Discharge Upgrade Help for Virginia Veterans
Step-by-step official VA instructions for Virginia veterans seeking to upgrade or correct a less-than-honorable discharge through the Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records.
Eligibility
Veterans with a less-than-honorable discharge. Apply to your branch's Discharge Review Board within 15 years of separation; after 15 years, or for changes beyond the discharge characterization, apply to your branch's Board for Correction of Military Records. Cases involving PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma receive liberal consideration.
How to reach them
- Serves all of Virginia
Next step
See every Virginia program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
Read the Virginia guideWas this resource helpful?
Source: VA.gov, the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
View source page (www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions)
More verified resources in Virginia
If a Virginia veteran disagrees with a VA decision, the official decision-review options are a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal. Free representation is available through accredited VSOs.
Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Roanoke veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Roanoke veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Free civil legal help for Roanoke-area veterans from Blue Ridge Legal Services, the legal-aid organization serving Roanoke, VA. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, housing, and consumer issues.