DD Form 149
Application for Correction of Military Record Under 10 USC 1552
Your discharge is over 15 years old (DRB jurisdiction limit), or the correction needed goes beyond discharge character (you need narrative reason, codes, or awards corrected), or you were denied by the DRB.
- Who fills it
- veteran
- Journey phase
- Specialty Benefits
- Estimated time
- 60-90 minutes plus extensive documentation gathering.
- When to file
- Within 3 years of discovering the error. The BCMR can waive this in the interest of justice.
Official VA form page: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd0149.pdf
Gather before you start
- ▸DD-214 with the erroneous information
- ▸Service records supporting the correction
- ▸Personal statement explaining the error and why correction is warranted
- ▸Evidence of mental health conditions or MST if relevant (mental health diagnosis, VA treatment records)
- ▸Letters of support from commanders, chaplains, family
- ▸Legal representation letter if using an attorney or VSO
Attach with the form
- ▸DD-214
- ▸All service records available
- ▸Personal statement
- ▸Supporting evidence (VA mental health records, MST documentation, character letters)
- ▸Legal brief if represented
Section I - Applicant Identification
Blocks 1-5Name (at time of service and current), SSN, service number, DOBPII
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)
Common mistakes
- ×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.
Section II - Organization and Service Dates
Blocks 6-10Branch, unit, service dates, dates of record being corrected
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)
Common mistakes
- ×Being vague about service dates - include the exact period the contested event occurred.
Section III - Correction Being Requested
Block 11Specific correction requested and legal basis
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.
Common mistakes
- ×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.
Authority
- 38 USC 1552 - Statutory authority for the Board for Correction of Military Records to correct erroneous or unjust military records.
Related ClaimRecon tools
- discharge-upgrade - the Discharge Upgrade guide walks you through the strongest legal arguments for each branch's BCMR.
Section IV - Statement of Facts and Legal Argument
Block 12Facts supporting the correction and why it is warranted
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)
Common mistakes
- ×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.
Section V - Certification
Blocks 13-14Applicant signature and datePII
Sign and date. Mail to the appropriate BCMR for your branch. Processing typically takes 12-24 months.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×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.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 1552 - Statutory authority for the Board for Correction of Military Records to correct erroneous or unjust military records.