health factors
- Applying without evidence of rehabilitation
Pro Tips
- The Hagel, Kurta, and Wilkie memos changed the game
- Free legal help is available
- VA's discharge upgrade tool
- Board hearings improve outcomes
- Get a mental health evaluation