Restoring Accuracy to Your Record

Service members and veterans connected to Italy often feel overwhelmed when they realize their discharge does not match their commitment or circumstances. Whether you served at USAG Vicenza, Camp Darby, NSA Naples, NAS Sigonella, Aviano Air Base, NRTF Niscemi, or San Vito dei Normanni Air Station, the distance makes navigating the discharge upgrade system even more challenging.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps clients correct unjust or outdated discharge characterizations. We guide servicemembers through complex regulations, ensuring their records reflect the truth of their service and sacrifices.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request to a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) to revise your discharge characterization or narrative reason. These boards evaluate service history, procedural fairness, and mitigating evidence to determine whether the original decision should change.

Policies governing discharge upgrades appear in Department of Defense guidance, including memoranda accessible through the DoD Executive Services Directorate at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/. The UCMJ framework that shapes separation actions is also available through the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov.

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

  • Experienced Navigation of Board Requirements. We know how DRBs and BCMRs evaluate evidence, apply “liberal consideration” rules, and determine whether prior decisions were unjust or inconsistent with DoD standards.
  • Persuasive Evidence Presentation. We compile medical records, service documentation, expert statements, and legal analysis to build a complete, compelling application tailored to board expectations.
  • Support for Clients Living Overseas. Italy-based clients often struggle to access old records or obtain updated medical documentation. We streamline the process and help overcome distance-related obstacles.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

A discharge upgrade may help if you were separated due to circumstances that were misunderstood, rushed, or never fully evaluated.

Many clients discharged years earlier discover later diagnoses that help explain the conduct leading to separation.

You may be eligible for an upgrade if your discharge resulted from one isolated mistake, if the command failed to consider mitigating evidence, or if you experienced discrimination, retaliation, or procedural errors. Living in Italy does not prevent you from filing; DRBs and BCMRs regularly review overseas applications.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our 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

Step One: Case Review and Evidence Collection

We gather your service records, separation paperwork, evaluations, medical documentation, and relevant statements. This helps identify legal or procedural errors, gaps in the record, and mitigating factors that support an upgrade request.

Step Two: Determining the Appropriate Board

Whether your case goes before a DRB or a BCMR depends on your discharge type and how long it has been since separation. We explain the distinctions and align your case with the right authority using DoD rules and UCMJ principles.

Step Three: Preparing a Comprehensive Submission

We build a detailed, evidence-rich package demonstrating why your discharge should be upgraded. This includes legal argumentation, expert opinions when appropriate, and documentation proving injustice or inequity in the original decision.

Step Four: Submission and Ongoing Advocacy

After submission, we monitor your case, provide updates, and respond to any board inquiries. For clients interested in VA benefits after an upgrade, the VA’s guidance at https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/ helps clarify next steps.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

A successful discharge upgrade can restore benefits, including healthcare, education assistance, disability compensation, and civilian employment opportunities. Some clients also require corrections to their DD-214, clarification of reenlistment codes, or follow-on actions before BCMRs. MJA assists with these additional steps, helping ensure your upgraded discharge leads to lasting improvements in stability, recognition, and access to earned benefits.

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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?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive administrative law experience, including discharge review advocacy. We understand how separation decisions are made and how to demonstrate that a discharge was unjust or inconsistent with modern DoD guidance.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have successfully represented servicemembers worldwide in discharge upgrade cases involving medical issues, combat trauma, procedural errors, and disproportionate punishments. Our submissions follow board expectations and highlight the strongest legal and equitable arguments.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients living in Italy receive direct access to an experienced attorney who understands the challenges of navigating U.S. military processes from abroad. We provide clear communication, structured guidance, and support through each stage of the upgrade process. We deliver disciplined, mission-focused advocacy to ensure your record reflects your service, not one moment or misunderstanding.

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Discharge Upgrade Attorney Serving Italy FAQs

Can I apply for a discharge upgrade while living overseas?

Yes. DRBs and BCMRs regularly review applications from veterans and servicemembers residing in Italy. Distance does not limit your eligibility.

Do I need new medical evidence for an upgrade?

Updated evidence is not required but strongly recommended—especially if you later received diagnoses such as PTSD, TBI, depression, or anxiety that affected your prior service.

How long does the discharge upgrade process take?

Most cases take several months to a year. Complete evidence and well-structured submissions help avoid delays and improve outcomes.

Can an upgrade restore access to VA benefits?

Often, yes. An improved discharge can reinstate eligibility for healthcare, disability compensation, education benefits, and other federal programs.

When should I contact an attorney?

As early as possible. Strong legal guidance ensures your application meets board standards and avoids common mistakes that weaken upgrade requests.

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Correct Your Record With Confidence

If your discharge does not reflect the truth of your service, you do not have to face the correction process alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.

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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