Discharge Upgrade Step-by-Step
Two tracks: DRB (within 15 years) for characterization or reason challenges, BCMR (anytime) for court-martial discharges or after a DRB denial. Liberal consideration policies cover PTSD/TBI/MST/mental health. Free legal help is widely available.
Which track applies to you?
Discharge Review Board (DRB)
For challenging characterization OR reason of discharge. Use when within 15 years of separation and NOT challenging a court-martial discharge. Service-specific: Army DRB, Navy DRB, Air Force DRB, etc.
- Form:
- DD Form 293
- Deadline:
- 15 years from date of separation
- Typical timing:
- 12-18 months
Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR / BCNR)
For more than 15 years past separation, court-martial discharges, OR DRB denials. Broader authority — can correct any military record, not just discharge.
- Form:
- DD Form 149
- Deadline:
- 3 years from discovery (waivable for cause)
- Typical timing:
- 18-24 months
Liberal Consideration: PTSD / TBI / MST / mental health
Three DOD memos require boards to give favorable presumption to upgrade applications citing behavioral-health conditions in service:
- Hagel Memo (2014): PTSD
- Kurta Memo (2017): MST and mental-health conditions broadly
- Wilkie Memo (2018): TBI
Cite these in a cover letter with your upgrade application. Even partial medical records — a VA C&P exam, a civilian therapist note, a buddy statement — can substantiate the connection. As of 2026 these policies remain in force.
The process — 5 steps
- 1
Choose your track: DRB or BCMR
DRB (Discharge Review Board) for characterization or reason challenges within 15 years of separation, NOT court-martial. BCMR (Board for Correction of Military Records) for everything else: more than 15 years past separation, court-martial discharges, or DRB denials.
- 2
Gather evidence
Service treatment records (request via SF-180 to NPRC), medical records of any post-service treatment, buddy statements from people who served with you, documentation of PTSD/TBI/MST/mental health conditions if applicable. Free legal services clinics will help compile the package.
- 3
File the form
DRB → DD Form 293 (Application for the Review of Discharge). BCMR → DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record). Both have free instructions on VA.gov and DOD service portals. Filing is free.
- 4
Liberal consideration cover letter (if applicable)
If your OTH was driven by behavior linked to PTSD, TBI, MST, or other behavioral-health conditions in service, attach a cover letter citing the Hagel/Kurta/Wilkie memos. Boards must give favorable presumption to upgrades on these grounds. Even partial medical records help.
- 5
Wait — and follow up
DRB typically takes 12-18 months. BCMR typically 18-24 months. Both can be appealed if denied. Track your case via the service-specific Board portal.
Free legal help
VA Character of Discharge Upgrade Tool
VA-built decision tool that walks you through which form to file and what to include.
NVLSP (National Veterans Legal Services Program)
Free representation for discharge upgrades. Long-running national veterans legal nonprofit.
Swords to Plowshares
Free legal services for veterans, including discharge upgrades. SF Bay Area + national reach.
Connecticut Veterans Legal Center
Free legal services including discharge upgrades. National scope.
Veterans Legal Services Clinics (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.)
Law-school-based clinics that take discharge upgrade cases pro bono. Application process via each clinic.
Accredited VSOs (DAV, AmVets, VFW, MOAA, Am Legion)
Free representation. Find an accredited rep via VA Office of General Counsel.
Crisis support — open to OTH unconditionally
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then Press 1 · text 838255 · veteranscrisisline.net
- Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-927-8387 · 24/7, staffed by combat veterans
- Homeless Veterans Call Center: 1-877-424-3838