A Path to Restoring Your Honor and Benefits

A less-than-honorable discharge can affect nearly every part of your life, from medical care and disability eligibility to housing assistance, employment prospects, and personal reputation. Many North Carolina veterans—especially those who served at Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, or Fort Liberty—have discharge characterizations that no longer reflect the full truth of their service.

Military Justice Attorneys, a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates, represents veterans seeking fairness and recognition. Whether your case involves mental health conditions, administrative errors, inequitable treatment, or trauma-related misconduct, working with a knowledgeable military discharge lawyer in North Carolina ensures your petition is supported by strong evidence and a clear legal strategy.

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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 reevaluate and change the characterization of your service. Boards review whether the original discharge was unjust, improper, or inconsistent with current DoD standards—especially in cases involving:

  • PTSD
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Military sexual trauma (MST)
  • Substance use related to service-connected conditions
  • Discrimination or administrative errors

A Military Discharge Review Board attorney in North Carolina can help you identify the correct board, understand the standards applied, and build a persuasive petition.

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

  • Comprehensive Review of Your Service Record and Separation History - Your attorney examines your DD-214, medical documents, evaluations, disciplinary records, and potential errors to uncover legal and factual grounds for an upgrade.
  • Strategic Preparation of Evidence and Written Submissions - A discharge upgrade lawyer in North Carolina ensures your petition includes expert letters, medical diagnoses, witness statements, and service records organized into a compelling, board-ready packet.
  • Knowledge of Updated DoD Guidance on PTSD, TBI, and MST - Boards must apply “liberal consideration” in cases involving mental health, trauma, or discrimination—a standard your attorney leverages to strengthen your case.
  • Long-Term Support After the Decision - If your upgrade is granted, your attorney may help pursue corrections to other records or new eligibility for benefits; if denied, they advise on appeals or future submissions.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for a discharge upgrade if you received a:

  • General (Under Honorable Conditions)
  • Other Than Honorable (OTH)
  • Bad Conduct Discharge (limited DRB review, BCMR may apply)

Discharge upgrades are commonly sought by veterans whose separation involved PTSD, TBI, behavioral health conditions, military sexual trauma, discrimination, or procedural violations.

Veterans pursuing an upgrade often do so to restore eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, which are governed separately by VA character-of-service determinations described on the VA’s official website at https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/

If you believe your discharge characterization does not reflect your true service or circumstances, a military discharge attorney in North Carolina can help determine your eligibility and 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. Initial Evaluation and Record Review

Your attorney examines your military records and identifies potential grounds for injustice, error, or inequity under DoD and service-specific standards.

2. Determining the Correct Board

Your attorney determines whether your case belongs before the Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military Records—each with different rules, timelines, and authorities.

3. Evidence Development and Legal Argumentation

Your attorney gathers supporting documents such as medical evaluations, expert statements, performance records, and statements from fellow servicemembers to build a strong petition.

4. Written Submission or Personal Hearing

Some veterans benefit from requesting an in-person or virtual hearing. Procedures for hearings and written reviews are governed by service regulations and guidance published through the Boards for Correction of Military Records framework, referenced by DoD and maintained through official military legal sources such as the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice at https://jsc.defense.gov/.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

If successful, your upgrade may unlock access to VA healthcare, compensation benefits, GI Bill eligibility, home loans, and improved employment prospects. It may also restore personal dignity and correct long-standing inaccuracies in your record.

If denied, you may still have options—such as submitting a reconsideration request, appealing through the BCMR, or developing new evidence. Military Justice Attorneys guides veterans through every step to ensure their pursuit of justice does not end with one decision.

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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?

Decades of Experience in Military Administrative and Appellate Law

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates who understand the complexities of discharge review boards, correction boards, and DoD upgrade standards.

Proven Success for North Carolina Veterans

We have helped veterans across the country—including many who served at major North Carolina installations—correct unfair discharges and regain benefits.

Dedicated Support and Tailored Representation

Clients receive direct attorney access, honest feedback, and a carefully crafted strategy built around evidence, fairness standards, and each veteran’s personal goals.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted military discharge upgrade attorney in North Carolina for veterans seeking recognition and justice.

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Discharge Upgrade Attorney Serving North Carolina FAQs

Can I request a discharge upgrade even decades after separation?

Yes. Many veterans successfully obtain upgrades years later, especially when new evidence or updated DoD policies apply.

Will PTSD or TBI diagnoses help my case?

Absolutely. DoD requires boards to apply liberal consideration when mental health conditions may have influenced the misconduct.

Can a discharge upgrade restore VA benefits?

In many cases, yes. Once your discharge is upgraded, the VA may reevaluate your eligibility for benefits.

Do I need a hearing to win my discharge upgrade?

Not always. Many cases succeed through written submissions, though hearings can help in complex or contested cases.

What if my upgrade request is denied?

You may still pursue reconsideration, appeal through the BCMR, or submit new evidence. An attorney can guide the process.

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Reclaim the Honor and Benefits You Earned

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with a discharge upgrade lawyer in North Carolina about correcting your record and restoring your future.

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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