Veterans Discharge Upgrade Manual

Abstract

Hundreds of thousands of veterans have been discharged under less than honorable conditions, which can prevent them from obtaining educational, medical or pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and can limit their civilian employment opportunities. Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other service-related injuries may have led to the unfavorable discharge. As a result, many otherwise deserving veterans are ineligible for the very benefits that would help them cope with their in-service trauma.

Veterans can upgrade their discharge status through administrative procedures established by the service branches and in federal court. However, these processes are complicated, confusing, and time-consuming for many veterans. Fortunately, lawyers and other trained advocates can help veterans apply for discharge upgrades and receive critical services. This manual, prepared by Yale Law School students for the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, provides a basic overview of military discharges and how advocates can help veterans upgrade their discharges.

Keywords: veterans, veterans benefits, disharge upgrade, veterans affairs, PTSD