Posted on Aug 30, 2020
SPC Kevin West
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I got back to base and formation late. I got NJP'ed for not being in formation without notifying command that I was going to be late during out processing for an injury. So they change my discharge from a Honorable to a General Under Honorable conditions. That was back in 2009, it is 2020 now. Is it possible that I can get that amended based on clemency or any other way? I can't use my GI bill without it being an Honorable discharge.
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Responses: 65
SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
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Can it be upgraded? Yes, it is possible. However, there has to be a credible REASON for the upgrade, supported by lots of EVIDENCE.

Now, the "It automatically upgrades after 6 months" line is a total lie, or misunderstanding of the policy. Nothing in the US Military is automatic, except when they take taxes out of your paycheck. Even more true for the VA.

For a characterization of service to be changed negatively, there has to be ample reason for doing so, otherwise the SJA won't approve the change. Commanders cannot just arbitrarily change characterizations of service; they do not. That has to go through and be approved by JAG.

If you genuinely fouled-up, then you have to live with the consequences. There is no loophole for that.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
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I can't provide a clear answer because the details of the question aren't clear.
If you were being out processed for an injury why wasn't it a medboard? That seems odd.

"Being late for formation during out processing for an injury"
So were you late because of out processing or were you just not at a formation and during all of this you were also pending out processing for an injury? From the other posts it seems you may have missed formation while also out of bounds of liberty limits. That changes the script completely and entirely.

To answer your question, yes a discharge status can be upgraded if criteria is met. That will be something to address with your local VA.
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MSgt Aerospace Medical Technician
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Just an example. https://www.militarytimes.com/2015/03/23/oth-discharge-upgrade-difficult-but-possible/

So it's not just apply and forget. Really work at it and get statements as well as your own. It is a battle and one you should fight
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MSgt Aerospace Medical Technician
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You can definitely fight Discharges. You just have to work with your city Vet Rep, DAV, VFW etc.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-get-military-discharge-upgrade.html
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CPT William Jones
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Any discharge can be changed but that doesnt mean it will be.
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1stSgt Roman Lash La Rue
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Check with your nearest VA representative
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I call bullshit. They would downgrade a discharge for being late. How about the rest of the story.
PO2 John Driskill
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You are screwed.
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SPC Kenneth James
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Ok I am so lost I see you are asking about a marine corps question with a 11B Infantry Army question now as for the Army Infantry part of the question I was Discharged from my Beloved Army because one night I went to a club in Clarksville Tn to get my party on and fun I did have got back to the Barracks took my dust cover off of my pillow and just enough nap and getting ready for pt got up to go to the bathroom to get rid of a knotty head pee (knotty head was what we called Seagram's Gin lol) and boy did I get a surprise when one of the bathrooms was taped up o did I forget to say I was still smoking weed at the time oops anyway I got a general under honorable and mine was upgraded I can use any VA hospital I can do just about everything a honorable discharge can do except reenlist so if it is all true what you say then maybe you should go see a va rep he will no doubt find out the truth
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GySgt William Hardy
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Yes, you can if you are willing to serve in the active reserves and get an officer of sufficient rank to sign off. My son got a General discharge. He was fortunate that the Commanding General of my reserve unit sat down and listened to his story and signed off on his enlistment into the reserve component. 14 years later my son retired with an honorable discharge.

The key here is your previous military record. Just what were your previous charges. You must convince a high ranking officer to take a risk.

If you are just wanting to get it changed because you have realized the mistakes of your youth, forget it. I seriously doubt you can do it now.
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