Liberal Consideration for Qualifying Mental Health Conditions

A Discharge Review Board (DRB) is a panel within each branch of the U.S. military responsible for reviewing a service member’s discharge status upon request. This board has the authority to change, correct, or modify any discharge or dismissal other than those involving a general court-martial.

Veterans seeking to upgrade a discharge for reasons related to mental health issues, such as PTSD or other service-related mental health conditions, may apply to the DRB. The board examines the service member's record, including any mental health factors that may have influenced the discharge, to determine if the current status is appropriate or if it warrants an upgrade.

This is also true of the Board of Correction for Naval Records (BCNR) and the Board of Correction for Military Records (BCMR).

The DRB takes mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other service-related mental health diagnoses, into account when reviewing discharge cases. The board evaluates whether these conditions may have contributed to behavior that led to the service member’s discharge, especially for those with “other than honorable” (OTH) or similar statuses.

Recent policy changes have mandated a more sympathetic approach towards mental health-related issues, recognizing that these conditions might affect conduct. When evidence supports that mental health issues influenced the discharge, the DRB may decide in favor of upgrading the discharge.

Veterans applying for a mental health-related discharge review should provide comprehensive evidence to support their case. This includes service records, medical records, statements from mental health professionals, and any documentation proving the service-related nature of the mental health condition.

Statements from family, fellow service members, or supervisors that confirm changes in behavior or symptoms during service can also strengthen the application. In cases where medical records were unavailable or incomplete, recent assessments from licensed mental health professionals can also be critical. All these pieces of evidence help the DRB make a more informed decision about the discharge upgrade.

The DRB review process can lead to several possible outcomes. The board may decide to uphold the current discharge status, upgrade it to a higher level, such as from “other than honorable” to “general” or “honorable,” or even modify the narrative reason for the discharge.

An upgrade can result in increased access to veterans’ benefits and may also positively impact a veteran’s employment and other opportunities. However, it's essential to note that the DRB cannot change the reason for discharge to a diagnosis (such as PTSD). Still, it may amend it to something less stigmatizing or more accurate based on the evidence provided.

The DRB review process typically takes many months to years, but the timeline can vary depending on the case complexity and the volume of applications. If the DRB denies the request for an upgrade, veterans may appeal the decision to the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR), which has broader powers, including the ability to alter service records and correct any perceived injustices. Veterans may also seek assistance from legal advocates or veterans’ organizations, which can provide additional support and resources for appeals. In cases involving mental health-related conditions, applicants are encouraged to consult with legal professionals specializing in veterans’ law to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.