Recent Review Board Statistics for Army, Navy, and Air Force
Overview
The Department of Defense provides quarterly data on Discharge Review Boards (DRBs) and Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCMRs), including case outcomes by service branch. Here’s a snapshot from April–June 2024. Keep in mind that the data used to compile these statistics is limited, and we are doing our best to read the data.:
- Army Discharge Review Board: 218 cases, 141 grants (65%)—126 included upgrades, 77 (35%) denied
- Naval Discharge Review Board: 273 cases, 90 grants (33%), 183 denials
- Air Force DRB: 89 cases with 14 grants (15.7%), 75 denials
These figures highlight significant variation across branches: the Army’s DRB granted relief in nearly two-thirds of cases (heavily buoyed by mental health related cases), while the Air Force granted in just one in six. Also keep in mind that these statistics do not show relief rates in cases involving retained discharge upgrade lawyers and other detailed factors. Also, this is just a limited 3-month period.
Statistics by Type of Claim
1. Mental Health–Related Discharges
- Army DRB: 65% relief rate
- Navy DRB: 33%
- Air Force DRB: 15.7%
2. Sexual Assault–Related Discharges
- Army DRB: 17 of 18 cases (94%) granted relief
- Navy DRB: 11 of 41 (27%)
- Air Force DRB: 2 of 15 (13%)
3. Other Claims (e.g., procedural issues)
- Army DRB: 81%
- Navy DRB: 58%
- Air Force DRB: 44%
Why These Statistics Matter
- Veterans’ Benefits: Upgrades—especially for mental-health or misconduct-related discharges—can restore GI Bill eligibility, VA health benefits, and employment opportunities.
- Policy Impacts: High relief rates in certain areas may reflect improved understanding of mental health and recognition of past injustices.
- Service Variance: The Army’s notably higher relief percentages could indicate more liberal criteria or stronger advocacy.
Resources & How to Apply
- Department of Defense Review Boards Portal
Visit https://www.milreviewbds.mil/ for official information on DRB and BCMR procedures, forms (DD-293 and DD-149), and submission deadlines. - Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA)
Visit https://www.army.mil/arba for Army-specific review board guidance and access to ARBA’s application system. - Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB)
Navy and Marine Corps veterans can refer to 10 U.S.C. § 1553 for statutory authority and submit via links found at the DoD site above.
Military Advocacy & Support
For veterans seeking help with DRB and BCMR petitions, MilitaryAdvocacy.com provides:
- Step-by-step guides for submitting discharge upgrade applications
- Sample letters and evidence templates
- Connections to legal assistance and experienced advocates
- Analysis of successful case trends and policy changes
MilitaryAdvocacy.com is a valuable supplement to the official review process and has helped many veterans pursue upgrades more effectively.
Recent Policy Developments
- In early 2025, a major federal settlement created a streamlined process for more than 30,000 LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to revise their records and pursue upgrades.
- In 2024, over 800 DADT-affected veterans successfully received upgrades, accounting for over 96% of all such applications reviewed that year.
- Since 2023, more than 1,400 corrections related to DADT discharges have been granted by discharge review boards across all service branches.
Conclusion
The latest data from the April–June 2024 reporting period shows major differences across branches:
- Army: High grant rates, particularly in mental health and sexual assault–related claims
- Navy: Moderate grant rates, with increased recognition of procedural errors
- Air Force: More conservative approach, with lower grant rates across categories
Veterans seeking upgrades should understand the statistical trends, prepare compelling evidence, and consider consulting expert resources such as MilitaryAdvocacy.com.
Further Reading and Quick Links
- Military Department Review Boards (DoD)
- Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA)
- U.S. Code – Discharge Review Boards
- MilitaryAdvocacy.com