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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Amended/upgraded discharge certificate
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Question
I was discharged after 2 1/2 years from the USMC in 1975 for scoliosis (curved spine) exacerbated by parachuting. My DD214 is " honorable" . Despite this I rec'd a General Discharge Certificate instead of Honorable. I do not need a Discharge Upgrade only the Certificate Upgrade. Do to time lapse I have to use dd149 to change military records. My lawyer is concerned that even though my discharge is for purely medical reasons ( I receive VA comp) he fears the board may use my disciplinary performance score 3.99 (4 is the threshold for good behavior and correct a possible administrative error by changing my character of service to "under honorable conditions". My understanding is that they are only empowered to Upgrade discharges and change records in a positive way. Should I worry about having my discharge downgraded to the level of my certificate rather than my certificate upgraded to the level of my discharge? Thanks for any input/insight.
Eugene,
If you are receiving Vetrans Comp, then you best leave well enough alone. The certificate is nothing more than that...something you hang on the wall. What is on the DD 214 is what matters. In anythng the VA does they have that in your records, not the certificate. If you interfere with that, you may cause a disruption to your benefits or termination to your benefit.
If you are satisfied with everyting that you have....leave it alone and press on.
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Answers by Expert:
Howard Lorenz
Expertise
I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.
Experience
Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years
Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University
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