A Path Toward Restoring Your Record and Your Future

A less-than-honorable discharge can follow you long after separation—affecting access to VA benefits, hiring prospects, and your personal sense of dignity. Many veterans in Maryland feel stuck, unsure whether an upgrade is possible or where to start.

Military Justice Attorneys, a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates, is dedicated to helping veterans challenge unfair or outdated discharge characterizations. Whether your case involves mental health conditions, discrimination, or procedural errors, guidance from a military discharge attorney in Maryland can make the difference between denial and a successful upgrade.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request asking the appropriate military board—usually a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or a Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR)—to upgrade the characterization of your military service. Authority for correction boards is established under federal law at 10 U.S.C. § 1552, available at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1552.

These boards evaluate whether your discharge was fair, lawful, and reflective of your actual service. Cases often involve overlooked trauma, such as PTSD or TBI, discrimination related to prior policies, or administrative errors that affected the separation process. A knowledgeable Military Discharge Review Board attorney in Maryland can help determine which board has jurisdiction and build the strongest possible submission.

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

  • Strategic Board Selection and Case Evaluation - An experienced attorney identifies whether your case belongs before the DRB or the correction board and assesses which legal grounds offer the best chance of success.
  • Comprehensive Evidence Preparation - A discharge upgrade lawyer in Maryland compiles service records, medical evaluations, statements, and supporting documentation to present a clear and compelling case to the review board.
  • Experienced Advocacy Rooted in Military Law - Your attorney understands DoD guidance, liberal consideration policies, and correction board standards—ensuring your argument aligns with regulatory expectations and modern review criteria. Procedural rules for Discharge Review Boards are outlined by the Department of Defense at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/.
  • Long-Term Support Beyond the Upgrade - If your upgrade is successful, your attorney can help guide follow-on steps, such as restoring benefits or correcting related records that reflect outdated or inaccurate information.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

A discharge upgrade may be appropriate if you were separated with an Other Than Honorable (OTH), General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Bad Conduct Discharge. Many Maryland veterans seek upgrades to regain access to healthcare, education benefits, or more favorable employment opportunities.

You may also qualify if your discharge was influenced by:

  • Mental health conditions such as PTSD or TBI
  • Sexual assault or harassment
  • Discrimination tied to now-repealed policies
  • Procedural errors or lack of due process
  • Inaccurate or incomplete information presented during separation

If your discharge does not accurately reflect your service or the circumstances surrounding your separation, a military administrative discharge attorney in Maryland can help evaluate your eligibility to pursue an upgrade.

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. Comprehensive Case Review

Your attorney reviews your DD-214, service history, separation documents, performance records, and any medical or legal materials relevant to your discharge.

2. Determining the Correct Board and Filing Path

Depending on the age and type of your discharge, your attorney determines whether to file with the Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military Records. Correct filing is essential for your case to be heard.

3. Evidence Development and Submission Preparation

A strong case may include medical documentation, expert evaluations, personal statements, witness letters, or evidence of procedural errors. Your attorney organizes these materials into a compelling submission aligned with DoD review standards.

4. Hearing or Written Advocacy

Some cases allow for in-person or virtual hearings before the review board, while others are reviewed solely on the written submission. A military discharge lawyer in Maryland helps determine which approach best supports your case.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

A successful upgrade can restore benefits, correct your military narrative, and remove long-standing barriers to employment and healthcare. Your attorney may also help with additional actions such as correcting performance records, adjusting reenlistment codes, or updating documentation related to your service.

If your request is denied, you may still have options through reconsideration or escalation to a higher board. Military Justice Attorneys continues to support clients through follow-on steps and long-term planning, ensuring your rights and service are fully respected.

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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?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Every attorney at our firm is a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate with extensive experience navigating discharge upgrades, administrative actions, and correction board processes.

Proven Results in High-Stakes Discharge Cases

We have represented veterans across the country seeking to correct unfair or harmful discharge characterizations—crafting persuasive arguments supported by evidence, service regulations, and DoD policy.

Dedicated Advocacy for Maryland Veterans

Clients receive direct attorney access, responsive updates, and strategic guidance built on a team-based approach. Whether you need a military discharge upgrade attorney in Maryland or help navigating the appeals process, we’re here to support you.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted resource for veterans seeking justice and restoration.

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Discharge Upgrade Attorney Serving Maryland FAQs

Can I apply for a discharge upgrade even if decades have passed?

Yes. Many veterans successfully upgrade their discharge years later. Eligibility depends more on the underlying facts and fairness of the original discharge.

Will an upgrade automatically restore my VA benefits?

Not always, but it significantly improves your chances. The VA may still perform its own review, but an upgrade can resolve many eligibility issues.

Do mental health conditions help support a discharge upgrade?

Yes. DoD guidance requires boards to consider PTSD, TBI, and other conditions as mitigating factors when reviewing discharge characterizations.

Can I attend a hearing for my discharge upgrade?

Some boards allow hearings depending on your case. Your attorney can help determine whether appearing in person strengthens your application.

What if my request is denied?

You may be able to submit a reconsideration or file with a different board depending on the circumstances. Legal guidance helps determine the best path forward.

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Restore the Record You Earned Through Service

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with a discharge upgrade lawyer in Maryland about correcting your discharge and reclaiming the benefits you deserve.

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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