Procedure For Getting A Military Discharge Upgrade

By Krystal Branch


Boards serving on behalf of the military are not allowed in any way to revoke discharge of an individual who has earlier served in the services. Dismissals done via special Court-Martial get reviewed only if sufficient clemency reasons are presented. Under law, one requires ensuring to make discharge upgrade application within 15 years of service release. If having spent more than this period, it becomes necessary then applying for changes to be done on your record of service.

If you attained honorable release from service, you get to enjoy all the benefits awarded to other veterans. However, if below this, you will not be able to obtain other kinds of benefits. You still could apply for upgrading of your release certificate.

First, you would need to obtain then complete DD Form 293, which deals with Application for Review of Discharge or Dismissal from United States Armed Forces. After completing the form, do mail it together with any supporting documents to this board that is concerned.

You can have it by logging online to the information center and downloading it. If you want to be accorded personal hearing, check the right box indicating this point. It thereafter lies squarely on what this board decides in terms of timing and scheduling for your hearing.

In general, hearings are held within the national capital. At times however, the board may travel to regional centers for hearings. Do not expect to be reimbursed on expenses incurred during the duration of stay for the process.

It may be that you are unable suddenly to attend your hearing. Ensure to seek for postponement of hearing in such case to avoid inconveniencing the parties involved. In absence of a request to that effect, the board normally would consider the upgrade application even in your absence. However, this implies not being offered another chance to make your case unless able to demonstrated clearly the challenging circumstances that led to your inability to attend.

The board generally is made up of 5 officers who are still on active duty. You need to present your situation before them and could testify under oath so as to offer support to the application. In case you have concerns of self-incrimination, take advantage of your right to remain silent while the hearing proceeds.

Once the board hears your application, it deliberates on it afterwards. You just need to wait for the decision it reaches which should take between 6 and 8 weeks. It may grant your request for grade adjustment in which case you will get it via mail together with the new release certificate showing this authority, DD Form 214 and the accompanying decisions document to this effect.

If the application gets denied, a Board then mails the decision document that includes specific concerns for denial. It normally will thereafter advise you on any further possibility of appeal applicable to your situation. It could take some time gathering statements plus records in support of your request. You may therefore wish to delay submitting your discharge upgrade application until completing this process.




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