The Edmunds Law Firm has been fighting for veterans’ military discharge upgrades for nearly 50 years. Our experienced attorneys have helped service members across all branches upgrade discharges and regain access to earned benefits.
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The Edmunds Law Firm has been fighting for veterans’ military discharge upgrades for nearly 50 years.
Are you a veteran who received an unfair or incorrect discharge from the U.S. military? At The Edmunds Law Firm, our experienced military discharge upgrade lawyers have helped service members across all branches upgrade their military discharge and regain access to benefits they’ve earned. Whether you’re seeking a discharge upgrade, need to correct military records, or want to challenge an other than honorable discharge, we’re here to help.
The Edmunds Law Firm has been representing clients throughout the United States for decades. In many cases, one of our discharge upgrade lawyers received national recognition. Mr. Edmunds has been featured in numerous newspapers throughout the United States and appeared on national TV relative to his representation.
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Years Practicing
Defending clearance holders, contractors, and applicants since 1976.
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Matters Defended
Security clearance, DOHA, discharge, and debarment cases nationwide.
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Hearings Argued
Personally argued by Alan Edmunds before DOHA and federal review boards.
Contact Our Military Discharge Law Firm for Dedicated Counsel
A military discharge occurs when any member of any branch of the armed forces is released from their duties.
Many military discharges are given fairly routinely when a person’s military contract expires and they decide to leave the service or not seek promotion. In most instances, individuals are discharged with what is known as an “honorable discharge” and the veteran’s benefits and service record are given out in accordance with their contract. Unfortunately, military discharges are not always given out justly.
Attorney Fights Military Discharge Injustice
Military Discharge Upgrades and Corrections
The process for requesting a change in discharge status varies depending on factors such as how long ago you separated from military service.
Why Should You Hire a Military Discharge Upgrade Lawyer from The Edmunds Law Firm?
For nearly 50 years, The Edmunds Law Firm has focused its legal practice on national security clearances and military law. Our deep understanding of both the substantive laws and regulations, as well as the procedural requirements, sets us apart from other firms.
Our firm has successfully handled countless military discharge upgrades and has earned national recognition for this work. We know how significantly your discharge status can affect your life, and we’re committed to helping veterans secure the benefits they deserve.
When you work with us, you can expect:
Guidance grounded in decades of experience
Honest assessments. We will never recommend services you don’t need
Free consultations to help you make informed decisions
Clear communication about whether moving forward will truly help you reach your goals
You can schedule your free discharge upgrade consultation today by calling 800-481-2526 or by filling out our online contact form.
Real Client Success Story
I have been working with Edmunds Law Firm now for a few years now and I received great news today. In 1988 I received an OTH discharge from the USN and it has hung over my head every since. I reached out to Edmunds to see about getting my discharge upgraded and although it took longer than expected, I got my results back today and I can’t be happier. I could not recommend Edmunds more as this is something that 99% of us can’t do on our on. I did feel leery about hiring an attorney out of state that I had found online but these folks know how to get things done. Thanks Alan for all that you have done and I wish you the best!
The Edmunds Law Firm has been representing clients throughout the United States for nearly 50 years. In many cases we have received national recognition. Mr. Edmunds has been featured in numerous newspapers throughout the United States and appeared on national TV relative to his representation.
Nationally Recognized Since 1976
Grounds for Challenging a Military Discharge
If you’ve researched how to appeal or upgrade a military discharge, you’ve likely come across a short list of common grounds for challenging discharge status. Those reasons (which are outlined below) are explained in more detail in the following sections. Before diving in, it’s important to know that most discharges can be reviewed or corrected, but some, like dishonorable discharges resulting from a general court-martial, must be reviewed through a different process and may be subject to stricter standards.
Do not assume your discharge upgrade is impossible simply because your situation doesn’t appear on a short online list. The best way to determine whether you have a viable case is to consult an experienced military discharge upgrade attorney.
Common grounds for challenging a discharge may include:
Administrative or clerical errors in the discharge paperwork
Procedural mistakes made during the separation process
Changes in military policy, law, or societal standards
New medical or scientific information relevant to your case
Evidence that was unavailable or overlooked during the original discharge process
Errors in the Discharge Process
Sometimes the wrong type of discharge is recorded due to a simple administrative mistake. While many record errors can be corrected through a more streamlined process, a request to upgrade a discharge must follow the specific procedures required for that type of change, even if the cause appears to be as minor as a typographical error.
Common Issues in Discharge Upgrade Cases
Military policies have evolved over the years, especially concerning how certain circumstances should be treated during separation. These changes may stem from:
Shifts in societal or cultural norms
Updates in federal law or military regulations
New medical or scientific research that alters the understanding of past conduct or conditions
These developments can play a significant role in determining whether a veteran qualifies for a discharge upgrade today.
Examples of Common Issues can Include:
Discriminatory Discharges
During the “don’t ask, don’t tell” era, a service member who disclosed their sexual orientation would typically receive a discharge under conditions other than honorable. An estimated 14,000 service members received other-than-honorable discharges based on sexual orientation during the 17 years “don’t ask, don’t tell” was in place.
The policy was repealed in 2011, but it took another 10 years for the VA to announce it would open up full benefits to all veterans who had been disqualified by their discharge status due to sexual orientation. In 2024, hundreds of service members received discharge upgrades, and in early 2025 the Department of Defense reached an agreement in a class action lawsuit that could offer relief to tens of thousands of others.
Mental Health Conditions Such as PTSD
Some servicemembers have been discharged under other than honorable conditions due to actions that they later discover were triggered by service-connected PTSD or another mental health disorder. With proper medical documentation, these veterans may qualify for a discharge upgrade.
However, despite strong guidance to liberally consider evidence of PTSD and its role in the circumstances leading to discharge, many upgrade requests are denied. Working with an experienced attorney to appeal your military discharge status can help ensure that you are providing the type of evidence required for success.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Like PTSD and other mental health conditions, a traumatic brain injury can impact cognition and behavior. The considerations for a discharge upgrade based on TBI are similar to those for PTSD.
Sexual Assault
Under the same guidance as the two conditions above, all branches of the military are now to give “liberal consideration” to the circumstances surrounding the discharge of a victim of sexual assault whose actions may have been affected by that trauma.
Again, this is not a complete list of reasons your military discharge could be reconsidered and upgraded.
Edmunds Law FirmMilitary Discharge Upgrades
A Message to Every Veteran
It’s Your Future. Your Career. Your Reputation.
Our team of experts will both prepare and file your Petition for Upgrade with the appropriate Administrative Board. Our attorneys will also appear at the Formal Administrative Hearing and aggressively represent you at the Hearing. Call us today and let’s get started correcting your Discharge.
Everyone who has served in the military and left military service alive has been discharged from service. However, there are several different types of military discharge. The type of discharge you receive can continue to impact your life for many years after separation from service, perhaps even for the rest of your life.
If you believe your discharge status was unfair or erroneous, you should speak with an experienced military discharge upgrade attorney. You may be able to apply for a discharge upgrade or correction. The Edmunds Law Firm may be able to help even if you have already sought an upgrade or correction and been unsuccessful.
Administrative Discharges
There are three types of administrative discharge:
Honorable
General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions)
Under Other than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC)
Most people leaving the military receive an honorable discharge. That status makes them eligible for a wide range of benefits if they otherwise qualify. Some examples include the GI Bill, the opportunity to re- enlist in the military, veterans’ hiring preference for federal jobs, and VA healthcare and/or disability benefits if otherwise eligible.
A general discharge under honorable conditions signals that there was some sort of problem with the veteran’s performance or conduct during service. A veteran who received a general discharge still qualifies for some benefits, but will not be eligible for the GI Bill and won’t be permitted to re-enlist.
When a service member is discharged under other than honorable conditions, it typically means they have been sanctioned for a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). A veteran with an other than honorable discharge (also called “less than honorable discharge”) typically won’t qualify for benefits. If you have received this discharge, contact our military discharge upgrade lawyers today. Our legal team can review the details of your case for free and then decide whether or not you have the right to petition for a change in your discharge status. Contact our discharge status attorneys today for a no- obligation investigation and get the answers you deserve. We will provide a discharge upgrade lawyer with the needed experience and expertise.
Punitive Discharges
While an other than honorable discharge can have negative consequences, it isn’t the worst possible discharge status.
There are two punitive discharge types:
Bad conduct discharge
Dishonorable discharge
These discharge types usually come into play only after a service member has faced court martial.
Other Non-Punitive Separations
In some situations, a service member may be separated from the service without any of the above statuses, and without a punitive discharge status. These include medical discharge and entry-level separation.
Talk to a Military Discharge Upgrade Lawyer Today
If you’re interested in upgrading your military discharge status, the best starting point is an attorney experienced with military discharge upgrade proceedings. The Edmunds Law Firm has the knowledge and experience you need, and the commitment to helping veterans receive the status and the benefits they deserve.
Speak with a military discharge upgrade lawyer at The Edmunds Law Firm. Call 800-481-2526 today or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
★ Testimonials ★
Real Client Success Stories
“I recently consulted with Mr. Edmunds regarding advice for a background check, and I am pleased to say that their guidance was clear, professional, and very helpful. Thanks to their support, my background check process went smoothly, and I am now cleared. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable legal advice.”
V.L.
“Alan Edmunds Law Firm saves my career and provided justice to my SOR. Their professionalism, extreme knowledge, and continues engagement and fast responses provided high quality documentation and guidance to secure victory and full reinstatement of my clearance. They were always available to respond to any questions or concerns and provided great deal of assistance that made me sleep at night with no worries. I totally recommend them if you need assistance with your clearance. Don’t waste your time and efforts to battle for your clearance on your own. It is worth the money. Thank you Alan and team.”
S.
Security Clearance
Last month my secret clearance was approved and extended. There was no indications or explanations provided on why it was left in adjudication for four years. At this point I am not asking any questions! Thanks much for you your help!!!
Tom Nodes
Uncategorized
Oh my goodness!!! If I lived closer, I would come by and give you all a hug!! I know you know this already, but these decisions can affect a persons livelihood tremendously. So thank you. Thank you for doing what you do and helping me! I can sleep tonight!
L.D.
Uncategorized
I just want to thank you for your work on my behalf. It has been a pleasure working with you and your team. I would certainly recommend you and your office unreservedly.
K.L.
Uncategorized
Samantha here, wow! Thank you just doesn’t seem enough. This process was terrifying for us and you were there for us EVERY step of the way. When I called with questions and concerns you never seemed to rush me or take my concerns lightly. You explained every detail to me step by step and it played out EXACTLY how you predicted. Your timeline was spot on. Lol. This is a fantastic way to start the new year. Alan was a superstar in the court room and for that we will forever be grateful. Again, thank you to you both. We will absolutely take the time to rate your firm and services on any and all websites your receptionist sends to us. I have forwarded this email to Dale’s work address so that he is able to print the attachment out, sign it and bring it home. I will scan it and return it to you by tomorrow. Again, thank you all so much.
Recent Military Discharge Upgrade Favorable Decisions
Department of the Navy March 31, 2025
Department of the Navy – Discharge Review Board
Our client faced a history of misconduct that ultimately led to his discharge from the military. However, our firm took swift and strategic action, submitting a powerful written response that secured a hearing before the Board. At the hearing, Mr. Alan Edmunds delivered a stellar argument, bolstered by a compelling testament to the Petitioner’s true character. The result? A complete turnaround—our client was granted an Honorable Discharge, restoring his record and his future.
Military Discharge Upgrade February 28, 2025
Military Discharge Upgrade – Victory
Our firm recently secured a favorable outcome on a newly filed petition. Our attorneys worked diligently to understand the client’s unique circumstances and compiled compelling supporting evidence to strengthen the case. Their well-crafted argument effectively addressed the board’s concerns, ultimately resulting in an Honorable decision for the client.
Military Discharge Upgrade September 5, 2024
Military Discharge Upgrade – US Department of Homeland Security
The client hired the Edmunds Law Firm to obtain an upgrade to their other-than-honorable discharge in lieu of court martial. Despite very serious allegations, the firm convinced the board that their client took full responsibility for their actions and had, over the years, made amends for them though years of helping other veterans. The Client’s discharge was upgraded, allowing access to more resources to help other veterans.
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often from veterans seeking a discharge upgrade. Need a more specific answer? Reach out for a free consultation.
The cost of hiring a discharge upgrade attorney depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the stage of the proceedings, and the specific military discharge lawyer you choose. Large law firms may charge hourly fees that add up to $10,000, $15,000, or even more.
Attorney Alan Edmunds has been serving military veterans for more than 45 years, and knows that they’re not always treated fairly. Rank-and-file members of the military often face harsh treatment in the discharge process that higher-ranking members don’t, and those decisions can have a lifelong impact.
He’s committed to changing that, and not just through direct representation. Behind the scenes, he works to change laws and procedures that leave veterans saddled with the effects of other than honorable discharges. Mr. Edmunds Law Firm uses flat-fee pricing so veterans always know the cost up front—no hourly surprises. At The Edmunds Law Firm, we will never try to sell you more than you need.
Unfortunately, the discharge upgrade process is currently slow and cumbersome. The process hasn’t changed for decades, and so it is inefficient and unnecessarily slow. It typically takes several months, or even more, to work your way through the process.
While we can’t change that–at least, not today–the right military discharge upgrade attorney can keep your case moving forward smoothly and ensure that it’s not derailed by errors or missing information.
Overall, the success rate for discharge upgrades is disappointingly low. That’s why attorney Alan Edmunds doesn’t just represent individual veterans in discharge upgrade cases, but also fights behind the scenes for improved standards and processes.
When you schedule a consultation with The Edmunds Law Firm, you’ll get a fair, honest analysis of the likelihood of success so you can make an informed decision. And if you decide to move forward, we’ll put decades of experience to work to build the strongest case possible for you.
The process for seeking an upgrade in your military discharge status depends on when you were discharged from the military and the circumstances of your discharge. For example, if you separated from the military less than 15 years ago, your request for review will typically be filed with the Discharge Review Board (DRB). However, if you separated more than 15 years ago, you will typically file your request with the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR).
The process is also somewhat different if your military discharge status is associated with a court martial. A seasoned discharge upgrade attorney can help determine the best path based on your branch, timeline, and discharge characterization.
The Edmunds Law Firm assists with all phases of the military discharge upgrade process. We’ll start with a thorough investigation to ensure that we are taking the most effective approach for your circumstances.
Then, we will prepare your request for review. If we’ve decided together that it’s in your best interest to request a hearing or you are required to attend a hearing, we will work with you to prepare for your hearing, assemble any supporting evidence, and appear with you at the hearing.
If your request for a discharge upgrade is denied, we will explain your options for either continuing to pursue an upgrade or pursuing VA disability benefits without a discharge upgrade.
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