A Path Toward Restoration

A less-than-honorable discharge can feel overwhelming, affecting employment, VA benefits, and your long-term identity as a service member. Many veterans in Hawaii face years of setbacks without realizing a discharge upgrade may be possible. Military Justice Attorneys—an all-attorney team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates—has helped service members worldwide correct their records and reclaim what they’ve earned. With deep experience before review boards and correction boards, we stand ready to guide you through every step so you can move forward with confidence.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request asking the Department of Defense to change the characterization of your military separation to something more favorable. Depending on your circumstances, this action is filed with a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or a Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). Each military branch operates a Discharge Review Board under DoD authority, and official DoD guidance on the discharge review process is available at https://www.defense.gov/Resources/Military-Departments-and-Services/.

The process examines both the fairness and accuracy of your discharge. A successful upgrade can restore lost benefits and correct injustices that occurred at the time of separation. Guidance from DoD policy and the Boards of Review/Correction framework helps determine eligibility and required evidence.

Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Discharge Upgrades

  • Experienced Strategic Guidance - An attorney skilled in discharge upgrades can determine which board to file with, identify the strongest legal grounds, and assemble persuasive evidence to improve your chances of success.
  • Precise Record Review and Error Identification - A military attorney evaluates service records, disciplinary history, and mitigating factors to uncover errors, injustices, or procedural issues that support an upgrade request.
  • Credibility in Front of Military Boards - Former Judge Advocates understand the expectations of DRBs and BCMRs, allowing them to craft arguments, supporting statements, and legal analysis that align with board standards and regulations.
  • Focused Advocacy for Long-Term Impact - A discharge upgrade can influence benefits, employment, and personal reputation, and an attorney ensures your submission fully reflects your service, context, and supporting documentation to secure lasting, meaningful results.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

If you were separated with an Other Than Honorable, General (Under Honorable), or Bad Conduct Discharge, a discharge upgrade may directly affect your future.

Many veterans in Hawaii pursue upgrades to restore VA healthcare or disability benefits, remove the stigma of a negative discharge, or correct an injustice linked to mental health conditions, discrimination, or improper command action.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains how discharge character affects benefit eligibility at https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/. You may need a discharge upgrade if your separation involved alleged misconduct, administrative errors, unfair treatment, or circumstances not fully understood at the time—such as PTSD, TBI, or sexual assault trauma. If you believe your discharge does not reflect your service or the true facts, legal representation should be sought immediately.

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 Review and Evidence Assessment

Your attorney examines your service record, separation documents, medical history, and any mitigating factors. This step identifies legal errors or unfairness under standards published by the Department of Defense and the Boards for Correction governing regulations.

2. Determining the Proper Board and Filing Strategy

Depending on the date, type, and circumstances of your discharge, your attorney selects the appropriate board—either the DRB or BCMR—and outlines the legal theories that best support your request. This strategic analysis directly affects the board’s ability to grant relief.

3. Building a Comprehensive Submission Package

Your attorney prepares statements, supporting documentation, expert evaluations, and legal arguments demonstrating error, injustice, or changed circumstances. This is the most intensive stage and requires persuasive, carefully organized evidence tailored to board standards.

4. Hearing Representation or Written Advocacy

If a hearing is available or advisable, your attorney represents you before the DRB. If your case is submitted as a records review, the firm presents a complete written argument. Both formats emphasize fairness, accuracy, and alignment with DoD and service-specific regulations, including the Manual for Courts-Martial for background reference.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

If your upgrade is granted, you may regain access to benefits, improve employment eligibility, or correct long-standing record inaccuracies. Some veterans may still need additional appeals or further corrections through the BCMR. Even after the decision, Military Justice Attorneys continue advising clients on follow-on actions, eligibility questions, and strategies for ensuring all entitlements are restored. If the upgrade is denied, our discharge upgrade lawyers can evaluate supplemental submissions, reconsiderations, or escalation to the correction board.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"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?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Every attorney at Military Justice Attorneys is a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate with extensive experience in administrative law, appeals, and correction-board practice, providing unmatched insight into the military justice system.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

Our team has successfully represented service members and veterans before review boards and correction boards nationwide, developing persuasive, evidence-based submissions that resonate with decision-makers and align with DoD standards.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

We provide direct attorney access, responsive communication, and a collaborative, client-focused approach. You are never alone in this process—our team works together to secure the best possible outcome.

Together, these strengths make MJA a trusted advocate for veterans seeking justice and restoration.

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Discharge Upgrade Attorney Serving Hawaii FAQs

Can I apply for a discharge upgrade even if I left the military years ago?

Yes. Many veterans file upgrade requests decades after separation. Depending on the time elapsed, your case may go before the correction board rather than the Discharge Review Board, but relief is still possible.

Will a discharge upgrade automatically restore my VA benefits?

A successful upgrade often restores access to benefits, but the VA makes its own determination. An upgrade greatly strengthens your position, and your attorney can help you understand how the VA will evaluate your case.

Do I need a hearing for my discharge upgrade?

Hearings are optional and available only before the DRB. Some cases benefit from in-person testimony, while others are stronger as written submissions. Your attorney will recommend the approach most likely to achieve relief.

How long does the discharge upgrade process take?

Timelines vary by board and caseload, usually ranging from six months to more than a year. Correction board cases often take longer. An attorney helps ensure your submission is complete and avoids unnecessary delays.

What if my discharge was related to PTSD, TBI, or trauma?

The Department of Defense has issued special guidance requiring boards to give liberal consideration to cases involving mental health conditions or sexual assault. This can significantly strengthen your petition when properly documented.

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Start Rebuilding Your Future

Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and learn how Military Justice Attorneys can help you pursue a discharge upgrade in Hawaii.

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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