Here's what you need to know about military discharge upgrades and character of service determinations.
How to Get a Military Discharge Upgrade
Some veterans want their discharge changed even if they remain eligible for many VA benefits, because they feel it dishonors the service they provided to their country.
Eligibility for VA Benefits Depending on Type of Military Discharge
Whether you are eligible for veterans benefits and VA health care benefits depends on the type of discharge you received when you left the military.
Eligibility for VA Benefits for Vets With Good Paper and Bad Paper
If you received a discharge under conditions "other than honorable," you ordinarily are not eligible for most VA benefits.
Getting a VA Character of Service Determination
If you are a veteran with bad paper, consider asking for a Character of Service Determination rather than a discharge upgrade or record correction.
Requesting Corrections to Veterans Military Records From the BCMR or DRB
You may want to request a correction in your military record or a change in the character of your military discharge.
Military Disability Rating Upgrades From the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR)
If you are a veteran with a military rating lower than your VA disability rating, you can request an upgrade from PDBR.
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