Why would one request a postmortem discharge upgrade?

SPC Dee Bartlett — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:07:36 -0500

My special forces soldier generally discharged in 2011 and received 100% VA disability for PTSD and full SSI. He died in 2014. He had no spouse and a minor child. Why do I want to proceed in requesting the upgrade (other than "clearing" his name)?

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Jan 25 at 2016 12:21 AM

SCPO Joshua I — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:21:54 -0500

Really need more information. I've never heard of such a thing.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 25 at 2016 9:09 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 09:09:40 -0500

Who is asking for the upgrade? What's your role in it?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 10:33 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 10:33:09 -0500

Hi, SPC. Bartlett.
I can't imagine any tangible reason to upgrade his discharge.
But it's a matter of honor. Even in the most infinitesimal or trivial or unrecognized way, his name will live on with what he left behind. It's up to you, I suppose, to determine if he deserves the honor.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 11:51 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:51:07 -0500

First, let me say that I am sorry to hear of a lost brother in arms. RIP, warrior.

If he has no identifiable NOK, who is requesting it? I feel as though we need more information to give better guidance.

Under what was he discharged? And what is the requested upgrade?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 12:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 12:13:52 -0500

Good question, WHY do you want to proceed in requesting the upgrade? Sounds to me like a lot of time and effort for little or no benefit. Unless the SM got shafted why bother? And even if they did, why didn't they pursue it before they died?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 25 at 2016 1:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:37:04 -0500

I thought I saw postpartum upgrde hahahahaha. MY BADNESS!

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Jan 25 at 2016 10:29 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:29:34 -0500

It sounds like there is no tangible reason and it would be primarily for honor, namesake or pride.
There is a process in place to attempt to do this, but it is your time and you would decide if it is worth the investment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 10:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:48:30 -0500

I may be a little off on this, but wouldn't certain types of discharges affect benefits for his dependant? If yes, that would be the only reason I could see trying to get a upgraded discharge. That is if you are even authorized to do so for the Soldier.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 26 at 2016 12:57 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 00:57:20 -0500

Your name and reputation is what you leave behind. One day that minor child might request their father's records. An Honorable is better the General Under Honorable.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 1:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 May 2017 13:20:35 -0400

Do research here" https://www.fixmilitaryrecords.com

FIX MILITARY RECORDS – Discharge Upgrades & Military Records Correction

At Fix Military Records, I help veterans, and their survivors, apply to the Army Discharge Review Board (ADRB) in order to request an examination of the veteran's discharge and to request a change in the characterization of service and/or the reason for discharge based on standards of equity or propriety.I also assist in applications to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) with the intent to correct errors in or remove...