The Mayer Law Blog

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

How an Other Than Honorable Discharge Affects VA Benefits — and What You Can Do About It

Posted January 30th, 2025

An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge from the military can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Many service members don’t realize the impact until they apply for assistance, only to find out they may be ineligible. However, all hope is not lost—there are ways to challenge your discharge status… Read More

Should You Hire a Military Discharge Upgrade Attorney in 2025

Posted January 21st, 2025

In 2025, veterans with less-than-honorable discharges face significant challenges that can impede their access to benefits, employment opportunities, and societal reintegration. Navigating the complex process of upgrading a military discharge is crucial for improving one’s quality of life. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in military discharge upgrades can greatly enhance the likelihood of a successful… Read More

Discharge Upgrade Letters of Recommendation – A Quick Guide

Posted January 15th, 2025

We are often asked how to format discharge upgrade letters of recommendation. Here’s a really quick example. This is merely an example of something that has worked before. Your particular case may require something more detailed or tailored to the needs of your case. None of this is legal advice, and you should run your… Read More

The Air Force Discharge Review Board: A Guide

Posted January 3rd, 2025

The Air Force Discharge Review Board (DRB) provides a critical opportunity for former service members to appeal the characterization of their military discharge. Whether you’re seeking a change in the discharge characterization, reason, or narrative, understanding the DRB process is key to improving your chances of success. What Is the Air Force Discharge Review Board?… Read More

Why It Is More Difficult to Get a Military Discharge Upgraded After 15 Years

Posted December 27th, 2024

Navigating the process of upgrading a military discharge can be challenging at any time, but for veterans seeking an upgrade more than 15 years after their discharge, the hurdles increase significantly. Understanding why this happens and what steps you can take to improve your chances is crucial. The 15-Year Rule: Key Regulations The primary reason… Read More