A Path Toward Restoring Your Honor and Opportunities

A less-than-honorable discharge can affect nearly every part of a veteran’s life—from VA healthcare eligibility to job prospects and personal reputation. Many Georgia veterans discover that the discharge they received years ago no longer reflects their service, their circumstances, or the standards the military uses today. The process is complex and evidence-driven, but you do not have to navigate it alone.

Military Justice Attorneys, a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates, helps veterans challenge unjust, improper, or outdated discharge characterizations. Whether your case involves mental health conditions, discrimination, or command errors, working with a knowledgeable military discharge lawyer in Georgia ensures your petition is built on strong evidence and persuasive legal argument.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a request asking a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or a Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) to change the characterization of your discharge.

Boards evaluate whether the original discharge was unjust, inequitable, or inconsistent with modern Department of Defense (DoD) guidance. The DoD’s official “liberal consideration” policy—outlined in memoranda such as the 2014 Hagel guidance—requires boards to give weight to PTSD, TBI, MST, and other trauma-related conditions.

(See the VA’s official overview here: https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/ ).

This process may be especially relevant if your discharge was influenced by:

  • PTSD
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Military sexual trauma (MST)
  • Substance use connected to service-related trauma
  • “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” discrimination
  • Procedural errors or command bias

A Military Discharge Review Board attorney in Georgia can help determine which board has authority over your case and how best to present your evidence.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Discharge Upgrades

  • Comprehensive Review of Your Military Record - Your attorney evaluates your DD-214, medical documents, service evaluations, and disciplinary history to identify legal and factual grounds for an upgrade.
  • Strategic Preparation of Evidence and Written Submissions - A discharge upgrade lawyer in Georgia organizes medical diagnoses, expert statements, witness letters, and service records into a compelling, board-ready petition.
  • Strategic Preparation of Evidence and Written Submissions - A discharge upgrade lawyer in Georgia organizes medical diagnoses, expert statements, witness letters, and service records into a compelling, board-ready petition.
  • Guidance Through Hearings and Post-Decision Options - Your attorney helps prepare testimony, represent you in hearings when permitted, and advise on appeals or future petitions if the board denies your request.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for a discharge upgrade if you received:

  • General (Under Honorable Conditions)
  • Other Than Honorable (OTH)
  • Bad Conduct Discharge (BCDs reviewed only by correction boards)

Veterans throughout Georgia pursue upgrades when their discharge was influenced by:

  • PTSD, TBI, depression, or anxiety
  • Sexual assault or harassment
  • “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” discrimination
  • Unfair treatment or command bias
  • Administrative or procedural errors
  • Service-related trauma that was misunderstood or ignored

If your discharge characterization no longer reflects your service or circumstances, a military discharge attorney in Georgia can help determine whether an upgrade is possible.

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

Your discharge upgrade lawyer reviews your service record, medical documents, evaluations, and disciplinary actions to identify grounds for injustice or inequity.

2. Selecting the Correct Review Board

Your attorney determines whether to file with the Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military Records, based on your discharge date and case specifics.

3. Evidence Development and Written Submission

Medical evaluations, expert opinions, statements from fellow servicemembers, and personal testimony are organized into a persuasive petition.

4. Optional Hearing and Follow-Up Advocacy

Some cases benefit from requesting a personal appearance before the board. Your attorney prepares you for testimony, supports your presentation, and advises on next steps after the decision.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

A successful upgrade may restore access to VA healthcare and disability compensation, improve employment opportunities, and eliminate long-standing stigma. The VA provides official guidance for determining benefits eligibility after an upgrade at: https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/.

If your upgrade is denied, you may still have options such as submitting new evidence, requesting reconsideration, or appealing through the BCMR.

Military Justice Attorneys guides veterans beyond the initial petition, ensuring they understand all available avenues for correction and justice.

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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?

Experienced Advocates for Georgia Veterans

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with deep experience navigating DRB and BCMR procedures for veterans nationwide.

Strong, Evidence-Based Legal Strategies

We understand what boards look for and how to present a compelling case based on DoD guidance, trauma considerations, and fairness standards.

Dedicated, Veteran-Focused Representation

Clients receive direct attorney access, thoughtful case-building, and personalized support throughout the entire upgrade process.

These strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted military discharge upgrade attorney in Georgia for veterans seeking fairness and restoration.

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Discharge Upgrade in Georgia FAQs

Can I request a discharge upgrade even if I separated many years ago?

Yes. Many veterans successfully obtain upgrades decades after separation, especially when new evidence or updated DoD policies apply.

Do PTSD or TBI diagnoses help my case?

Yes. Boards must apply “liberal consideration” when mental health or trauma may have influenced the discharge.

Can a discharge upgrade restore VA benefits?

Often, yes. Once your discharge is upgraded, the VA may reevaluate your eligibility for benefits.

Do I need to appear at a hearing?

Not always. Many upgrades are granted based on written submissions alone, but hearings can strengthen certain cases.

What if my request is denied?

You may still pursue reconsideration, appeal through the BCMR, or file a more comprehensive petition with new evidence.

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Reclaim the Honor and Benefits You Earned

Schedule your confidential consultation today with a discharge upgrade lawyer in Georgia and begin the process of correcting your record.

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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