The Process For 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 were granted honorable service release, it is an advantage as you get to experience the benefits due to veterans. In situations where it was below par, you will be unable to get certain types of benefits. Still, you may request for your release certificate to be upgraded.

Under such circumstances, you then will need to get and fill out DD Form 294, which touches on Dismissal or Discharge from Service with the United States Armed Forces. After completing this step, mail it to the relevant board along with supporting documentation.

You may obtain it by downloading from the information center of your branch of service. If careful to get a personal hearing, do check the appropriate box as indicated on the form. Once you have done this, it lies squarely upon this board to notify you of the scheduled timing and venue of hearing.

Hearings are held within national capitals but can sometimes be done at regional centers. The discretion as to where they are scheduled again lies with each board. Be prepared to take care of your general expenses for the time of stay during the hearing if traveling from outside to the venue.

If for some reason you are unable to attend hearing, make sure to request for postponement in good time to avoid inconveniences to all parties involved. In absence of appropriate request, a board would normally consider your upgrade application in your absence. It however implies not getting another hearing grant unless you are able to demonstrate that failure to appear was forced by circumstances which were unavoidable.

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.

After this board has heard your application, it will consider it carefully. You will have to wait for in-between 6 and 8 weeks before getting the appropriate decision. It could grant your wishes for adjustment and mail the appropriate certificate showing this authority, DD Form 214 plus the document indicating such decision.

There are situations where an application is denied and the board will only mail a decision document regarding the undertaking. You should be advised further if any appeal is still possible to a higher level of authority. It may be prudent to delay your discharge upgrade application pending completion of gathering various supporting documents for the hearing. Have all your documents ready.




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