Is it possible to get a medical discharge on my DD-214 after being out of the military for over a decade?

SPC Rachael Lavertu — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:15:19 -0400

I was discharged in 2008 from Fort Bragg with a 5-13 when I actually have MST. I applied in 2019 for my DD-214 to be changed and they granted full relief by giving me a secretarial authority discharge. I reached out to the DAV who told me to reach out to a pro bono attorney to have it correct from a 5-3 to medical. No surprise I haven't heard back from any attorneys and the paid ones want $4500 or more. Has anyone successfully appealed and received a medical discharge? I received an honorable discharge in 2008. The new "relief" doesn't help me with anything. My education benefits are still not paid out in full. I am still in the exact same position I was in before I had my DD-214 "corrected". I applied for it to be changed because it seemed like they were finally addressing the issue of discharging people with PTSD/MST where they intentionally gave them 5-13 discharges to deny benefits.

Response by A1C Chris Pointer made Jul 1 at 2021 6:21 PM

A1C Chris Pointer — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:21:16 -0400

What benefits are they denying you? As far as I know as long as you have an honorable discharge and meet the TIS criteria you should receive all the benefits owed to you.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 1 at 2021 6:26 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:26:16 -0400

SPC Rachael Lavertu DD214s are corrected with issuance of a DD215. Did you get this relief from the Army Board of Corrections? They should have included a 215 with the other documents.

1. NPRC changing military records: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correct-service-records.html

Don't know if you already submitted one or both of these...DD149 or a DD293.

2. Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR): https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/abcmr-overview.html

3. HRC Obtaining a DD215 via SF form 180 and supporting documents: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Correction%20to%20Veterans%20Military%20Records

If you already have a Discharge Review Board Determination, I would assume that is all the documentation you need for this process.'

I am assuming you must have done one or both of these routes to obtain this "full relief" in your original post. I am really confused why you don't have the right documentation as you obtained Secretary level action to get where you are now.

Correcting Military Service Records

The National Archives and Records Administration cannot make changes or corrections to military records or to your discharge status other than to make minor administrative corrections to fix some typographical errors. You will need to apply to the review board for your respective service branch for corrections or changes. Instructions on what to submit for each are listed below. (DO NOT submit these forms to the National Archives.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Jul 1 at 2021 9:56 PM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:56:33 -0400

if you were medically discharged and have something to prove it, absolutely

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2021 4:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 04:42:36 -0400

In order to receive a medical discharge you would have to apply to the Army Board of Corrections and they would have to recommend a Medical Evaluation Board to open your case and decide. If you can't show any medical disability during your time in service it would be very difficult for the board to recommend sending you to a med board. It does happen, but it's fairly uncommon and usually not without very strong evidence. Even then, it may be a year before the board even responds.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 3 at 2021 10:39 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 10:39:41 -0400

A medical discharge isn't something that gets added to a DD214 after the fact. You would need to go through the MEB process for that determination to be made. The Board of Corrections would make that decision.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 4 at 2021 3:02 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 15:02:10 -0400

I never heard of using an attorney. Tbe DAV helped me and my Senators office got me a pension. It is only a couple hundred dollars and that is offset by my VA check. But it is a retiree ID Card and lets me use the commissary

Response by MSgt Robert Cunningham made Jul 5 at 2021 11:04 PM

MSgt Robert Cunningham — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 23:04:42 -0400

write the DOD discharge review board . it’s on line