The Mayer Law Blog

Discharge Review Board Changes Since COVID

Posted March 15th, 2023

(Note: This article is current as of March 15, 2023. However, board processes may change in the future.) The various service discharge review boards have changed since 2020. Before COVID, veterans had to plan to travel to the Washington, DC area for personal appearance hearings. Some exceptions were made for video teleconferences, but the rule… Read More

Preparing to Upgrade a Military Discharge

Posted November 7th, 2019

Here are a few hints that will help you to be fully prepared to try and get your military discharge upgraded. First, the process begins before you leave the military. In fact, it begins the moment you are told that you might be separated for less-than-honorable reasons. Second, you should pay attention to everything and… Read More

Discharge Upgrade Update

Posted April 24th, 2019

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

A Few Discharge Review Board Notes – June 2015

Posted June 18th, 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

Reserves as a Safety Net?

Posted January 6th, 2014

Staying on active duty is tougher now that it ever has been. With drawdowns in every branch, many who were once competitive for promotion and advancement are rethinking their career prospects. Luckily for many, Reserve and National Guard options expand whenever the active components contract. If you are facing release from active duty, be sure… Read More