Request a Discharge Upgrade

Article
Read time: 6 minutes

Answer a series of questions to get customized step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a discharge upgrade or correction. If your application goes through and your discharge is upgraded, you’ll be eligible for the VA benefits you earned during your period of service. 

  1. Eligibility: All branches of the military consider you to have a strong case for a discharge upgrade if you can show your discharge was connected to any of these categories: 

    • Mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) 
    • Sexual assault or harassment during military service (at VA, we refer to this as military sexual trauma or MST) 
    • Sexual orientation (including under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy)

  2. Common Forms Required (Others may be needed) 
  3. Additional Information

Federal Veterans Resources