Your Record Deserves Fair Review

A less-than-honorable discharge can follow you long after your service ends, affecting job opportunities, veterans’ benefits, and how others view your service. Many service members leave the military under circumstances that do not reflect who they are or how they served. A discharge upgrade offers a formal path to correct errors, address injustices, and ensure your service record tells the full story. Our Florida discharge upgrade attorneys assist service members and veterans in pursuing discharge upgrades with experienced, strategic legal advocacy.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request to change the characterization or narrative reason for your military discharge. These requests are submitted to either a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or a Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCMR/BCNR), depending on your specific situation and the length of time since separation. These boards review whether a discharge was improper or inequitable based on service records, medical evidence, post-service conduct, and changes in law or policy. Discharge upgrades are governed by federal regulations and Department of Defense guidance, including policies addressing mental health conditions such as PTSD and TBI. Authoritative guidance can be found through the Department of Defense and service correction boards.

The Benefits of Pursuing a Discharge Upgrade

  • Restored Access to Benefits: A successful upgrade may reopen eligibility for VA healthcare, education benefits, and other veterans’ programs previously denied due to discharge status.
  • Improved Employment Opportunities: Employers often review discharge characterizations, and an upgrade can remove a major barrier to civilian employment.
  • Corrected Military Record: An upgrade allows your service record to more accurately reflect your conduct, performance, and circumstances surrounding separation.
  • Personal Closure and Validation: Many veterans pursue upgrades not just for benefits, but for the peace of mind that comes with having their service fairly recognized.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Right for Me?

You may be eligible for a discharge upgrade if you received an Other Than Honorable (OTH), General, or certain Entry-Level discharges and believe the outcome was unfair or improperly handled. Common grounds include undiagnosed PTSD or TBI, misconduct related to service-connected conditions, inequitable punishment, or procedural errors during separation. Veterans in Florida often assume nothing can be done once they are out of uniform, but that is not true. Even decades after separation, correction boards have the authority to review and amend military records when justice requires it.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our discharge upgrade attorneys are all former military officers who served on active duty. We work as a team on your case, leveraging each of our attorneys’ unique perspectives and vast experience to win on your behalf.

Gerry Healy

Owner and Founder

Gerry founded Military Justice Attorneys to provide service members with principled, trial-tested defense rooted in firsthand experience inside the military justice system.

  • Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Recognized Criminal Defense Attorney and Litigator
  • Represents Military Community in Complex Mass Torts
Gerry Healy

Josh Hill

Managing Partner

Josh oversees the firm’s military justice practice, bringing a strategic and detail-driven approach to complex litigation, appeals, and high-stakes administrative matters.

  • Former Military Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
  • Admitted to Practice in all Military Appellate Courts
  • Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing
Josh Hill

Chip Hodge

Partner

Chip draws on senior-level military justice experience to advise and defend service members facing courts-martial, investigations, and career-altering administrative actions.

  • Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel
  • Served as Deputy SJA, Marine Forces Reserve
  • Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of OEF
Chip Hodge

Paul represents contractors injured while working overseas in support of US agencies and forces, combining significant litigation experience with a deep commitment to helping injured workers.

  • Former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Admitted to the Bar in South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois
Paul Murray

Jon Shelburne

Senior Counsel

Jon brings decades of courtroom and appellate experience, focusing on serious criminal allegations and complex military justice matters worldwide.

  • 30+ Years of Trial Experience
  • Co-Chair, Veterans Committee for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Jon Shelburne

Amy Thomas

Of Counsel

Amy provides strategic counsel on military and employment-related matters, informed by senior leadership experience and advanced legal training.

  • Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Master's in Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law
Amy Thomas
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The Discharge Upgrade Process What to Expect

1. Case Evaluation and Record Review

We begin by reviewing your complete military file, separation documents, medical records, and post-service history to determine the strongest legal pathway for your upgrade request.

2. Evidence Development

Our team gathers and prepares supporting evidence, including medical opinions, personal statements, character references, and policy-based arguments tied to current DoD guidance and precedent.

3. Legal Brief Submission

We draft a comprehensive written submission to the appropriate board, clearly explaining why your discharge was improper or inequitable under applicable law and regulations.

4. Board Review and Decision

The board reviews the record and issues a written decision. While timelines vary, we remain available throughout the process to answer questions and provide updates as needed.

Discharge review authorities operate under federal statutes and regulations, including 10 U.S.C. § 1552, as well as service-specific rules published by the Department of Defense and military correction boards.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

If your discharge is upgraded, we help you understand the practical effects of the decision, including next steps for applying for VA benefits, correcting DD Form 214 entries, or addressing related records.

If a request is denied, we assess whether further appeals, supplemental filings, or alternative legal strategies are available to pursue. Our representation does not end with a decision—we remain focused on helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

If you’re reading this review,...

"If you’re reading this review, there’s a fair chance you’re in trouble with the military. The answer is YES—hire Josh Hill. He is worth every penny and more. Don’t gamble with your VA benefits, your military pension, or your freedom. You only get one shot at defending your future. Trust me, this is the guy you want in your corner. When I first hired Josh Hill as my civilian military lawyer, I was staring down a mountain: 28 specifications across 6 charges in a military court-martial. The government basically made a giant mud ball, threw it at the wall, and waited to see what would stick. The stakes couldn’t have been higher—my freedom, my career, my reputation, and my benefits were all on the line. But from day one, Josh brought unmatched experience, surgical strategy, and a level of confidence that gave me hope when I needed it most. Josh Hill is a master of his craft. He navigated the UCMJ like a seasoned warrior—dissecting every allegation, exposing every weakness in the government’s case, and challenging every false assumption thrown my way. His preparation was meticulous, his presence in court was commanding, and his cross-examinations were absolutely relentless. He left no stone unturned and no argument unanswered. Because of Josh’s leadership, we went from what felt like an impossible situation to walking out of that courtroom not guilty on all charges. That wasn’t just a win—it was a total and complete vindication. And it’s 100% because of Josh Hill’s commitment, brilliance, and refusal to let the government steamroll me. Josh Hill didn’t just defend me—he saved my life. I will forever be in his debt for the sacrifices he made and the time he dedicated to my case. One last note: When he calls—ANSWER IT. Drop what you're doing, it can wait. That phone call might be the one thing that changes your future. If you want to hear my story firsthand, Josh has my permission to give you my contact info. I’ll gladly tell you exactly how he absolutely destroyed the government’s case, so I can continue with my life."
-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom."

My career, my life, my futu...

I know Mr Healy quite well. He represented me in a case where the odds were stacked against me. This was the most difficult time of my life considering some other circumstances that were added on. However, he fought for me tooth and nail even though his caseload was very high at the time. It seemed he devoted every ounce of effort to find me justice and in the end, because of his efforts, I was fully acquitted of several charges.

I will never forget that feeling for as long as I live. Upon the announcement of the verdict I nearly collapsed. My career, my life, my future was completely in his hands and he took it as seriously as I did. He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom. I highly recommend his services if you expect to have any chance of seeing the justice you truly deserve.

-Corporal, USMC

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me"

Mr. Hodge was relentless in hi...

Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me . . . and absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ.
-Corporal, USMC

"His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented."

Josh is a hard nosed and dedic...

Josh is a hard nosed and dedicated attorney that will stand by you every step of the way in your defense. His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented.
-Staff Sergeant, USA

"I would hire them again in a heartbeat."

Gerry and Josh are absolute pr...

Gerry and Josh are absolute professional monsters in the courtroom. I would hire them again in a heartbeat and wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner!
-Private First Class, USA

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding."

Mr. Hill tore apart the govern...

Mr. Hill tore apart the government's theory piece by piece . . . I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding.
-Petty Officer Third Class, USN

"I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands."

Gerry Healy is an outstandi...

Gerry Healy is an outstanding attorney. In the courtroom he is confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands.
-Airman First Class, USAF
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

We were founded in 2012 to defend those who defend us, and we bring that mission to every discharge upgrade case we handle.

Former Military Judge Advocates

Every military discharge lawyer at Military Justice Attorneys has served as an active-duty Marine Corps officer and Judge Advocate, providing us with firsthand knowledge of military separation systems and correction boards.

Nationwide Representation

Although you are seeking a discharge upgrade in Florida, we represent clients worldwide and routinely appear before federal military boards regardless of location.

Unmatched Accessibility

Our clients have direct access to their attorneys, including personal cell phone numbers and 24/7 intake support, because effective communication and trust are essential.

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Discharge Upgrade Lawyers Serving Florida FAQs

How long do I have to apply for a discharge upgrade?

In most cases, applications to a Discharge Review Board must be filed within 15 years of separation, while correction boards may consider older cases under certain circumstances.

Can PTSD or mental health issues support a discharge upgrade?

Yes. Current Department of Defense policy requires boards to give liberal consideration to PTSD, TBI, and related conditions that may have contributed to misconduct.

Do I need to attend a hearing in person?

Most discharge upgrade cases are decided on written submissions, though hearings may be requested in limited situations.

Does an upgrade guarantee VA benefits?

An upgraded discharge may restore eligibility for benefits; however, the VA makes its own determinations based on its regulations and review process.

Can you help if I live outside Florida?

Yes. While this page focuses on Florida, we represent clients nationwide and internationally in discharge upgrade matters.

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Take the First Step Forward

Your service deserves to be judged fairly. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you pursue a discharge upgrade in Florida.

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

Our decentralized approach to military defense ensures that we can represent service members from any branch of the military, of any rank, at any military base or installation stateside or abroad.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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