Supporting You In Correcting Your Military Records

If you were the victim of an error or injustice during your military service, the services may provide relief by correcting your military records. Such corrections may then entitle you to a wide array of benefits such as a military disability retirement, reinstatement, longevity retirement, retired grade, retroactive promotion consideration, service credit for time lost, and many other forms of relief for which the errors and injustices in your record may be a barrier.

You can work to modify or correct your records by bringing your case to the Board for Correction of Military Records. However, like other military or United States government processes, it can come with bureaucracy and red tape. I have been helping current and former servicemembers like you advocate for record changes and navigate the nuances and complexities of these systems for nearly 15 years.

Correcting Military Records

The list of issues the BCMR can fix is seemingly endless. Whether you seek to challenge Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) findings, were disenrolled from an academy or scholarship program, passed over for promotion, issued stigmatizing discharge documents, issued an illegal fitness report or evaluation, or denied medical disability retirement, chances are eventually you must apply to the BCMR or, in some cases, proceed directly to the United States Court of Federal Claims.

There is a lot at stake. Many cases involve claims for back pay, retroactive disability retirement pay, educational debt relief, or access to important benefits for members and their families. You need an attorney who understands the process and all its component parts.

Achieving success at the BCMR level can be difficult, especially if your case is complicated. Although they proceed under the guise of “equity” and “justice” BCMRs can take an anti- applicant stance. Fortunately, BCMR decisions are subject to judicial review in federal court and there is a complex, nuanced body of federal case law that drives BCMR behavior. Thus, it is imperative that the attorney you choose to represent you studies, understands — and in my case often creates — trends in governing case law. The BCMRs know the law. You need someone who does too.

To assist my BCMR clients, I:

• Gather documents through any means necessary, including the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts or by tapping into my extensive network of contacts accumulated through my years of practice
• Identify the issues and arguments that stand the best chance of success
• Draft high-quality legal memoranda that comprehensively and persuasively detail your case and assert well-crafted legal arguments for relief
• Track, research and apply federal court precedent
• Research and incorporate controlling BCMR precedent using a variety of means, including research tools exclusive to my firm
• Assist in holding agencies accountable to properly implement favorable BCMR decisions

Work With An Attorney Who Understands The System

While I am a civilian, my strong knowledge of the interests and motivations of board members and the system has allowed me to support countless servicemembers in modifying their records, even when they face impossible odds – and I can do the same for you. I will use every available tool and resource to help you obtain your records, including the Freedom of Information Act. When we meet, I’ll ask you some basic questions about your military records and get a solid understanding of what you would like removed or corrected. Once I have the information I need, I’ll know what forms of yours I need to get, how to get them and who to contact to get them.

You Don’t Have To Navigate This Process Alone

Making a case for a records change in front of the board can feel daunting. However, it doesn’t have to. I can help you feel confident about navigating the process and guide you to make effective decisions throughout your case.

Schedule an initial consultation with me today by completing my online contact form.

While I am based in Minnesota, I can help you with your case wherever you are in the United States or globally.