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.

How to Obtain Your VA Records

You have the right to your claims file, medical records, personnel records, incident reports, and toxic exposure reports. Here's how to get them.

Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits

Nolo's book covers Medicaid rules for seniors and persons with disabilities.