Include your name as it appeared at the time of the record being corrected (may differ if you changed your name), as well as your current legal name. Include your service number if pre-1970s.

(service-era name, current legal name, SSN)

• ×Using only your current legal name when the service records are indexed under a different name (maiden name, prior name).
• ×Not including the service number for pre-1970s veterans - the BCMR needs it to locate records.

The military branch, unit, and the dates during which the record being corrected was created. This helps the BCMR locate the right personnel file.

(branch, unit, service dates, relevant period)

• ×Being vague about service dates - include the exact period the contested event occurred.

Be specific about what you are asking the Board to change: (a) Change discharge characterization from "Other Than Honorable" to "Honorable"; (b) Change narrative reason from "Misconduct" to "Secretarial Authority"; (c) Change re-enlistment code from RE-4 to RE-1; (d) Correct specific dates, awards, or other entries. Cite the statutory basis: 10 USC 1552, and briefly state why the correction is warranted (administrative error, new evidence of PTSD/MST, liberal consideration policy, etc.)

e.g., Request change of narrative reason on DD-214 from "Misconduct (Drug Abuse)" to "Secretarial Authority" due to service-connected PTSD that VA has confirmed was the underlying cause of the behavior leading to separation (VA Rating Decision 04/15/2024 attached). Also request upgrade of characterization from OTH to Honorable under BCM liberal consideration guidelines per guidance effective February 2024.

• ×Not specifically stating every correction needed in one application - the BCMR only addresses what you ask for.
• ×Vague requests ("upgrade my discharge") without specifying the exact code or reason being changed.
• ×Not knowing about "liberal consideration" policies for veterans with PTSD, MST, or TBI - BCMRs and BCNRs are required to give liberal consideration to mental health-related discharge cases since 2016.
• ×Not getting legal help for complex BCMR cases - Veterans Legal Aid organizations provide free BCMR representation.

This is the heart of the application. State the facts chronologically: what happened, what records were created, why those records are erroneous, and why the correction is warranted. Attach exhibits (VA records, buddy statements, service records, mental health evaluations). For discharge upgrades: explain the service-connected mental health or MST connection, reference the liberal consideration standard, and argue that the discharge was unjust.

(detailed statement of facts and legal argument)

• ×Submitting without a written argument - the BCMR will not develop your case for you.
• ×Not addressing the relevant legal standard for your specific branch and discharge type.
• ×Focusing on hardship ("I need this for benefits") instead of the legal and factual basis for the correction.

Sign and date. Mail to the appropriate BCMR for your branch. Processing typically takes 12-24 months.

(signature/date)

• ×Mailing to the wrong board - each branch has its own BCMR. Army: Alexandria VA; Navy/Marines: Washington DC (BCNR); Air Force/Space Force: Washington DC; Coast Guard: Washington DC.
• ×Not following up after 6 months - if you have not received an acknowledgment, contact the BCMR directly.