Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/16/2009

Question
I was given a general discharge. In the Army I did get into a lot fo trouble. I was diagnosed and treated for depression, as well as alcohol abuse. I did get into trouble on the weekends at clubs. I was never offered the opportunity to be reassigned to another unit to rehabilitate. I was discharged for misconduct rather than medical. I was assaulted by my 1SGT, and the case was ignored, despite military police records and pictures. After being dicharged I went to counseling, and was rehabilitated. I am now a full time registered professional nurse, as well as a full time college student. My depression is real, and it is now manageable. I feel as if my situation could have been dealt with differently. I am requesting an honorable dishcarge because I was a good soldier, I just had psychiatric issues that were being ignored by my superiors. I requested a change in discharge and it was denied, I now have the option of going in front of the review board. What do you think is best?

Answer
Dear Jen --

If you wish to change your discharge characterization, you should petition the Board for Corrections of Military Records, and appear before them to state your case. If you are uncomfortable discussing what happened to you in front of strangers, you might wish to have a lawyer state your case for you.  Often veterans can find lawyers that will represent them pro bono.

Please find additional information about the review board process at this web site: http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/

Please ensure you follow the procedures in the correct order.  

Good luck to you.