What do you think is the most common mistake in applications for discharge upgrade?

Choice 1. I don't know how many times I've heard ex service members (I use the word "ex" on purpose) make a statement like "I believe that I should not have received a BCD/OTH (or the dreaded DD) just because I was high on illegal drugs on duty/committed vehicular manslaughter/got caught with child pornography/had sex with a minor."

If people are serious about upgrading their discharge, they will follow the proper channels and get help from veteran service reps. VSP's will often help a person (if they believe they have a valid case) regardless of their type of discharge.

For instance, and maybe my Army counterparts can back up my claim, I've heard of many Vietnam and Vietnam-era vets who received "Failure to Adapt" discharges and are just now being diagnosed with PTSD (since PTSD wasn't taken seriously back then) and are trying to get their discharges upgraded not only so they'll receive disability compensation but finally get the medical and psychiatry help they desperately need.

I realize this is an old thread, but I found this resource that may be helpful if any of you are looking to go through the process... https://law.yale.edu/system/files/area/clinic/vlsc_discharge_upgrade_application_guide_3.22.17.pdf

I think it is the clear issues. In my own experience, the review board is a quick hit review of your records. I went through it 3 times trying to get an upgrade from a "4". On the 4th attempt it was upgraded to a "2". The difference being that on the 4th attempt I included the full 150+ page VA packet of medical documents.

It was either that, or they just got tired of seeing my packets ;)