The Department of Defense released clarifying guidance that can be used by both veterans and service members for discharges and military records reviews. In the recent past, the department has issued the same for consideration of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), however there had been questions on hpow the guidance was to be applied to sexual assault, sexual harassment, or mental health conditions other than PTSD. This new guidance fills in the gaps and resolves any confusion that the veterans or the review boards might have had. Apart from that it also ensures that there is a fair and equitable review of separations for all veterans. The guidance was forwarded to several Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and Military Service Organizations (MSOs) so that they can be able to spread the word to as many veterans in the country as possible.

Veterans who would like to have their service records corrected or think that their discharge might have been unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade, are highly encouraged to apply for the review.

For discharge upgrades, if the discharge took place less than 15 years ago, the veteran is instructed to complete DD Form 293 (http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd0293.pdf) and then post it to their service’s DRB (the address is on the form). For discharges that took place over 15 years ago, the veteran are instructed to fill the DD Form 149 (http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd0149.pdf) and then send it to their service’s BCM/NR (the address is on the form).

For corrections of records other than discharges, the veterans concerned should fill the DD Form 149 then submit their request to their service’s BCM/NR (the address is on the form).

Below are some of the key contact information that will assist the veterans when applying for their requests or if they have any questions with regards to filling their forms.

For other information or assistance:

Air Force BCMR
Website: http://www.afpc.af.mil/board-for-correction-of-military-records
Phone: 240-612-5379
E-mail: usaf.pentagon.saf-mr.mbx.saf-mrbc@mail.mil

Air Force DRB:
Website: http://www.afpc.af.mil/Air-Force-Discharge-Review-Board/
Phone: 240-612-0995
E-mail: usaf.pentagon.saf-mr.mbx.saf-mrb@mail.mil

Army BCMR:
Website: http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/
E-mail: army.arbainquiry@mail.mil

Army DRB:
Website: http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/
E-mail: army.arbainquiry@mail.mil

Navy BCNR:
Website: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/bcnr/Pages/home.aspx
Phone: 703-607-6111
E-mail: BCNR_Application@navy.mil

Navy DRB:
Website: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/CORB/Pages/NDRB/default.aspx
Phone: 202-685-6600
E-mail: NDRB@navy.mil

To those who might want to give their feedback on the policies and the whole process can do so, via the below contact information.

Send an e-mail to osd.pentagon.ousd-p-r.mbx.legal-policy@mail.mil, or mail your feedback to Office of Legal Policy at:

Office of Legal Policy
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness)
4000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-4000