Assisting Veterans and Servicemembers: Corrections to Military and Naval Records and Discharges

This session explores the organizational hierarchy of the Department of Defense, including the distinction between uniformed and armed services. Participants will learn how the military departments, service secretariats, and army staff structures interact to set policy and execute operations.

This session examines 10 U.S.C. § 1552 and the regulatory authorities governing military records correction. Attendees will understand what constitutes a military record, the application process using DD Form 149, and how DOD instructions shape service-specific procedures.

This session provides an in-depth look at how Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records and Discharge Review Boards operate. Topics include board composition, jurisdiction differences, the two-bite DRB process, and practical realities of how cases are reviewed and decided.

A brief intermission allowing participants to refresh before continuing with the remaining material. Use this time to prepare questions for the upcoming sessions.

This session covers why veterans seek discharge upgrades and record corrections, including access to GI Bill benefits, VA disability compensation, and healthcare. Participants will also learn about titling, security clearance implications, and the cascading consequences of misconduct allegations.

This session identifies the key application forms including DD Form 149 and DD Form 293 for BCMR and DRB applications. Attendees will learn what supporting documentation to gather and how comprehensive evidence packages strengthen cases.

This session delivers practical guidance for attorneys handling military records cases, including strategies for building administrative records and navigating filing deadlines. Key topics include the three-year BCMR requirement, the strict 15-year DRB deadline, and preparing clients for lengthy proceedings.