Support When Your Discharge Holds You Back

Service members and veterans across South Carolina often discover that a past discharge has created barriers years later. Whether your service began at Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston, Shaw Air Force Base, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, or McEntire Joint National Guard Base, an unfair or outdated discharge can have lasting consequences.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps veterans pursue discharge upgrades through clear argumentation, strong evidence, and a deep understanding of military administrative law.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request to a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or a Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) to improve your characterization of service or correct the narrative reason for separation.

Boards consider fairness, accuracy, and whether your discharge aligns with today’s standards. Key procedural authorities appear in the Manual for Courts-Martial, accessible at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/, guiding due-process and review requirements.

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

  • Strategic Evaluation of Legal and Factual Errors. Our military discharge lawyer will review your record to identify issues that directly support an upgrade.
  • Comprehensive Evidence Building. We gather statements, service history, documentation, and mitigating context to strengthen your submission.
  • Clear, Persuasive Written Advocacy. Our structured briefs highlight why your discharge no longer reflects your service, personal progress, or circumstances.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify if your discharge does not accurately represent your service, was based on incomplete information, or resulted from circumstances that were not properly understood. This includes discharges related to performance issues, misunderstandings, administrative mistakes, or stress-related behavior.

Veterans may also seek upgrades when new information, such as documentation of post-traumatic stress, operational stress, or family hardship, demonstrates that earlier decisions were unfair or incomplete. If your discharge limits access to VA benefits or employment opportunities, legal review is appropriate.

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

Step One: Reviewing Your Record and Identifying Arguments

We evaluate your DD-214, personnel file, performance history, and available documentation. This analysis determines whether your strongest claim involves procedural error, inequity, or both.

Step Two: Determining the Correct Review Board

Cases less than 15 years old typically go before a DRB, while older or more complex matters may require BCMR review. The Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov publishes guidance that helps define how each board analyzes evidence.

Step Three: Preparing a Strong, Evidence-Based Submission

We prepare a comprehensive packet that includes personal statements, documentation, character references, and a detailed narrative explaining why the discharge should be upgraded. Our submissions are structured to meet board expectations and highlight key evidence.

Step Four: Filing, Monitoring, and Responding to Requests

Once submitted, we track deadlines, manage correspondence, and address any follow-up requests from the board. The process may take several months, but strong preparation significantly improves your chances of success.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

A successful upgrade can restore VA benefits, improve employment opportunities, and correct negative characterizations that have followed you for years. Some veterans pursue additional corrections, such as reenlistment codes or service record amendments.

MJA continues supporting clients by reviewing post-upgrade opportunities, assisting with VA documentation, and helping ensure their records accurately reflect their service and achievements.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"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

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive experience in administrative law, board submissions, and military personnel matters. We understand how to build compelling upgrade requests.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have helped veterans from all branches correct unfair or outdated discharges by presenting clear, structured arguments supported by strong evidence. Our approach is disciplined, thorough, and mission-focused.

Dedicated Support for Veterans Across South Carolina

From Columbia and Charleston to Beaufort and Sumter, we work with veterans statewide to restore their records and their opportunities. Clients receive direct access to experienced attorneys, not only case managers, throughout the entire process.

We bring the discipline, precision, and advocacy your service deserves.

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Discharge Upgrade in South Carolina FAQs

Can I apply for a discharge upgrade if my service ended many years ago?

Yes. BCMR applications have no strict time limit if you show good cause for the delay. Many veterans successfully upgrade their discharges decades after separation.

Do I need my original service records to apply?

Not necessarily. We can help request missing documents through official channels, and your application can proceed while records are being gathered.

Will an upgrade restore my VA benefits?

Often yes. The VA conducts its own character-of-service determination after an upgrade, which may reopen eligibility for benefits previously denied.

How long does the discharge upgrade process take?

Most cases take several months. Board workloads vary, but strong documentation and clear arguments help prevent unnecessary delays.

When should I contact a discharge upgrade attorney?

As soon as you believe your discharge is unfair, inaccurate, or limiting your opportunities. Early evaluation strengthens your submission and improves the likelihood of success.

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Restore Your Record and Your Opportunities

If your discharge does not reflect the truth of your service, we are ready to help. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.

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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