Easing the Way: DOD, VA Release Online Tool to Help Veterans with Discharge Upgrades
05 April 2018
The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have announced the launch of a web-based tool that will provide customized guidance to veterans who need to upgrade or change the conditions of their military discharges.
"We are thrilled to have partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs in developing this wonderful and easily accessible tool," said Robert Wilkie, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "We support our veterans, whether they served recently or long ago, and we are excited to introduce a tool that will individualize the guidance for those who desire an upgrade or change in their military discharge."
Over the years, some veterans have criticized the review process as daunting or difficult to understand. Supplemental guides, while helpful to many, have had the side effect of creating multiple documents that can be confusing to some. Furthermore, some veterans suffer from mental health or other conditions that can make sorting through resources especially difficult.
Now, by answering a few short questions, veterans will know which boards they need to go to, what forms to fill out, any special guidance applicable to their cases and where to send their applications. They can also learn helpful tips for appealing their discharges. Any veterans who believe their discharges were unjust or erroneous, or who believe their cases warrant upgrades are encouraged to use this tool and then apply for review.
The tool can be found on Vets.gov at
www.vets.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions. The link is also available on Military OneSource (
www.militaryonesource.mil/), and via each of the review board's websites (listed below).
Navy Board for Correction of Naval Records
Website: www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/bcnr/Pages/home.aspx
Phone: 703-607-6111
Email: BCNR_Application@navy.mil
Navy Discharge Review Board
Website: www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/CORB/Pages/NDRB/default.aspx
Phone: 202-685-6600
Email: NDRB@navy.mil
Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records
Website: www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Board-for-Correction-of-Military-Records/
Phone: 240-612-5379
Email: usaf.pentagon.saf-mr.mbx.saf-mrbc@mail.mil
Air Force Discharge Review Board
Website: www.afpc.af.mil/Separation/Discharge-Review-Board/
Phone: 240-612-0995
E-mail: usaf.pentagon.saf-mr.mbx.saf-mrb@mail.mil
Army Board for Correction of Military Records
Website: http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/
E-mail: army.arbainquiry@mail.mil
Army Discharge Review Board
Website: http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/
E-mail: army.arbainquiry@mail.mil