Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR)

The BCNR, established under 10 U.S.C. 1552, is the highest level of administrative review within the Department of the Navy. The mission of the BCNR is to correct errors and remove injustices from Naval records.

Such records include, but are not limited to, records regarding discharges, reenlistment codes, disciplinary matters, performance evaluations, selection for promotion, advancement, retirement, dates of service, disability ratings, medals, and various bonuses and benefits.

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Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Current and former members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps (including Reserve personnel) may apply for a correction of an error or removal of an injustice in their official military record.

If a former service member is deceased or incompetent, the member’s spouse, widow or widower, next of kin (parent, sibling, or child), or legal representative can apply for the service member. Applicants must first exhaust available administrative avenues of relief before applying to the BCNR.

Case Results We’ve been in the fight & know how to win

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MARINE SNCO PROMOTED

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marine Staff Sergeant (E-6) refused NJP, avoids court-martial and earns promotion.

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REACHES RETIREMENT

A Marine Master Sergeant (E-8) suspected of misconduct and questioned in multiple JAGMAN investigations reaches retirement.

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NO ADVERSE ACTION

Quantico, Virginia. No Adverse Action Against Marine Sergeant (E-5) Investigated for Alleged Article 92 Violations.

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NEGATIVE EVALUATIONS REMOVED

U.S. Navy Reserve. Negative Evaluation and Counseling Removed from Records for Senior Enlisted Sailor.

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NCIS GRANTS TITLING EXPUNGEMENT

Department of the Navy. NCIS Grants Titling Appeal, Removes Sailor from DCII, NCIC, and III Databases.

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NO ADVERSE ACTION

MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Marine SNCO arrested for suspicion of DUI onboard military installation.

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RETAINED

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marine Raider Accused of Using Cocaine Wins at Administrative Separation Board Hearing.

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RETAINED

Camp Pendleton, California. Marine facing administrative separation due to a pattern of misconduct retained.

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HONORABLE DISCHARGE

Quantico, Virginia. Marine Corporal (E-4) Separated for Condition Not a Disability Receives Fully Honorable Discharge.

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RETAINED

Parris Island, South Carolina. Charges dismissed against Marine charged with recruit abuse, retained at board.

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How Do You Apply?

To apply, applicants must submit a completed DD-149 form containing the veteran’s personal information, requested correction, justification for the request, and date and time when the alleged error or injustice was discovered, among other information. Applicants may attach documents in support of their application.

The burden of proof to show either an error or injustice rests with the applicant. Absent evidence to the contrary, the BCNR will presume that the military record was appropriate and in compliance with Naval regulations. Applicants can request a personal appearance before the Board, but are not entitled to a hearing.

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Is There Any Risk to Applying?

No, the BCNR cannot make anything worse in an applicant’s service record, only better.

How Long Does It Take?

The BCNR processes thousands of applications a year. As a result, an applicant should expect to wait as long as 18 months before the board considers their case.

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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.

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-Corporal, USMC

"Professional and Understanding"

I'm very grateful that he went...

Mr. Healy was very professional and understanding. He was very fierce when he was speaking on my behalf and was very thorough with everything. I'm very grateful that he went to bat for me and saved me my job, my career and I would recommend him to any military member going through a situation I did. Thanks Gerry for all the hard work.

-PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS, USN

"Worth. Every. Penny."

The team is professional, surg...

Don't waste your time scrolling for other representation. I'm an Active Duty Marine who's been in approximately 18 years. I had two allegations that were unsubstantiated due to Gerald Healy and Clare Hodge's phenomenal representation. The team is professional, surgical, likable, and subject matter expertise is second to none. Worth. Every. Penny.
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"Successful Discharge Upgrade!"

My discharge was upgraded to F...

Josh was professional, understanding and very clear on his plan to assist and appeal my discharge to the Naval Discharge Review Board. Thanks to his expert guidance and instruction, the process went smoothly, and I am grateful for the positive outcome. My discharge was upgraded to Fully Honorable and Josh worked incredibly hard for me every step of the way.
-Marine Veteran

"Fearless, aggressive and confident defense lawyer."

Attorney Gerald Healy is the g...

General Court-Martial 2015 for an alleged kiss with two charges and two specifications each charges. Attorney Gerald Healy is by far one of the most experienced, fearless, and confident defense lawyer I have ever known. He fought for me in my very complicated case in the Marine Corps. In his insurmountable knowledge and years of experienced in Military Laws and Regulations, he was successful in defending my case and getting all the charges fully acquitted.

Attorney Gerald Healy is the guy who never gives up. He kept me updated on my case. He is a very approachable lawyer and he will address all your concerns as much as he can. As a matter of fact, though his duty and responsibilities to me has been long done, he was still helping me address my concern in providing certain documents I have been looking for. I owe him a lot. He saved my life.

I would not hesitate to recommend Attorney Gerald Healy to anybody when they need a lawyer. He is the kind of guy you want to get when you need a lawyer to fight your battle against the world. He is worth every single penny that you would pay for a lawyer.

-CORPORAL, USMC

"Phenomenal Lawyer!"

I seeked out legal assistance ...

I got caught up in a situation that escalated almost beyond my control. I seeked out legal assistance and found Joshua Hill online. He is a great lawyer and helped me stay in the Marine Corps. I highly recommend him as an attorney and if I know people who need an attorney Joshua Hill would be the first I tell them to contact. Overall great person and attorney that is more than willing to help and is super understanding.

-LANCE CORPORAL, USMC

"Worth Every Cent if You Need a Military Defense Attorney!"

I cannot thank Gerry enough fo...

I had the unfortunate experience to become involved in an investigation on a Marine Corps Officer while I was TAD with the Marine Corps. I immediately began looking for a civilian attorney to help with the process. I came across the MJA website and put in a request for a consult. Gerry called that night and spent over an hour on the phone with me discussing the case until that point.After refusing NJP, the CO sent it for an administrative separation for my misconduct, but thanks to Gerry’s advice, I didn’t have substantiated charges as I had not gone to NJP where I would have no rights, It was not referred to court martial.I received the notice right as I was informed that I was on 48 hours notice to deploy in response to the COVID response. Gerry was able to get an extension for the response, and then was able to contact the witness I provided. His expertly written brief was worth everything I had paid for and was written so much better then I could have ever hoped to have written myself. Gerry was able to point out the flaws with the command’s lack of investigation, was able to cite case law to support why the charges were not supported and forced the command to look at my entire career. It was submitted and the day that Gerry followed up with the Command JAG, I was notified that the CO was dropping the charge for dereliction of duty and would issue a NPLOC for the Conduct Unbecoming Charge and a report of no misconduct was routed to PERS. I cannot thank Gerry enough for the work he put into my response and saving my career! I would recommend him to anyone and vouch that he is worth every penny to save your career.

-LCDR, USN

"Fantastic and Effective Attorney"

This is an effective and trust...

I have unfortunately had a wealth of experience with attorneys of various disciplines over a year and half period of legal battles including military, criminal, civil, and family law. Of the six attorneys I have had to retain in that timeframe, and the many others I have consulted with, Josh Hill has been hands down the easiest to work with.

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He constructed a 160-some page package for a two-star general on the ludicrous time constraint of about one week. His work directly resulted in the outcome that I desired. But here is the thing – I also listened to what he told me to do. If you do the same, you can have a good result. This is an effective and trustworthy attorney. What’s more, he is the only lawyer who I think legitimately cared about my outcome. If you are seeking a military law attorney, this is the one you should hire.

-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"The Best Choice for a Military Defense Counsel"

I trusted him with my career o...

When I was put under investigation with my Command pending Court Martial, I didn’t know who to turn to for help. Thankfully I came across MJA’s law firm website and immediately hired Mr. Hill after consultation and looking over their reviews. After 7 long months of waiting, the week of my Court Martial came and I would see the fearlessness and confidence of Mr. Hill in the courtroom. He tore apart the government’s theory piece by piece which would result in the outcome in our favor. I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding. I 10/10 would highly recommend Mr. Hill to anyone who is going through legal challenges with their command.

-PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS, USN
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What Is Liberal Consideration?

On September 3, 2014, the Secretary of Defense issued a memorandum providing guidance to the BCNR as it considers petitions brought by veterans claiming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with other than honorable conditions discharge.

This includes a comprehensive review of all materials and evidence provided by the applicant.

This policy was issued to make the application process easier for veterans seeking redress and assists the Board in reaching fair and consistent results in these cases. The guidance also mandates liberal waivers of time limits, ensures timely consideration of petitions, and allows for increased involvement of medical personnel in Board determinations. Liberal consideration also applies to requests by veterans for a discharge upgrade due to mental health conditions (including Traumatic Brain Injury), sexual assault, or sexual harassment.

What if I Were Discharged Under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?

On September 20, 2011, the Under Secretary of Defense issued a policy addressing how service boards of correction should review applications to correct the records of individuals discharged under DADT or a similar policy in place prior to DADT. Boards were directed to normally grant requests to change narrative reasons of discharge, characterization of discharges, and re-entry codes of individuals, provided the following two conditions are met:

  • The original discharge was based solely on DADT or a similar policy in place prior to the enactment of DADT; and
  • There were no aggravating factors in the record, such as misconduct.

The policy directs that an honorable or general discharge should be considered absent aggravating factors.

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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Contact Us Today

MJA has successfully represented veterans seeking a discharge upgrade and other relief at the Boards for Correction of Military Records. Our skilled attorneys can comb through your military record and build the strongest case possible for your discharge review. Call us today for a consultation.

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