Discharge Upgrade Update
Based on a few trends in the field of discharge upgrades, I want to address a few things. First, PTSD can be a valid reason for upgrading a discharge. However, despite persistent rumors to the contrary, it is not a guarantee. If you have a characterization of “Other Than Honorable,” it is persuasive to argue… Read More
Preparing for a Discharge Upgrade: Resume’
A common question in military discharge upgrade cases: Does my post-service conduct matter? Answer: Yes. However, you must make your resume’ impressive and meaningful. As a discharge upgrade lawyer, I’ve seen this make a difference. If you want to maximize your chances of earning an upgrade to your military discharge focus on these 3 (or 4) areas…. Read More
Going to the Media is a High Risk Maneuver
I get calls from people who want to take their case to the press, thinking that media attention will gain them a good result or vindication. As you can see by reading this article in the Washington Post, going to the media isn’t always a wise decision. In fact, it can have horrible consequences.
Some Notes on PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is suffered by many, many former servicemembers. It can arise from many different sources. It is a sad byproduct of combat and military service. However, many individuals are becoming callous to these claims. After all, many claim PTSD, and some are merely seeking to get money from the federal government. It is… Read More
A Few Discharge Review Board Notes – June 2015
Here are a few thoughts after my last few trips to the various service discharge review boards: It can be difficult to argue that you were innocent of the acts that gave rise to a discharge. The board initially believes that an applicant is guilty, and the burden is on the applicant to prove otherwise…. Read More
Good News From the Navy Discharge Review Board
Another piece of good news recently arrived. A former Navy Sailor was upgraded from Other Than Honorable conditions to a General, Under Honorable Conditions. This veteran worked for several years in order to create a fantastic resume’ and became a valuable member of his community. This certainly helped to create a great case for a… Read More
Good News from the Navy Discharge Review Board
Today, we received notification that one of our clients earned a discharge upgrade via a record review at the Navy Discharge Review Board. Congratulations are absolutely in order for this very deserving veteran. After more than 15 hours of work putting together his paperwork, the following was granted: By a vote of 5-0, his characterization of… Read More
Shopping for a Military Lawyer? Part 2: Discharge Upgrade Lawyer
In one of the more obscure areas of military law, we have those who handle discharge upgrades. Few lawyers want to take these cases because they are largely technical, rather boring, and not as sexy and flashy as a court-martial. For some reason, and I don’t know why, I’ve come to enjoy helping with discharge… Read More
Shopping for a Military Lawyer? Part 1: Courts-Martial
Judging from a cursory Google search, looking for a military lawyer can be an ominous task. Yet, you’re probably searching for a lawyer who will represent you at a time when you are the most vulnerable, desperate, and in need of someone competent to stand by your side. Here are a few things to help… Read More
What would a Military Lawyer tell you?
As I see more and more cases from all branches of the military, I start to see several trends. Rather than belabor the problems, I’ll focus on solutions. Here are a few nuggets of general advice that most military attorneys would give you for the most basic military law problems. 1. Stop talking! When talking… Read More
