Veterans with Other Than Honorable discharges are able to petition for benefits, but they are less likely to get them. Veterans are also able to have their discharge characterization upgraded, or have the reason for discharge changed.
For decades, many Veterans who left the service with anything but an Honorable Discharge were looked down upon, especially by the Veteran community. For many Veterans, the idea of receiving the other types of discharges meant that you had done something wrong to earn the distinction. That opinion was black and white, with no room for grey.
But with many new opinions coming to light, especially from the medical and psychological communities, the lines are blurring, and the black and white areas have given way to allow for some grey. During our nation’s longest war, there are many professionals who now feel that many of the previously issued negative discharges may have been the result of traumatic brain injuries, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
This realization could pave the way for as many as 80,000 Veterans to upgrade their discharge status, if they can link their conduct to genuine and evidenced symptoms of TBI or PTSD.
On September 3, 2014, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a memorandum that directed boards for the correction of military records or naval records to “fully and carefully consider every petition based on PTSD brought by each veteran.” The memo offers guidance for review boards to use when handling cases where the petitioner claims that post-traumatic stress caused their misbehavior.
This change will be especially beneficial for Vietnam Veterans, whose PTSD symptoms were confused with misconduct, at a time before PTSD was recognized in the military and Veteran communities.
If you are a Veteran needing to upgrade your discharge status, please make sure that you apply for corrections with the appropriate review board for branch of service that you were in:
Army Veterans – Army Review Board Agency (ARBA)
http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/
Air Force Veterans – Air Force Review Boards Agency: http://www.afpc.af.mil/afveteraninformation/airforceboardforcorrectionofmilitaryrecords/index.asp
Navy and Marine Corps Veterans -The Board for Correction of Naval Records:
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/recordsmanagement/Pages/BCNR.aspx
Coast Guard Veterans -The Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard:
http://www.uscg.mil/legal/BCMR.asp
Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.
Military Connection: Upgrade Your Discharge Status: By Debbie Gregory
Dive into World War II's finest literature, perfect for history buffs and those seeking captivating…
Explore 7 Pivotal Moments in US Military History: From the Birth of the Continental Army…
Explore a diverse group of military influencers and veterans as they share their unique experiences,…
Understanding Agent Orange Effects, VA Benefits, and Veteran Support: A Comprehensive Guide for Vietnam War…
Explore the top ten must-read books about World War One, including memoirs, historical non-fiction, and…
Discover the enduring legacy of Vietnam Veterans and the profound impact of the Vietnam War…
