Use the name as it appears on the DD-214 being reviewed, plus your current name if different. The DRB matches to your military records by SSN and discharge date.

(service-era name on DD-214 and current legal name)

• ×Not providing the service-era name if it differs from current legal name.

The specific discharge you want reviewed. Include the branch, dates of service, separation date, and the discharge characterization on the DD-214 (e.g., "Other Than Honorable", "General").

(branch, service dates, discharge date, characterization from DD-214)

• ×DRB cannot review Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) - BCDs are issued by court-martial and must go through BCMR.
• ×DRB cannot review Dishonorable Discharge (DD) - same restriction.

Specify: (1) What you want - upgrade from OTH to Honorable, OTH to General, or General to Honorable; (2) The legal basis - (a) Discharge was IMPROPER (violated regulation or policy at the time), OR (b) Discharge was INEQUITABLE (inequity in how the rules were applied given your circumstances). For mental health or MST cases: cite the Secretary of Defense's 2016 liberal consideration guidance for PTSD, MST, and TBI.

e.g., Request upgrade from Other Than Honorable to Honorable. Basis: discharge was inequitable given undiagnosed PTSD from combat (VA-confirmed 70%, rated 04/15/2024) that was the underlying cause of the misconduct. DRB is requested to apply liberal consideration per Secretary Hagel/Carter/Austin guidance.

• ×Not invoking liberal consideration for mental health - since 2016, DRBs MUST give liberal consideration to mental health evidence.
• ×Claiming only injustice without legal basis - the strongest cases combine factual narrative with legal argument.
• ×Not understanding the difference between "improper" and "inequitable" - improper = rule violation; inequitable = unfair application of rules.

Personal appearance: You (and optional legal representative) appear before the DRB in person or by videoconference. Documentary review: DRB reviews written submissions only. Personal appearances can be more persuasive but require travel to the branch DRB location.

e.g., Documentary review requested. OR: Personal appearance via videoconference requested.

• ×Not knowing personal appearance hearings are available via video - you do not have to travel to Washington.
• ×Not having legal representation for a personal appearance - Veterans Legal Aid organizations provide free DRB representation.

Sign and date. Send to the appropriate DRB for your branch. Army: Alexandria VA; Navy/Marines: Pentagon, Arlington VA; Air Force: Joint Base Andrews MD; Coast Guard: Washington DC.

(signature/date)

• ×Mailing to the wrong DRB - each branch has its own DRB at a different location.
• ×Missing the 15-year deadline - after which the DRB loses jurisdiction and you must use DD Form 149 (BCMR).