How to Get a Review of Your Discharge
The Department of the Army, Air Force, and Navy (including the Marine Corp), and the Coast
Guard have their own discharge review boards. These boards have the authority to change or
correct any discharge or dismissal from the Service, unless it was the result of a general court
martial. A discharge board has no authority to address medical discharges.
If you feel your discharge decision was not fair or did not consider all the facts in the
case, you may request a discharge review. Use an Application for Review of Discharge or
Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, DD Form 293, "Application for the Review of
Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States" (available at:
http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/documents/dd0293.pdf). You
may obtain a copy from your nearest VA office. Written application should be submitted by the
veteran, next of kin, or a legal representative. Application must be made within 15 years
after discharge.
Date Last Reviewed: November 9, 2009