Support When Your Record Does Not Match Your Service

Servicemembers across Japan often discover that a past discharge continues affecting their benefits, job prospects, and sense of fairness. Whether you served at Yokota Air Base, Kadena Air Base, Misawa Air Base, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, Camp Courtney, Camp Schwab, Camp Kinser, Camp Zama, Torii Station, Naval Base Yokosuka, Naval Base Sasebo, NAF Atsugi, or White Beach Naval Facility, you deserve a discharge that accurately reflects your service and circumstances.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, help servicemembers stationed in Japan pursue discharge upgrades with disciplined preparation, strong evidence presentation, and an understanding of how overseas service impacts military careers.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a request to a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or a Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) to improve your discharge characterization or narrative reason. Boards review whether the original discharge was fair, accurate, and supported by proper procedures.

The standards governing these requests appear in DoD administrative guidance and the Manual for Courts-Martial, available through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/. These authorities help determine when a discharge was improper, inequitable, or issued without full consideration of relevant mitigating information.

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

  • Thorough, Evidence-Backed Submissions. We build detailed packages using service records, witness statements, and personal history to support your upgrade.
  • Understanding of Overseas Challenges. Many discharges issued abroad involve missing documentation or misunderstood context—we help reconstruct the full picture.
  • Tailored Arguments for Today’s Standards. Current board policies require careful evaluation of stress-related factors and long-term service performance.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for a discharge upgrade if you received a discharge that does not accurately reflect your service, personal circumstances, or the conditions surrounding your separation. Many servicemembers discharged in Japan later discover errors in paperwork, unfair separation reasoning, or overlooked mitigating factors.

Upgrades may also be appropriate if you experienced stress-related impacts, family hardship, operational strain, or leadership challenges that were not fully acknowledged at the time. If your discharge continues to affect benefits or employment, legal review is appropriate.

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: Reviewing Your Record and Identifying Arguments

We begin by analyzing your discharge paperwork, evaluations, medical information, and personal history. This review identifies whether your strongest argument is based on legal error, inequity, or both. Some cases involve procedural missteps that boards must correct.

Step Two: Determining the Correct Review Board

Depending on how long ago you separated, your case may go before a DRB or BCMR. Eligibility criteria and timelines are outlined in U.S. statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel at https://uscode.house.gov. Choosing the right board sets the foundation for success.

Step Three: Building a Strong Submission Package

We prepare a detailed written submission supported by evidence, narrative explanation, statements, and documentation showing why the discharge no longer reflects the reality of your service. This includes addressing operational or environmental pressures associated with overseas service in Japan.

Step Four: Submission, Monitoring, and Continued Advocacy

After submission, we monitor deadlines, respond to requests for additional information, and prepare you for optional board hearings. The review process can take several months, but strong documentation increases the likelihood of success.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

A successful upgrade may restore access to VA benefits, education opportunities, and improved employment prospects. Some servicemembers may also need corrections to reenlistment codes, separation narratives, or related personnel record entries.

If follow-on corrections are necessary, we help prepare secondary applications and coordinate additional documentation. Our goal is to ensure your corrected discharge leads to long-term stability and a record that accurately represents your contributions.

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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

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with decades of combined experience in administrative law, discharge review, and records correction. We understand the pressures associated with overseas assignments and the impact they can have on separation decisions.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have helped servicemembers worldwide secure discharge upgrades in cases involving incomplete investigations, misunderstood conduct, and stress-related circumstances. Our approach emphasizes careful documentation and persuasive legal reasoning.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers in Japan

You receive direct access to experienced attorneys who understand the challenges of overseas service. We provide clear communication across time zones and steady guidance from start to finish. We deliver mission-focused advocacy that restores dignity, accuracy, and opportunity to your service record.

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Discharge Upgrade Attorney Serving Japan FAQs

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

Yes. BCMRs may review cases many years later when justice requires it. DRBs review discharges issued within the past 15 years, and many older cases still qualify.

Do I need new documentation to support stress-related circumstances?

Updated documentation is helpful but not always required. Boards will review evidence demonstrating how stress or operational pressure affected your service at the time.

Will an upgrade restore VA benefits?

Often yes. Once a discharge is corrected, the VA conducts a separate benefits review. Many servicemembers regain healthcare, disability, or education benefits.

Does it matter that I separated overseas in Japan?

Not negatively. However, overseas separations sometimes involve missing or incomplete documentation. We help ensure your full story is presented accurately.

When should I contact a discharge upgrade attorney?

As soon as you believe the discharge no longer reflects your service or continues to limit opportunities. Early review strengthens your case.

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Correct Your Record and Protect Your Future

A single discharge should not define your service or limit your potential. 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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