Why do you think most discharge upgrade applications fail?

LtCol John Currie — Sat, 02 May 2015 23:48:55 -0400

http://shoutout.wix.com/so/5KoxCfN3#/main

TOP 5 REASONS MOST DISCHARGE UPGRADE APPLICATIONS FAIL!

The fact is, only about 10 to 12 percent of applications for discharge upgrade are successful. The other 90 or so percent fail for a host of reasons. In three years serving on the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB), I heard over 6000 cases and personally prepared over 1000. Needless to say, that experience has given me a very clear picture of the most common errors applicants make when applying to the discharge review board (DRB) for their...

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 3 at 2015 5:48 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 03 May 2015 05:48:48 -0400

While I did read the article I would still have to say "unclear, badly written statements." I've heard stories that go like this: "I want my discharge upgraded." That's it, no substance.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 3 at 2015 9:47 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 03 May 2015 09:47:26 -0400

I selected "Lack of decisional issues" as I have seen similar packages, in different contexts, many many times. Quite simply, a board won't rule in your favor and overturn the initial decision unless they have an objective reason to do so.

That said, "Overall tone" is a definite runner up. "You guys suck, but give me what I want!" is rarely effective.

And I would like to second your comment about "overwhelming the board with documentation." In certain circumstances, I have used the "thud factor" myself in making arguments. However, never when I am trying to convince someone to overturn an earlier decision. To get someone to overturn a decision, you have to give just enough - well organized - to make it clear that your argument is correct, and nothing extraneous.

Response by LtCol Joseph Crane made May 6 at 2015 3:52 PM

LtCol Joseph Crane — Wed, 06 May 2015 15:52:11 -0400

I can only imagine the things that some people put in their upgrade packages, too much irrelevant info and not enough substance. But what options do vets have for help? Lawyers cost too much and probably aren't that great at putting a package together.

Response by LtCol Joseph Crane made May 6 at 2015 3:55 PM

LtCol Joseph Crane — Wed, 06 May 2015 15:55:09 -0400

So how does one know if their discharge has a good chance of being upgraded?