Is there a way to get my OTH to be changed to Honorable?

SN Tom Yocum — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 19:44:43 -0400

I was discharged in 85 for drugs and alcohol.
I have been sober since then. Is there a way to get my OTH to be changed to Honorable?

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jul 19 at 2022 8:51 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 20:51:39 -0400

SN Tom Yocum The only way to get that changed I believe is through the Navy Discharge Review Board. Best of luck to you. That's a big jump from Other than Honorable to Honorable. You will be lucky to get it raised to General Under Honorable Conditions.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2022 10:25 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 22:25:40 -0400

SN Tom Yocum Here is a previous post:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-i-upgrade-an-other-than-honorable-discharge-to-a-general-discharge-under-honorable-conditions

How do I upgrade an Other Than Honorable Discharge to a General Discharge Under Honorable...

I was discharged in 1994 with a RE-4 reenlistment code. Frequent involvement with military authorities. I waived a board at discharge and now I would like to upgrade to a discharge that will allow me use of the VA benefits as if I had an Honorable Discharge. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1 and I was given a psych evaluation in the Marine Corps by a military doctor and results were found to be, a personality disorder.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jul 20 at 2022 1:18 AM

LTC Trent Klug — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:18:10 -0400

SN Tom Yocum. Glad to read you are clean and sober. Good luck on this and keep us apprised of the results.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 20 at 2022 8:53 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:53:49 -0400

You need to start at the Navy Discharge Review Board.
A couple of things not in your favor. First is there is a 15 year statute of limitation on requesting a change and you are past that time frame. There are some exceptions these days, discharge under DADT, you have a TBI, or Sexual Assault.
Since you didn't say you were innocent, I will point out that the Discharge Review Board is normally about correcting mistakes and yours doesn't appear to be a mistake.
Still, the worst that can happen is you get turned down and that isn't any different than where you are today.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2022 9:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:14:36 -0400

SN Tom Yocum You could request a review and upgrade; but it will only be considered if there was a mistake in the discharge. If you in fact where properly discharged due to drugs and alcohol in '85; there is nothing to correct. You would have to proved that at the time of discharge you were separated under false or incorrect terms. Best of luck to you

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2022 4:02 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 16:02:10 -0400

I commend you for the positive life actions that you have completed since your discharge that you have told us.
Your military discharge characterization reflects your actions and behavior during your military contract period. Whatever you have done since your discharge is not included in that time period. Other posters have directed you to the proper channels to request an upgrade to your discharge. I just want to make sure that you understand what exact period of time that the authorities will be reviewing.
One thing is certain, though. You took the oath and served. You should have a lot of pride in that fact. I wish you the best.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 20 at 2022 4:31 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 16:31:27 -0400

You can request an upgrade but they will expect a reason or argument against the previous decision.

Response by PO1 Jamie Springman made Jul 21 at 2022 3:08 AM

PO1 Jamie Springman — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 03:08:32 -0400

I'm glad to hear that you are clean and sober but I have a question. Not to be rude, or anything but why would the Navy change your discharge type? You were on drugs and alcohol at the time of your discharge. Just because you are not on them any more doesn't change what you did to deserve the OTH.