Support When Your Discharge No Longer Reflects Your Service

Veterans across Virginia often discover that an unfavorable discharge follows them long after separation, and a skilled discharge upgrade lawyer can help whether you served at Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley–Eustis, NAS Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story, or Fort Belvoir.

Those who trained or served at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Barfoot, Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, or regional reserve centers face similar barriers. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps Virginia veterans pursue discharge upgrades that restore honor and access to benefits.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request to a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) asking that your discharge characterization or narrative reason be corrected. These boards evaluate whether the original discharge was fair, lawful, and consistent with current standards.

Procedural rules derive from Department of Defense instructions and the Manual for Courts-Martial, located at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/. Boards rely on these guidelines when assessing arguments involving equity, propriety, and regulatory error.

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

  • Identification of Legal and Procedural Errors. We evaluate your separation package, performance record, and command actions to locate processing mistakes, inequities, or overlooked mitigating factors that support an upgrade request.
  • Comprehensive Evidence Development and Clear Presentation. We gather statements, medical documentation, evaluations, deployment information, and narrative context to build a compelling submission that aligns with board expectations and modern review standards.
  • Strategic Advocacy Tailored to Your Service History. We craft detailed briefs explaining why your discharge no longer reflects your performance, growth, or the circumstances of separation, especially when family hardship, operational stress, or post-traumatic stress was not fully considered.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

A discharge upgrade may be appropriate if the original separation was based on incomplete information, misunderstandings, command bias, or administrative error. Many veterans also seek upgrades when new evidence—such as medical documentation, deployment-related stress, or witness statements—helps explain circumstances more accurately.

If your discharge limits VA benefits, employment options, or personal and professional credibility, a legal evaluation is crucial. An early review clarifies whether your case is best suited for a DRB or BCMR and identifies the strongest potential arguments.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our military discharge 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 Records and Identifying Grounds for Upgrade

We begin by examining your DD-214, service record, performance evaluations, and any available medical or investigative documentation. This review helps determine whether your case involves regulatory error, inequity, or both.

Step Two: Determining Which Board Has Authority

Veterans within 15 years of discharge typically apply to a DRB. Older cases, or those requiring deeper factual review, go to a BCMR. The Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov publishes procedural guidance that helps define each board’s jurisdiction.

Step Three: Preparing a Comprehensive Submission

We develop a detailed brief supported by evidence, personal statements, service history, and legal argument. Our goal is to demonstrate clearly why your discharge should be corrected based on fairness, new information, or improper command action.

Step Four: Filing, Monitoring, and Responding to Board Requests

We file your packet, track its progress, and respond promptly to any board inquiries. Review times vary, but complete and well-organized submissions significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

If approved, an upgrade may restore VA benefits, change reenlistment eligibility, correct narrative reasons for separation, and remove harmful stigma attached to your service record. Some veterans then pursue further corrections, such as reenlistment code adjustments or clarification of service timelines. We continue assisting veterans after an upgrade by advising on VA submissions and ensuring that updated documents produce meaningful improvements in your personal and professional life.

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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

As former Marine Judge Advocates, our attorneys understand discharge processing, administrative law, and military culture. This perspective strengthens our ability to present cases in a way that resonates with board members.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have helped veterans nationwide secure upgrades by presenting strong factual narratives, correcting procedural mistakes, and demonstrating how modern standards apply to legacy discharges.

Dedicated Support for Veterans Across Virginia

Whether your service connected you to Hampton Roads, Quantico, Northern Virginia, or regional Coast Guard and Army installations, we provide direct attorney access, not layers of staff, and personalized guidance through every stage.

We represent veterans with precision, integrity, and a deep respect for their service.

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Discharge Upgrade Attorney Serving Virginia FAQs

Can I apply for a discharge upgrade even if many years have passed?

Yes. BCMR applications allow late filings with good-cause justification. Veterans across Virginia often succeed even decades after separation when new evidence or context supports their request.

Will an upgrade automatically restore VA benefits?

Not immediately. The VA performs its own character-of-service review. Many veterans regain benefits after presenting the board’s decision along with supporting documentation.

What if I no longer have copies of my service records?

We can help request missing documentation from official archives. Strong written advocacy can still proceed while records are being retrieved.

How long does the discharge upgrade process take?

Timelines vary by board and case complexity but often take several months. Thorough documentation and clear argumentation help prevent 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 allows us to identify strong arguments and build a persuasive submission.

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Restore the Record That Reflects Your Service

If your discharge does not represent the truth of your military career, we can help correct it. 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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