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Military records can significantly impact your benefits, employment opportunities, and even your sense of personal honor.
If you believe there’s an error or injustice in your record, you have options. The Department of Defense provides a formal process through Boards for Correction of Military Records (BCMRs) or, for Navy and Marine Corps personnel, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR).
This guide walks you through understanding these boards, checking your eligibility, completing the application process, gathering strong evidence, and understanding what happens after you submit your request.
Understanding Military Record Correction Boards
What Are BCMRs and BCNRs?
The Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records are the highest level of administrative review within each military service branch. Established by Congress, their mission is to correct errors or remove injustices from the military records of current and former service members.
The Navy’s board is specifically named the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) and handles applications from both Navy and Marine Corps personnel. The other branches—Army, Air Force (which includes Space Force applications), and Coast Guard—have Boards for Correction of Military Records (BCMRs).
These boards are composed of civilians appointed by the Secretary of the respective military department (or the Department of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard). This civilian oversight is designed to provide an impartial review, distinct from the military chain of command that might have been involved in the original record entry.
Why Correcting Your Military Records Matters
An accurate military record is essential. Errors or injustices within these documents can have far-reaching consequences:
- Hindering promotions
- Assigning incorrect reenlistment codes that prevent further service
- Leading to inaccurate disability ratings
- Affecting eligibility for veterans’ benefits (VA home loans, GI Bill, medical care, pensions)
For example, an incorrect characterization of discharge (e.g., Other Than Honorable) can block access to VA benefits. Similarly, an erroneous reenlistment code can unjustly prevent a qualified individual from rejoining the service or affiliating with the reserves or National Guard.
Beyond these tangible impacts, inaccuracies can affect civilian employment prospects and carry a personal stigma.
The Legal Basis: 10 U.S.C. § 1552
The authority for these boards comes from federal law, specifically Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552. This statute empowers the Secretary of each military department, acting through a board of civilians, to correct any military record when it is considered “necessary to correct an error or remove an injustice.”
This law was created to relieve Congress from having to consider numerous private bills seeking individual record corrections, establishing a formal administrative channel for such relief.
Which Board for Which Branch?
It’s crucial to direct your application to the correct board for your branch of service:
| Service Branch | Board Name | Primary Application Method | Official Website | Key Email/Mailing Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) | Online Portal: https://actsonline.army.mil/gui/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f (Mail option also available) | https://www.army.mil/arba#org-other-military-records-corrections | Mailing: Army Review Boards Agency, 251 18th Street South, Suite 385, Arlington, VA 22202-3531. Email Inquiry: [email protected] |
| Navy and Marine Corps | Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) | Email (Mail/Fax options also available) | https://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/bcnr/Pages/default.aspx | Email Application: [email protected]. Mailing: Board for Correction of Naval Records, 701 S. Courthouse Rd, Suite 1001, Arlington, VA 22204-2490. |
| Air Force (and Space Force) | Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) | Online Portal: https://afrba-portal.cce.af.mil/ (Mail option also available) | https://afrba-portal.cce.af.mil/ | Mailing: Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records, 3351 Celmers Lane, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762-6435. Email Inquiry: [email protected] or [email protected] |
| Coast Guard | Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard (CGBCMR) | Mail (Email for inquiries) | https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Legal/BCMR/ | Mailing: DHS Office of the General Counsel, Board for Correction of Military Records, 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE Stop 0485, Washington, DC 20528-0485. Email Inquiry: [email protected] |
The trend toward online and email submissions is notable. While mail is still an option, using the preferred electronic methods can help streamline your application process and potentially lead to faster responses.
Are You Eligible to Apply?
Who Can Apply
Eligibility to apply for a correction of military records is broad. It generally extends to:
- Current service members
- Former service members
- Veterans from all components (Regular, Reserve, National Guard)
It’s important for those still serving to know that this avenue is available to them and not solely a post-service option.
Applying on Behalf of Someone Else
If the service member is unable to apply themselves, their representatives can file an application:
- If the service member is deceased or legally incompetent, their lawful representatives can file
- Representatives typically include spouses, widows/widowers, children, parents, siblings, or court-appointed guardians/conservators
- Documentation required includes proof of death or incompetence, plus documentation establishing the representative’s relationship
Former Spouses and Survivor Benefit Plan Issues
A specific eligibility category exists for former spouses of service members. They may apply to the BCMR/BCNR as claimants, but typically only for issues related to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). A divorce decree is generally required as supporting documentation.
This provision is vital for ensuring potential financial protections for former spouses under specific SBP-related circumstances.
Crucial Prerequisite: Exhausting Other Administrative Remedies
This is one of the most critical aspects of eligibility: applicants must first exhaust all other available administrative remedies before applying to a BCMR/BCNR.
Failure to demonstrate that other avenues have been pursued can lead to the application being returned or denied without a review of its merits. This “exhaustion doctrine” prevents the BCMRs from being inundated with issues that could be resolved through more direct channels.
Examples of remedies that typically must be exhausted include:
- Discharge Upgrades (within 15 years of separation): Apply first to the respective service’s Discharge Review Board (DRB) using DD Form 293
- Army Evaluation Reports/Unfavorable Information: Appeals may first need to go to the Department of Army Suitability Evaluation Board (DASEB)
- Coast Guard Personnel Records: For errors within the past year, the Personnel Records Review Board (PRRB) might be the initial avenue
- Navy Administrative Corrections: The BCNR suggests checking with the MyNavy Career Center to ensure all administrative recourse has been exhausted
Include copies of decisions from these prior administrative applications with your DD Form 149 submission to the BCMR/BCNR.
What Can Be Corrected? Understanding “Error or Injustice”
Defining “Error” and “Injustice”
The fundamental basis for any correction is the presence of an “error” or an “injustice” in your military record.
An “error” generally refers to:
- A factual mistake
- A clerical oversight
- A violation of a specific law or regulation
- A procedural defect in how an action was taken
An “injustice” is a broader and more subjective concept. It pertains to situations where an action or record entry, even if technically compliant with rules at the time, results in unfairness, is unduly harsh, or leads to an inequitable outcome.
You bear the burden of providing sufficient evidence to demonstrate a probable material error or injustice. “Material” implies that the error or injustice was significant and likely had a tangible impact on the outcome or your career or benefits.
Common Types of Record Corrections
The scope of issues that BCMRs/BCNRs can address is extensive, covering nearly every facet of a service member’s official military record:
- Administrative Information: Correcting inaccuracies in personal details such as names, Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, home of record, dates of service, duty station information, or military assignments
- Pay and Allowances: Addressing errors related to basic pay, special pays, bonuses, travel settlements, leave balances, or housing allowances
- Decorations and Awards: Requesting the addition of missing awards or decorations to records, or correcting errors pertaining to medals and commendations
- Performance Evaluations and Derogatory Information: Seeking correction or removal of unfair, inaccurate, or unjust performance reports, letters of reprimand, records of non-judicial punishment, or other derogatory information from personnel files
- Disability and Medical Retirement Issues: Requesting changes to the type of separation, correction of disability ratings assigned by a Physical Evaluation Board, or addressing issues related to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process
- Promotions and Rank: Correcting errors in promotion records, current or separation rank, or time-in-grade calculations
- Separation and Discharge: This is a very common area for corrections, including requests to upgrade the characterization of service, change the narrative reason for separation, correct reenlistment codes, or adjust separation codes
What BCMRs/BCNRs Generally Cannot Do
While their authority is broad, there are limitations:
- Cannot Overturn General Court-Martial Convictions: BCMRs/BCNRs cannot overturn a conviction imposed by a general court-martial. However, they can review the discharge or sentence that resulted from a general court-martial and potentially grant clemency.
- Rarely Reinstate Service Members: While technically within their power, reinstatement into the military is an extremely rare outcome, often described as “hardly ever” or “almost never” happening.
- Cannot Directly Authorize Monetary Payments: The boards themselves do not directly issue payments. However, if a correction results in the service member being owed money, the corrected record is sent to the appropriate military finance agency, which then processes any due payments.
BCMR/BCNR vs. Discharge Review Board: Which Path to Take?
Navigating the military records correction system requires understanding the distinct roles of two primary types of boards: the Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCMRs/BCNRs) and the Discharge Review Boards (DRBs).
Purpose and Authority of DRBs
Each military service branch maintains a Discharge Review Board. Their primary function is to review and potentially change, correct, or modify discharges or dismissals that were not issued as a sentence of a general court-martial. Their focus is predominantly on the characterization of service and the narrative reason for the discharge.
DRBs generally do not have the authority to address medical discharges or to change re-enlistment (RE) codes.
The 15-Year Rule for Discharge Upgrades
A crucial distinction dictating which board to approach first for a discharge upgrade is the “15-year rule”:
- If you’re seeking an upgrade to your discharge characterization and your separation occurred less than 15 years ago, you generally must first apply to your respective service’s DRB
- If it has been more than 15 years since your discharge, or if the DRB has already reviewed and denied your request, the application must be made to the appropriate BCMR/BCNR
When to Apply to DRB First (DD Form 293)
For applications to a DRB, the correct form is DD Form 293, “Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States”. This form is used when seeking changes to discharge characterization or the reason for discharge, provided the separation was less than 15 years ago and was not the result of a general court-martial sentence.
Appealing a DRB Decision to the BCMR/BCNR
A denial from a DRB is not necessarily the final word on a discharge upgrade. Applicants who are dissatisfied with a DRB decision have the option to appeal that decision to the respective BCMR/BCNR. This positions the BCMR/BCNR as a higher level of administrative review.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Discharge Review Board (DRB) | Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCMR/BCNR) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Review characterization & reason for discharge | Correct any error or injustice in military records, including discharge review after DRB or >15 years |
| Application Form | DD Form 293 | DD Form 149 |
| Time Limit for Discharge Upgrade Application | Within 15 years of discharge | More than 15 years after discharge, OR after DRB denial |
| Scope of Record Correction | Primarily discharge characterization and reason | All military records |
| Can Review General Court-Martial Discharges? | No (but can review Special Court-Martial discharges for clemency) | Yes, can review the discharge/sentence (not overturn conviction) |
| Can Change Re-enlistment Codes? | Generally No | Yes |
| Can Address Medical Discharges? | No | Yes |
The Application: Mastering DD Form 149
The cornerstone of an application to a BCMR or BCNR is the DD Form 149, “Application for Correction of Military Record Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.”
Obtaining the Official DD Form 149
Use the most current version of the DD Form 149. The official source is the DoD Forms Management Program website. The direct link to the current PDF version is typically found at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd0149.pdf.
The Board for Correction of Naval Records specifically advises using Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and fill out the form for compatibility and to enable electronic signatures.
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Each Section
The DD Form 149 is structured to gather all necessary information. Accuracy and completeness are vital.
Section 1: Applicant Data
- Branch of Service and Component at the time of the alleged error or injustice
- Name while serving and current name (if different)
- Social Security Number while serving, current SSN (if different), and any applicable DoD ID Number
- Indicate if currently serving, date of separation (if applicable), and grade/rank at discharge
- Current mailing address, email, and phone number
Section 2: Discharge Information (If Applicable)
- Details about the discharge, including type, date, narrative reason, and separation program designator/authority
Section 3: Error or Injustice
- Indicate if this is a request for reconsideration of a prior application
- “Specific Correction and Relief Requested” – State exactly what document or entry you believe is an error or injustice and clearly describe the desired correction
- “Date Error or Injustice Discovered” – When you first became aware of the problem
- “Special Considerations” – Check applicable boxes if the request is related to PTSD, TBI, Other Mental Health conditions, Sexual Assault/Harassment, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, Transgender Status, or Reprisal/Whistleblower actions
- “Reasons for Correction” – Explain in detail why you believe the record is in error or unjust
- Indicate if the error or injustice is attributed to involvement in a particular war or contingency operation
- “Personal Appearance Requested” – Indicate if you want a hearing (not guaranteed)
- “Justification for Late Filing” – If filing more than three years after discovery, explain why the Board should consider your late application
Section 4: Supporting Evidence
- List all documents submitted in support of your claim
- Note that if your request involves health conditions, copies of VA rating decisions, medical records, and treatment records should be attached if available
Section 5: Claimant (If other than the Service Member)
- Complete if you’re filing on behalf of someone else
Section 6: Representative or Counsel (If Applicable)
- Provide information if you have legal representation
Section 7: Applicant Signature
- The application must be signed and dated
- An unsigned application cannot be processed
Section 8: Continuation
- Extra space if needed for your explanation
Crafting Your Narrative: Clearly Explaining the Error or Injustice
Block 15 of the DD Form 149 is arguably the most crucial part. This is where you must articulate the reasons why a correction is necessary.
A compelling narrative should:
- Be thorough, detailed, and complete
- Clearly state the specific error(s) or injustice(s)
- Explain how the error or injustice is connected to or resulted from factors such as unjust policies, health conditions related to service, or other explainable circumstances
- If arguing an “error,” identify the specific laws, regulations, or procedures that were violated or misapplied
- If arguing an “injustice,” explain the unfairness of the situation, any disproportionate harm suffered, or why clemency might be warranted
- Be direct and factual, avoiding overly emotional language
It’s good practice to write a brief summary in Block 15 itself, followed by “see attached” if a more detailed explanation is provided in a separate document.
Attaching Additional Pages
Given the limited space in Block 15, it’s often recommended to attach a separate, more detailed statement to fully explain your reasons for the correction request.
The BCNR suggests limiting such an attached statement to no more than 25 pages. While other boards may have different guidelines, the principle of being thorough yet concise is generally valued.
Signing and Dating the Form
The signature and date on the DD Form 149 are fundamental requirements. The application must be signed by you (the service member) or by your legally authorized representative.
An unsigned application is a common reason for rejection, as the signature serves as legal validation of the request and authorizes the Board to access and review your official military records.
Gathering Your Evidence: The Key to a Strong Application
The success of your application hinges significantly on the quality, relevance, and presentation of supporting evidence.
The Burden of Proof is on You
You are responsible for providing sufficient, clear, and legible evidence to persuade the board that a probable material error or injustice exists in your military record.
Never assume that a crucial document is already part of your official military file or that the board will seek it out. The boards operate under a “presumption of regularity,” which means they assume official government actions and records are correct unless you provide substantial evidence to the contrary.
The boards are not investigative bodies; they adjudicate based on the record presented to them.
Types of Supporting Documents
The specific evidence required will vary depending on the nature of the correction sought. Common types include:
- Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) / Service Records: Performance evaluations, military orders, counseling statements, enlistment contracts, training records, etc.
- DD Form 214: Essential for any request involving discharge status, separation details, or information typically recorded on the DD214
- Medical Records:
- Service Treatment Records (STRs): Official medical records from your military service
- VA Medical Records: Records of care received from the VA, especially for conditions like PTSD or TBI
- Private Physician Records: From civilian doctors or counselors
- VA Rating Decisions: If the VA has issued a disability rating relevant to your request
- Witness Statements/Affidavits: Signed statements from individuals with direct, firsthand knowledge of the facts of your case
- Character References & Post-Service Accomplishments: Letters from employers, community leaders, educators, clergy; diplomas, certifications, evidence of a clean criminal record
- Legal Documents: Divorce decrees (for SBP claims), powers of attorney, death certificates, etc.
- Relevant Regulations/Policies: Specific provisions that were allegedly misapplied or violated
- Investigative Reports: From Inspector General, Equal Opportunity, or criminal investigations if relevant
Your selection of evidence should be strategic. Focus on evidence that directly and persuasively supports your specific claim of error or injustice.
How to Obtain Your Military Records
Accessing your own military records is often a crucial preliminary step:
- Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIS): For more recent service (generally after 1997), records may be accessible online via https://www.dpris.dod.mil/
- National Personnel Records Center (NPRC): For older records or more comprehensive files, submit Standard Form 180 to the NPRC in St. Louis. Information and forms are available at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
- Coast Guard Human Resources Record (CGMHRR): For Coast Guard records created since October 1, 2006, these are often accessible via the interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System (iPERMS)
- Military OneSource (https://www.militaryonesource.mil) offers guidance on requesting military records
Tips for Presenting Evidence Effectively
How evidence is presented can significantly impact its effectiveness:
- Submit Copies, Not Originals: Boards will not return original documents
- Ensure Legibility: All submitted copies must be clear and easy to read
- Organize and Label: Number enclosures or attachments and refer to them specifically in your application narrative
- Relevance is Key: Submit only documents that are directly relevant to your claim
- List Attached Documents: Use Item 19 of the DD Form 149 to provide a clear list of all documentary evidence
- No Classified Materials: Do not submit classified materials
- No USB Drives: Due to DoD security protocols, boards generally cannot access information on external digital media
Submitting Your Application: Branch-Specific Procedures
Once your DD Form 149 is completed and all supporting evidence is gathered, the next step is submission to the correct board for your branch.
Always verify the current submission instructions and addresses directly from the official websites or the latest version of the DD Form 149 instructions, as these details can change.
General Guidance
- The DoD and individual services increasingly prefer electronic submissions where available
- If submitting by mail, consider using a method that provides tracking and delivery confirmation
- Ensure the application is sent to the correct address for your specific service branch
- The Navy BCNR advises submitting the application only once; multiple submissions via different methods can cause delays
Army (ABCMR)
- Preferred Method: Online application portal at https://actsonline.army.mil/gui/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f
- Mailing Address: Army Review Boards Agency, 251 18th Street South, Suite 385, Arlington, VA 22202-3531
- Website: https://www.army.mil/arba
- Email for Inquiries: [email protected]
Navy and Marine Corps (BCNR)
- Preferred Method: Email to expedite service and avoid delays
- Email for Applications: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Board for Correction of Naval Records, 701 S. Courthouse Road, Building 12, Suite 1001, Arlington, VA 22204-2490
- Fax: 703-604-3434 (Commercial) or DSN 664-3434
- Website: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/bcnr/Pages/default.aspx
Air Force and Space Force (AFBCMR)
- Preferred Method: Online application portal at https://Afrba-portal.cce.af.mil
- Mailing Address: Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records, SAF/MRBC (AFBCMR), 3351 Celmers Lane, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762-6435
- Email for Inquiries: [email protected] or [email protected]
Coast Guard (CGBCMR)
- Submission Method: Mail is the primary method indicated
- Mailing Address: DHS Office of the General Counsel, Board for Correction of Military Records, 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE Stop 0485, Washington, DC 20528-0485
- Website: https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Legal/BCMR/
- Email for Inquiries: [email protected]
What Happens After You Submit?
After your application is submitted, it enters a review process. While specifics can vary between service branches, a general sequence of events typically unfolds.
Acknowledgment of Receipt and Initial Review
- Board staff will conduct an initial review to ensure your application is complete, signed, and eligible for consideration
- If accepted for review, you’ll usually receive an acknowledgment letter or email, often including a docket or case number
- If rejected (e.g., for being incomplete or failing to exhaust remedies), you’ll receive a letter explaining the reason
Advisory Opinions (If Applicable)
- In complex cases, the BCMR/BCNR may request an “advisory opinion” from relevant subject matter experts or offices within that military department
- These advisory opinions provide additional perspectives or factual clarifications but are not binding on the board’s final decision
- If an advisory opinion is unfavorable to you, you’ll generally receive a copy and have an opportunity (typically 30 days) to submit a written rebuttal before the board makes its final decision
Board Deliberation and Decision
- A panel of board members (typically three) will review your complete case file, including the DD Form 149, all evidence, your official military records, any advisory opinions, and your rebuttals
- The board panel deliberates in executive session (not open to the public) and votes to grant relief in full, grant partial relief, or deny the request
Processing Times
- Processing times vary based on the complexity of the case, the volume of applications before the board, the availability of records, and whether an advisory opinion is needed
- Expect to wait anywhere from 10 to 18 months, and sometimes longer (up to 24 months for very complex cases)
- Cases are generally reviewed in the order received to ensure fairness
Communication of the Decision
- Once the board makes a final decision, a formal written response (often called a “Record of Proceedings”) is prepared
- This final decision is mailed to you at the address provided in your application
- If relief is granted, the board will direct the appropriate military office to make the necessary corrections to your records
You should generally not expect ongoing communication from the board after the initial acknowledgment, unless a hearing is ordered or additional information is specifically requested.
If Your Request is Denied: Options for Reconsideration and Appeal
A denial from a BCMR/BCNR is not always the absolute final step.
Requesting Reconsideration by the BCMR/BCNR
- If you disagree with a BCMR/BCNR decision, you may request that the board reconsider
- The primary ground for reconsideration is the submission of new and material evidence that was not previously considered by the board
- A new DD Form 149 must be completed and submitted to apply for reconsideration
- “New” evidence is information that was not previously submitted to or obtained by the board in the original case file
- “Material” evidence must be relevant to an unestablished fact necessary to prove your claim and have a legitimate influence on the decision
DoD Discharge Appeal Review Board (DARB)
- For certain discharge upgrade requests denied by a service BCMR/BCNR, you may be eligible to apply to the DoD Discharge Appeal Review Board (DARB)
- The DARB reviews the Military Department’s BCMR/BCNR decision “de novo,” meaning it conducts a fresh review without giving deference to the BCMR/BCNR’s findings
- Eligibility typically requires that your separation date was on or after December 20, 2019, and you’ve exhausted all available administrative remedies
Appealing to Federal Court
- If all administrative remedies have been exhausted and you remain unsatisfied, you may have the option to file a lawsuit in federal court
- Such lawsuits are typically filed under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), arguing that the board’s decision was arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law
- There is generally a statute of limitations for filing such a suit (often six years from the date of the final agency decision)
- Successfully appealing a BCMR/BCNR decision in federal court is challenging and usually requires demonstrating a significant legal or procedural flaw in the board’s process or decision
Given the complexities of reconsideration and appeals, seeking advice from an attorney experienced in military law or a knowledgeable Veterans Service Organization is highly recommended.
Tips for a Successful Application
Be Clear, Concise, Factual, and Persuasive in Your Narrative
- Your written statement is your primary opportunity to explain your case to the board
- Focus on facts and provide specific details
- Structure your argument logically; cite specific regulations if claiming an “error”
- Use an attachment if necessary to fully develop your points, but aim for clarity and conciseness
Provide Strong, Relevant, and Well-Organized Evidence
- The burden of proof is on you to provide substantial evidence
- Don’t assume the board has access to documents not in your OMPF
- Organize your evidence logically and label attachments clearly
- Focus on quality over quantity; submit only directly relevant evidence
- Signed statements from firsthand witnesses are powerful
Understand and Address “Liberal Consideration” Factors
- DoD policy mandates that boards give “liberal consideration” to applications where the veteran claims their discharge or record was affected by mental health conditions, TBI, sexual assault, or sexual harassment
- Check the appropriate box in Block 14 of DD Form 149 and thoroughly explain the connection
- Provide medical diagnoses, VA rating decisions, personal statements, and any corroborating evidence
Meet All Deadlines and Procedural Requirements
- File within the three-year statute of limitations from discovery of the error/injustice, or provide a compelling argument for waiver
- Exhaust all other administrative remedies before applying to the BCMR/BCNR
- Use the correct, current version of DD Form 149 and submit it to the appropriate board
- Ensure the form is completely filled out and signed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient Evidence: Simply stating a belief that an error occurred without providing substantial proof
- Failure to Exhaust Administrative Remedies: Applying to the BCMR/BCNR prematurely
- Missing the Statute of Limitations: Filing late without a strong “interest of justice” argument
- Vague or Unclear Request: Not clearly stating the specific error/injustice and the exact correction desired
- Relying on the Board to Obtain Evidence: Failing to proactively gather and submit supporting documents
- Submitting Original Documents: Always send copies
- Not Addressing the “Presumption of Regularity”: Failing to provide evidence strong enough to overcome the assumption that the military’s original actions were correct
Getting Help with Your Application
The process of correcting military records can be complex. While many applicants represent themselves successfully, seeking assistance can be beneficial.
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
Many VSOs offer free assistance to veterans applying to BCMRs/BCNRs or DRBs:
- The American Legion: Provides counseling, advice, and representation through Department Service Officers in each state
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): VFW Service Officers can assist with claims
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Employs National Service Officers who represent veterans before various boards free of charge
- Other VSOs: Organizations like AMVETS, Jewish War Veterans, and Military Order of the Purple Heart also offer assistance
Legal Aid Societies and Pro Bono Programs
- National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP): Offers pro bono legal help through their Lawyers Serving Warriors® program
- Legal Services Corporation (LSC): Funds independent nonprofit legal aid organizations nationwide
- Stateside Legal: Provides legal information and resources for service members and veterans
- The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program: May have resources or referrals for BCMR/BCNR issues
- Local Bar Associations and Law School Clinics: Many have pro bono programs or veterans’ clinics
Private Attorneys Specializing in Military Law
- For complex cases, hiring a private attorney specializing in military law and BCMR/BCNR cases is an option
- An experienced attorney can help evaluate your case, gather evidence, draft compelling legal arguments, ensure procedural compliance, and represent you at hearings if granted
- Ensure your chosen attorney has specific experience with BCMR/BCNR cases
Military Legal Assistance (for current service members)
- Active-duty service members may be able to receive advice from their local military legal assistance office (JAG)
- While JAG officers typically cannot represent members before BCMRs, they can often provide initial guidance
When seeking help, inquire about the representative’s specific experience with BCMR/BCNR cases and their success rates. Remember, the final decision rests with the board, but strong preparation and knowledgeable assistance can make a significant difference.
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