The Mayer Law Blog

How Military Discharge Upgrade Lawyers Have Evolved Over the Past 20 Years

Posted June 4th, 2025

Over the past two decades, the landscape of military discharge upgrade representation has transformed dramatically. The role of the military discharge upgrade lawyer has evolved in response to shifting Department of Defense policies, court rulings, growing veteran awareness, and an increasing recognition of how unjust discharges can impact civilian life. From traditional legal advocates to highly specialized… Read More

How Long Does a Military Discharge Upgrade Take?

Posted May 23rd, 2025

If you’re a veteran seeking a military discharge upgrade, one of the first and most important questions you probably have is: How long does the discharge upgrade process take? The answer depends on several factors—including which branch of the armed forces you served in, the type of discharge you received, and the specifics of your case. This guide breaks down… Read More

Why You Should Consult a Lawyer Early in the Military Discharge Upgrade Process

Posted May 13th, 2025

If you’re thinking about applying for a military discharge upgrade, one of the smartest decisions you can make is to consult with an attorney early in the process. A discharge upgrade can have life-changing benefits—access to VA health care, GI Bill education benefits, and job opportunities—but success isn’t guaranteed. In fact, the process is complex, evidence-heavy, and… Read More

Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharges

Posted May 8th, 2025

For many U.S. military veterans, discharge status significantly shapes their post-service life. While honorable and general discharges allow access to most veterans’ benefits, an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge can lead to a lifetime of stigma, lost opportunities, and limited access to vital support services. But what exactly does an OTH discharge mean, and how can we change the… Read More

Reflecting on 20 Years of Military Discharges

Posted April 30th, 2025

Over the past two decades, the U.S. military has significantly reformed its discharge policies, reflecting evolving societal norms, legal mandates, and a commitment to justice for veterans. These changes have particularly impacted LGBTQ+ service members, individuals with mental health conditions, and those previously denied benefits due to less-than-honorable discharges. (Daines Ensures Due Process for Veterans… Read More

Why You Need The Right Military and Discharge Upgrade Lawyer When Facing an Administrative Discharge

Posted March 19th, 2025

Leaving the military should be a proud moment, but for some service members, it comes with unexpected challenges. If you’re facing an administrative discharge that could result in an “Other Than Honorable” (OTH) or “General (Under Honorable Conditions)” discharge, your future may be at risk. This is where an experienced military and discharge upgrade lawyer… Read More

How an Other Than Honorable Discharge Can Impact Your Career and Why a Discharge Upgrade is Worth Pursuing

Posted March 10th, 2025

Leaving the military with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge can have severe consequences on your civilian career and benefits. Whether you’re seeking employment, applying for federal benefits, or hoping to re-enlist, your discharge status can create significant obstacles. Fortunately, many service members may be eligible for an upgrade through the Discharge Review Board (DRB),… Read More

How a General Discharge Can Impact Your Career and Why a Discharge Upgrade is Worth Pursuing

Posted March 3rd, 2025

Leaving the military with a general discharge instead of an honorable one can have lasting effects on your civilian career. It may seem like an “Under Honorable Conditions” characterization isn’t so bad, but it can have lasting effects on your future. Whether you’re seeking employment, applying for federal benefits, or looking to re-enlist, your discharge… Read More

Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Military Discharge Upgrade Attorney

Posted February 10th, 2025

If you’re a veteran seeking to upgrade your military discharge status, hiring the right attorney can significantly improve your chances of success. The process can be complex, requiring an in-depth understanding of military law and procedures. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a military discharge upgrade attorney and… Read More

Federal Employees: Why You Need an Attorney for Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Appeals

Posted February 5th, 2025

Even though my current practice focuses largely on military discharge upgrades and military law, my first job as a lawyer was as a Labor Counselor at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. There, I defended the government in actions brought before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and union grievances, and I’ve remained… Read More