The Veterans Consortium's Discharge Upgrade Program provides free legal representation nationwide to veterans with Other Than Honorable discharges due to conduct related to:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST),
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Don't Ask, Don't Tell
- and other mitigating factors.
An Other Than Honorable discharge means the veteran was separated under conditions less than honorable. This discharge characterization deprives veterans of VA benefits, including physical and mental health treatment; limits their job prospects; damages reputations; and destroys self–esteem. PTSD, MST and TBI resulting from military service should not preclude veterans from receiving the care, benefits, and respect they deserve.
Professional legal representation is key as these veterans persuade Department of Defense boards to remedy the injustice. Pro bono attorneys will assist with the discharge upgrade applications to secure benefits eligibility for the veterans and restore dignity to our country’s warriors.
The training can include either an e-learning or a 2-hour live training, and a review of the corresponding training manual. Once an attorney completes the training, they are eligible to take a case. With each case package, the attorney will receive the veteran’s service personnel and medical records and a skeleton brief outlining the main arguments.
Each case takes about 20-40 hours. The attorney will be responsible for maintaining contact with the veteran, obtaining additional evidence, and writing a brief in support of the application.
Volunteer Checklist & Days for Completion
1 week - Review client’s timeline & case materials.
1 week - Contact your mentor to discuss the case and any questions or concerns.
1-2 weeks - Introduce self to the client. Ask for any necessary documents and develop a plan for collecting those documents.
45-50 days - Write brief and reach out to mentor if needed. Be sure to reach out to mentor throughout entire process. Please update mentor with any staffing changes.
60 days - Submit draft brief to mentor and make any necessary edits.
2 weeks - Once brief is finalized, create a pdf exhibit packet with title pages, numbering the exhibits as they appear in the brief.
2 weeks - Reach out to client to confirm their mailing address and ability to print and sign as needed. Be sure to notify your mentor.
2-3 weeks - Submit your total volunteer hours to your mentor with the final brief and exhibits.
Depending on the review board, decisions can take from 6 months to 3 years + to be issued. Keep your contact information updated with TVC DUP so we can contact you once a decision is rendered.
Volunteer Checklist & Days for Completion
1 week - Review client’s timeline & case materials.
1 week - Contact your mentor to discuss the case and any questions or concerns.
1-2 weeks - Introduce self to the client. Ask for any necessary documents and develop a plan for collecting those documents.
45-50 days - Write brief and reach out to mentor if needed. Be sure to reach out to mentor throughout entire process. Please update mentor with any staffing changes.
60 days - Submit draft brief to mentor and make any necessary edits.
2 weeks - Once brief is finalized, create a pdf exhibit packet with title pages, numbering the exhibits as they appear in the brief.
2 weeks - Reach out to client to confirm their mailing address and ability to print and sign as needed. Be sure to notify your mentor.
2-3 weeks - Submit your total volunteer hours to your mentor with the final brief and exhibits.
Depending on the review board, decisions can take from 6 months to 3 years + to be issued. Keep your contact information updated with TVC DUP so we can contact you once a decision is rendered.
Attorneys are expected to provide a draft brief within 60 days, this can be extended for evidence gathering purposes.
Yes, each attorney will receive an experienced mentor to help them with all stages of the process.
Contact TVC Volunteer Outreach and Education at 202-733-3321 or volunteer@vetsprobono.org