The instructions for applying for a discharge upgrade or correction may be found here. You’ll be eligible for the VA benefits you earned during your service if your application is approved and your discharge is improved.
If you can establish that your discharge was related to any of the following criteria, all branches of the military will consider you a strong candidate for a discharge upgrade.
- Mental health conditions, posttraumatic stress disorder is one example of a mental health problem (PTSD)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury (TBI)
- During military duty, sexual assault or harassment (the VA, refers to this as military sexual trauma or MST)
- Sexual orientation (containing the policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell”)
Step-by-step instructions
- Download and Complete (DoD) Form 149:
DoD Form 149 can be downloaded and filled out.
( DoD Form 149 download )
Pay close attention to item 6, which asks why you changed your mind. To answer this question, most veterans attach extra pages. Item 8 requests the date on which you discovered the error or unfairness that you want the Board to correct. If you discovered the error or unfairness more than three years ago, you must offer a rationale why the Board should examine your application. New evidence you’ve discovered to back your assertion, or recent policy changes are examples of solid explanations (like liberal consideration for PTSD, TBI, or military sexual assault or harassment). These kind of arguments will make the Board more inclined to rule in your favor. - Include any relevant information.
Include as many of the papers listed below as possible to increase your chances of success.
Military Records:
In most cases, your records will be important to the Board’s decision. The commission may not have easy access to your military records, especially if you served many years ago, so we strongly recommend that you submit all relevant documentation yourself. Note that the BCNR is obligated to help you gather evidence if you can demonstrate that you made a reasonable attempt to obtain a record without success.
You can apply online or by mail to receive your complete military record (your official military record, or FPMO) in the mail. If at first you only need a handful of applications you should request the full set.
“Buddy, or friend Statements” or Other Service References:
In addition to military records, you can attach statements from friends or colleagues you know on active duty or others with opinions. live knowledge of your time in the military. The content of the letter is more important than its source, as long as the author’s opinion is reliable and he knows you well. The writer should indicate how he has learned about the facts or opinions for which he is writing. The letter may include statements about your accomplishments in the military, the positive relationships you have gained in the military, the reasons why your dismissal may be unfair or inaccurate, and your good deeds during this time.
Testimonials of achievements from the service:
You can decide to add more information about what you have achieved in your life since your release, especially if your release is related to issues about drugs, alcohol, or behavior. This letter can be in the form of a letter from an employer or community leader, proof of successful drug treatment, or copies of certificates and diplomas. DoD will be posting more specifics about achievements from the service soon, but for now, add whatever achievements you want to call on. - Mail your completed form and all supporting documents by mail
There are a number of different governing boards that handle releases and fixes.
Submit the completed form and all supporting documents to BCNR at:
Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR)
701 S. Courthouse Road, Suite 1001
Arlington, VA 22204-2490
At this time, there is no way to submit this form online.
What happens after I submit my application?
The Board examines almost all applications within 18 months. You may continue to submit supporting documents until the Commission considers your request.
If your application is successful, the Board will ask the service worker’s office to issue you a DD215, containing updates to the brand new DD21 or DD21 . If you received a new DD21 , request a copy.
If your appeal resulting in your discharge is elevated to honor, you will immediately be considered a qualified VA veteran and you may apply for benefits and services from VA. For now, you can still apply for VA eligibility by requesting a discharge character review.
