Honorable Discharge
We speak with many veterans who are seeking an honorable discharge. There is a myriad of reasons why people want an honorable discharge. However, a recurrent theme is that the veteran seeks to reclaim their honor, integrity, and good name. Skeptics believe that a veteran wants to change their unfavorably characterized discharge mainly because the veteran intends to collect benefits.
Although options such as the GI Bill, access to Veteran Affairs hospitals, and the VA Home Loan program are attractive benefits, there are deeper and more meaningful reasons for pursuing a discharge upgrade.
Effects of Unfavorable Discharges
Veterans are often discharged under exaggerated claims of misconduct, put through improper separation procedures, or receive inequitably harsh characterizations of service when compared to his or her entire military career. Receiving anything other than a dishonorable discharge creates a stigma for the veteran. Additionally, it can taint the entirety of their military service. Federal courts have recognized that any discharge that is not honorable damages a veteran’s character and employability. When speaking with veterans, we constantly hear about how their unfavorable discharge has caused them to be prejudiced and looked down upon. The veteran has decided to pursue the discharge upgrade to restore their honor. They wish to speak proudly of their military service without the lingering regret of an unfavorable discharge.
Pursuing a Discharge Upgrade
As we approach Memorial Day, I would be negligent if I did not mention another reason for pursuing a discharge upgrade. Countless veterans have served the United States with honor and distinction. However, they received an unfavorable characterization of service upon discharge. The negative discharge will leave them without important recognition upon their death. These include meaningful gestures such as:
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a flag placed on their grave.
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buried in a specific area of a cemetery reserved for veterans.
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buried with military honors.
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Our country’s flag folded neatly into a triangle and was presented to their surviving family members.
These simple but incredibly significant acts are difficult to appreciate unless you have served in the Armed Forces. Before veterans accept that they will not be entitled to the benefits and recognition they have earned, they need to speak with an attorney to discuss the options. They can fight for the honorable discharge they have made to regain their honor and restore their good name.
