A Path Toward Reclaiming Your Reputation and Benefits

A less-than-honorable discharge can impact nearly every part of a veteran’s life—from VA healthcare and education benefits to job prospects and personal reputation. Many veterans in Mississippi feel discouraged or overwhelmed by the review process, unsure whether an upgrade is possible or how to begin.

Military Justice Attorneys, a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates, helps veterans challenge unfair or outdated discharge characterizations. Whether your separation involved mental health conditions, discrimination, or errors in the administrative process, working with a knowledgeable military discharge lawyer in Mississippi gives you a strong advocate committed to correcting the record and rebuilding your future.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request asking a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or a Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) to reconsider and revise the characterization of your service. Review boards assess whether the original discharge was unjust, improper, or inconsistent with current policy guidelines—especially when issues like PTSD, TBI, sexual assault, or discrimination were not adequately considered at the time.

Authority for these boards is established under federal law, including 10 U.S.C. § 1552 (Boards for Correction of Military Records), available at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1552. A skilled Military Discharge Review Board attorney in Mississippi can help you determine which board has authority over your case and craft a persuasive submission supported by evidence.

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

  • Thorough Review of Your Service Record and Separation History - An attorney examines your DD-214, performance evaluations, medical documentation, and disciplinary history to identify legal or procedural grounds for an upgrade.
  • Strategic Preparation of Evidence and Written Submissions - A discharge upgrade attorney in Mississippi helps organize medical evaluations, witness statements, service records, and supporting documents into a clear and compelling argument for the review board.
  • Understanding of DoD Standards and Liberal Consideration Policies - Your attorney ensures your case reflects updated federal guidance on PTSD, TBI, and trauma-related discharges. The Department of Defense’s “liberal consideration” guidance for mental health and trauma-related discharges is outlined in official DoD memoranda, summarized and referenced by the Boards for Correction and available through DoD resources at https://www.defense.gov/Resources/Defense-Issuances/.
  • Support Beyond the Upgrade Decision - If your upgrade succeeds, your attorney can help you pursue related corrections, apply for newly available benefits, or address other records that need updating.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

You may benefit from a discharge upgrade if you were separated with:

  • General (Under Honorable Conditions)
  • Other Than Honorable (OTH)
  • Bad Conduct Discharge (administrative review may be limited)

Many Mississippi veterans seek upgrades when their discharge was influenced by:

  • PTSD, TBI, depression, or anxiety
  • Sexual assault or harassment
  • “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) discrimination
  • Administrative or procedural errors
  • Command bias or improper influence

If your discharge no longer reflects the circumstances of your service—or if it was impacted by trauma or injustice—a military discharge upgrade attorney in Mississippi can assess your options and guide you through the next steps.

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

1. Case Evaluation and Record Review

Your attorney reviews your DD-214, personnel file, medical records, disciplinary documents, and relevant service materials to assess potential grounds for upgrade.

2. Determining the Appropriate Review Board

Depending on when and how you were discharged, your attorney identifies whether your request should be submitted to the Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military Records.

3. Evidence Preparation and Legal Argument Development

Your attorney compiles supporting evidence—such as medical diagnoses, expert letters, buddy statements, and performance records—and organizes them into a strong, cohesive submission aligned with Department of Defense standards.

4. Written Submission or Personal Hearing

Some veterans benefit from an in-person or virtual hearing before the board. Your attorney helps prepare testimony, key documentation, and strategic responses to questions.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

A successful upgrade may restore GI Bill eligibility, VA healthcare access, home loan benefits, or employment opportunities. It may also open the door to additional record corrections or administrative appeals.

If the board denies your request, you may still have options for reconsideration or appeal. Military Justice Attorneys supports clients long after the initial decision, ensuring they understand their options and receive guidance on future actions.

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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?

Extensive Experience With Military Administrative Law

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with decades of experience navigating DRB and BCMR procedures, evidence standards, and federal policy updates.

Proven Results for Veterans Seeking Justice

We have helped veterans nationwide correct unjust discharge characterizations, secure access to benefits, and restore their service reputation through strong, evidence-driven submissions.

Dedicated Support for Mississippi Veterans

Clients receive direct attorney access, responsive communication, and a strategic, team-based approach designed to strengthen every aspect of their case. Whether you need a military discharge lawyer in Mississippi or help correcting complex service records, we’re here to support you.
Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for discharge upgrade representation in Mississippi.

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Discharge Upgrade in Mississippi FAQs

Can I apply for a discharge upgrade years after separating?

Yes. Many veterans successfully obtain upgrades decades later. Boards prioritize fairness and an updated understanding of mental health conditions.

Do PTSD or TBI diagnoses help my case?

Often, yes. DoD guidelines require boards to apply “liberal consideration” when these conditions may have influenced your discharge.

Will upgrading my discharge automatically restore my VA benefits?

It significantly improves your chances, but the VA may conduct an additional character-of-service review.

Do I get a hearing for my discharge upgrade?

Some veterans qualify for hearings. Your attorney can advise whether appearing before the board strengthens your case.

What if my request is denied?

You may still pursue reconsideration or appeal. An attorney can help determine the best strategy.

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Restore the Honor You Earned Through Service

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with a discharge upgrade lawyer in Mississippi about correcting your record 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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