Question 1

How do I upgrade my military discharge?

Accepted Answer

You can apply to the Discharge Review Board (DRB) using DD Form 293 if within 15 years of discharge, or the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR/BCNR) using DD Form 149 at any time. The Hagel Memo (2014), Kurta Memo (2017), and Wilkie Memo (2018) direct boards to give liberal consideration for PTSD, TBI, MST, and sexual orientation-related discharges.

Question 2

Can I upgrade a DADT discharge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Kurta Memo (2017) specifically directs all discharge review boards to apply liberal consideration to sexual orientation-related discharges, including Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The BCMR/BCNR has no time limit for applications. Many DADT discharges have been successfully upgraded to Honorable.

Question 3

Can I get VA benefits with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge?

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible for emergency mental health care, MST-related healthcare, and VA healthcare for service-connected conditions through a Character of Discharge (COD) determination. In March 2017, VA Secretary David Shulkin opened emergency mental health care to OTH veterans; on June 25, 2024, VA issued a final rule amending 38 CFR 3.12 with a compelling-circumstances exception for OTH discharges. You are not eligible for the GI Bill or VA home loan without a discharge upgrade.

Question 4

What is the Hagel Memo?

Accepted Answer

The Hagel Memo is a 2014 memorandum from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel directing all service discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to veterans whose PTSD contributed to misconduct leading to a less-than-honorable discharge. Boards must consider whether PTSD existed at the time of service, even if not diagnosed then.

Question 5

What is the difference between the DRB and BCMR?

Accepted Answer

The Discharge Review Board (DRB) can change discharge character and reason within 15 years of discharge. The Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR/BCNR) has no time limit, can change any military record including RE codes, and is the only option for General Court-Martial discharges. DRB offers personal hearings; BCMR is usually records-only.

Question 6

How long does a discharge upgrade take?

Accepted Answer

DRB decisions typically take 6-12 months. BCMR/BCNR decisions typically take 12-18 months. Personal hearings at the DRB have approximately twice the success rate of records-only reviews.