How to upgrade your military discharge characterization
Step-by-step guide to upgrading a less-than-Honorable discharge (Other Than Honorable, General, Bad Conduct, Dishonorable). 5 steps using DoD Form DD-293 (BCNR/BCMR review). Many discharges related to PTSD, MST, or LGBT-status are eligible for upgrade under newer DoD policy.
What you'll need
- DD-293 (Application for the Review of Discharge or Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States)
- DD-149 (for older discharges via Board for Correction of Naval/Military Records — BCNR/BCMR)
- Free VA-accredited representative (CVSO, VFW, American Legion, DAV)
- OR a free legal-aid attorney specializing in discharge upgrades
- Existing DD-214
- Service medical records
- Statement explaining why the upgrade should be granted
Step-by-step
Step 1: Determine which board reviews your case
Discharges issued within the last 15 years go to the Discharge Review Board (DRB) of your service branch (DD-293). Discharges older than 15 years OR those involving general court-martial go to the Board for Correction of Naval/Military Records (BCNR for Navy/Marines, BCMR for Army/Air Force/Coast Guard) — DD-149. Your CVSO or legal-aid attorney can confirm which path.
Step 2: Gather supporting evidence
Strongest cases include: (a) medical records showing PTSD, TBI, or MST during service that was not properly diagnosed; (b) records showing LGBT-status discharge prior to repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" or transgender service ban; (c) post-service records showing rehabilitation, employment, education, civic engagement; (d) lay statements from family, employers, ministers attesting to character.
Step 3: Get free legal help
NEVER pay an attorney for a discharge upgrade if you can avoid it. Free options: Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program (vetsprobono.org), Swords to Plowshares, National Veterans Legal Services Program, your state Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. CVSOs can also help, especially for DD-293 applications.
Step 4: File DD-293 (or DD-149) with the appropriate board
Mail or e-file via service-branch portal. Include: completed form, copy of DD-214, supporting medical/service records, personal statement, lay statements. The board reviews within 12-18 months; many cases are decided in 6-9 months. You can request an in-person hearing (recommended for borderline cases).
Step 5: After upgrade — re-apply for VA benefits
Once upgraded, you're eligible for VA benefits previously denied: VA healthcare enrollment (VA Form 10-10EZ), disability compensation (VA Form 21-526EZ), GI Bill education benefits (VA Form 22-1990), VA Home Loan, etc. Your CVSO can help you re-apply for each. Effective date for benefits is typically the date of the upgraded discharge, not the original separation.
Critical tips
- PTSD, TBI, MST, and LGBT-status discharges issued before policy changes are now eligible for special review under "Hagel" (2014), "Carson" (2017), and "Wilkie" (2018) memos. Cite these memos in your application.
- A General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge is often easier to upgrade to Honorable than an OTH. Try the easier upgrade first.
- Even if denied initially, you can re-apply with new evidence — there's no time limit for BCNR/BCMR.