Is a discharge upgrade automatic?
No, there are no automatic discharge upgrades or changes to military records. You must submit an application requesting that your discharge be upgraded on the basis of an error or injustice.
Why apply for a discharge upgrade?
Eligibility for VA benefits is determined by the characterization of discharge from military service. Veterans who receive a characterization of service other than an Honorable discharge may face challenges in accessing benefits to which they would otherwise be entitled. Applying to upgrade your characterization of service can result in access to VA benefits such as disability compensation, medical care and Tricare benefits, and education benefits through the GI Bill.
The characterization of service is also a consideration for many employment opportunities, particularly employment eligibility with the federal government. Those with an Honorable characterization of service are eligible for preference throughout the federal employment hiring process. Many states and local governments offer similar preferences for Honorably discharged Veterans.
Thus, an upgrade to your characterization of service can have significant impacts on your access to VA benefits, medical care, employment opportunities, education assistance, finances, and your quality of life.
Why apply for a records correction?
Submitting an application to correct your military record is the only way to correct or change information in your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). There are several reasons both current Servicemembers and Veterans may want to change or correct information in their OMPF including:
- Removing inaccurate or unjust adverse information from your military record;
- Correction to awards, promotions, pay and allowances, evaluation reports, and separations;
- Changes to the re-entry eligibility (RE) code;
- Applying for medical retirement if you had an injury or illness that disqualified you from continued military service at the the time of separation;
- Correcting or seeking relief from debts to the U.S. Government incurred while in service;
- Correcting errors on your DD 214
Both your military record and your characterization of service should accurately reflect your time in service. In addition to impacting your eligibility for promotion or other employment opportunities and eligibility for VA benefits and compensation, upgrading your discharge characterization and/or correcting your military record can also provide a sense of validation and acknowledgment of your service and sacrifices made during your time in the military.
How long is the process?
On average, the boards handling discharge upgrades and records corrections take 12-18 months to return a decision after an application is submitted. Because of the length of time it takes the Board to process your application, we suggest getting started with an application as soon as possible.
Can you receive priority processing for a discharge upgrade or records correction?
Yes, in some cases, requests from Veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, and/or MST may receive priority processing.
Is there a time limit for applying for a discharge upgrade or records correction?
Requests for a discharge upgrade must be submitted to the Discharge Review Board within 15 years after separation. Requests to correct military records must be submitted within 3 years of the error. However, under certain circumstances, those timeframes may be waived.