Military Upgrades
My Recommendation
If you received a less than honorable discharge you should fight for an upgrade. The Modern Military Association of America is the best places to begin. If you were discharged and suffer PTS due to sexual assault in the military, contact the VA for assistance.
The Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) https://modernmilitary.org
The MMAA is the nation’s largest organization of LGBTQ service members, military spouses, veterans, their families and allies. Formed through the merger of the American Military Partner Association and OutServe-SLDN, we are a united voice for the LBGTQ military and veteran community
Veterans Discharge Upgrade Manual, 2011
The Army Board for Correction of Military Records http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/abcmr-overview.html
Discharge Upgrades and PTSD (as of 10-2020) https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/
Applies to veterans whose characterization of discharge was under other than honorable conditions and who assert that they suffered PTSD or related conditions that they believe mitigated the misconduct that led to the discharge. This memorandum focuses on those veterans who served before PTSD was a recognized diagnosis; however, the guidance will be applied to all veterans.
applies to veterans whose characterization of discharge was under other than honorable conditions and who assert that they suffered PTSD and/or sexual assault or sexual harassment trauma that they believe mitigated the misconduct that led to the discharge. The memorandum focuses on those veterans who served before PTSD was a recognized diagnosis; however, the guidance will be applied to all veterans.
DD214 Name Changes – General Corrections
The Board will consider applications for name changes to the DD214 to correct an error or remove an injustice. The applicant must provide justification demonstrating that they were a victim of an error (i.e., genuine error) or that having their former name on their DD-214 causes an injustice (e.g., due to a divorce or their transgender status). A signed and authenticated court order providing proof the applicant's name was legally changed should accompany the application. As with all applications to the Board, each application for a name change will be considered on its own merits.
Online Tool to Upgrade Discharge: https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/
Veterans Administration: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 In November 2017, we launched Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) with the goal of providing eligible appellants with the earliest possible resolution of their disagreement with VA's decision on their claim. The Appeals Modernization Act establishes a new review process for VA claims that is timely, transparent, and fair, and thus allows us to improve the delivery of benefits and services to you and your family.
Board for Correction of Military Records (service specific) check online information.
Thank you for your service,
Colonel (retired) Margarethe Cammermeyer