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This one is a doozy... Below are recently written summaries of my situation that I have sent to various VSOs and firms doing pro-bono work. I have already applied to the NLSVP for help with my discharge upgrade through the Navy, but that is likely to take a year or more before I will even hear back from them. I also just applied to the Yale NVCLR after running across their recent success with the Army discharge review boards. I have decided to go with the DAV for my VSO, but I want to be as thorough with this as I possibly can. Questions that I have- How do I proceed without screwing myself? I have been unemployed for a year now and while I would love for every single avenue to be explored, at this point 9+ years later I just any help I can get. What is the best way to collect and present character statements? I plan on contact anyone I can on social media from my unit to vouch for both my time in service and my time post discharge, but I don't want to put too much effort in a potential "small" category of importance. I know of others in my unit who were also ADSEPd following our deployment for misconduct in similar circumstances, many with differing outcomes- Are these potentially relevant to my case if I can get permission to cite their discharges? What would be the potential bars from getting backpay on my original 2012 claim that was closed? I missed my C&P exams, but I never knew they were scheduled in the first place.- Also, in light of the recent Federal circuit decision , to what degree was the VA obligated to notify me of the new evidence they received in 2014 at my new address? In order to register an account on e-benefits, I had to fill out a survey that included a soft credit check and questions regarding my past addresses. They knew, or were able to on demand pull and verify, every single address I've lived at since getting out, but up until two weeks ago my mail was going to the WRONG address I enlisted from? Hell, even the email addresses listed on my VA profile were my parents! None of the contact information in the VA systems I've come across has been even remotely accurate... This is a lot, but I feel as if there are a lot of things at play in my situation. I can post redacted copies of what I have or clarify further on anything needed. Thank you in advance for reading. -tfy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- START HERE FOR BACKGROUND INFO Subject: New Service Records Discovered by VA- 2012 Claim Good Afternoon Mr. XXXX, I was ADSEP'd (Administratively Separated) with an OTH (General-Under Other Than Honorable Conditions) in 2012 for smoking marijuana to self-treat PTSD following a combat deployment. SARPs (on base Substance Abuse Rehab Program) diagnosed me with Adjustment Disorder w/Depressed mood and Alcohol dependency, but I completed the program and fought the ADSEP by taking a board review. While the board recommended to retain me suspend the discharge recommendation with a conditional OTH in the event of further misconduct, my unit deployed before the board could convene and contrary to everything I had been told up until that moment, I received a 10-day letter with ~5 days left on it informing me that the reviewing authority upheld the boards characterization of service but rejected their retention recommendation. It demolished me and I have seemingly never recovered. Thankfully, my parents pushed me to file a claim through the American Legion in XXXXXX when I initially got home, but I moved all around in the interim, was told it was a fat chance in hell to overturn drug pop discharges (2012) and that I was by default ineligible by my command/others. Unable to stay at home because of my PTSD, I moved out of state and never received any further correspondence from the VA which led to missing C&P exams. The initial compensation claim was filed on X-XX-2012 and I was granted service connection for treatment purposes only for Adjustment Disorder w/Depressed Mood, which I did NOT claim. I did claim PTSD, left knee, right knee, back problems- all of which were denied service connection. Under REASONS FOR DECISION for Service Connection for PTSD, my decision letter states that they conceded my stressor (Combat Action Ribbon), but that my service records do not contain complaints, treatment, or diagnosis for that condition, and I did not attend my VA examination- as well as “Therefore, medical evidence that could have been useful to support your claim was not available to us.” In addition to my SARPs diagnosis of Adj Disorder w/depressed mood (an ACUTE disorder), there are records of me being seen at the Naval hospital on Lejeune for night sweats, a PTSD symptom, but I am unsure if that was included in the original compensation decision evidence. Fast forward to a few months ago and I discover I can be seen for free at a Vet Center, where treatment leads me to eventually contacting a VSO with the XXXXXXX. The VSO found a few files in my record that I have never seen in my life. After days of making calls to the VBA and VHA, I go from being emphatically told by the VBA eligibility department I am ineligible due to my Discharge Characterization- to registered with free VA healthcare on the same phone call earlier this month. Fast forward to last week, I receive a letter from VHA Member Services informing me that they have determined I am ineligible to enroll in VA healthcare due to the VBA determination letter I’ve copied/pasted below. THIS DIRECTLY CONFLICTS WITH THE 2013 VBA DETERMINATION LETTER CITED AS EVIDENCE. I made a million calls to the VA, and eventually get a call back and am told yesterday that my Characterization of Service Review claim was pulled by the VA XXXXXXX Regional Office and that there appear to be a few issues with my claims. The VA received more records from the service branch in 2014, a year after my original claims were Closed, but the claims were never reopened/examined, and nothing was done. The records were service records and medical records mixed together. The wording of the 2012 VBA decision letter (made by a different Regional Office than I currently reside in) are “conflicting” and confusing the VA Reviewers, which was the reason given to me why the XXXXXX office “has” my characterization of service claim. Today, I received a letter from the DVA Evidence Intake Center informing me that I have 60 days to provide evidence that helps with their decision concerning my eligibility for VA benefits. I do not even know where to begin. I have been in a pretty bad spot mentally, physically, and spiritually essentially since deployment, so to discover that I could have been getting help all this time is both infuriating and crushing. The VA Reviewer I spoke to at XXXXXXX said they would mail me a copy of the files the VA received from DoD in 2014 and that I need to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb and possibly consider getting representation. (I just got these yesterday, they seem to be similar to records I have from e-benefits and some that I kept from time in the service, but I cannot confirm 100% as they will not disclose to me what the newly discovered medical records pertain to) See the 2013 Character of discharge determinations copy/pasted below, I’ve XX’d out dates but can provide them as well as scanned copies of what I’ve received along with my original ADSEP package that I got a copy of before being discharged (potential conflict from my commands processing, they crossed through a required field on my ADSEP checklist for a CO’s letter of referral to the VA and wrote NA- told me I was SOL in no uncertain terms). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Updates- "While the board recommended to retain me with a conditional OTH in the event of further misconduct, my unit deployed before the board could convene and contrary to everything I had been told up until that moment, I received a 10-day letter with ~5 days left on it informing me that the reviewing authority upheld the boards characterization of service but rejected their retention recommendation." I called the Administrative Law section at the LSSS-E (covers Camp Lejeune, where I was ADSEP'd) today and learned that my OTH was actually Suspended, which is different than a recommendation to retain. DID find supporting documents in my "milconnectrecordpull" that were also present in the newly discovered records that the VA did not previously consider (they received them in 2014, a year after my original claims were CLOSED) These included my ADSEP package and board findings, INCLUDING a Minority Report filed by a board member in support of a higher characterization of service on the grounds that it was an isolated incident- THIS WAS NOT considered in my original claims, but I was still previously granted Honorable for VA purposes (in 2013) ALSO included the order from the CO of my Units Remain Behind Element recommending that I be retained in response to the boards finding to suspend my discharge, a recommendation that was IGNORED- resulting in my discharge with an OTH. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The linked album contains a redacted copy of the 2013 rating decision on my 2012 claim that was closed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Character of Discharge letters from 2012 CoD ISSUE: Character of discharge. ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION EVIDENCE: DD Form 214 Facts and Circumstances from the Service Department DECISION: The claimant's service from XXXXXX to XXXXXX was under other than honorable conditions. The claimant is entitled to receive VA benefits based upon this period of service. The claimant is eligible for health care and, related benefits authorized under Chapter 17 of Title 38, United States Code, for any disability or disabilities incurred or aggravated in line of duty during active service. REASONS AND BASES: 38'USC §101(2); 38 CFR 3.12(a) 38 CFR 3.12(d) 38 CFR 3.360 The claimant entered active duty in the U.S. XXXXXXX. The Facts and circumstances furnished by the service department show that after the Veteran returned from his tour station in Afghanistan, the claimant tested positive for TCH 35 (marijuana) and subsequently charged with misconduct due illegal drug use. It also states that despite the Veteran's good conduct (awarded Good Conduct medal in XXXX), favorable character appraisal by his command, involvement in highly dangerous combat activities such as Mojave Viper and lack of evidence showing pattern of misconduct the board decided to appoint the claimant an other than honorable discharge: This appears to have been an isolated incident. The Facts and Circumstances state that the Veteran was made the poor choice of turning to an illegal drug and alcohol to cope with his mental health issues derived after his tour in Afghanistan. Prior to this incident the claimant had not used any illegal substance or had any pattern of behavioral health issues. Furthermore, there is no pattern of misconduct that can be established With out restoring to mere speculation. With several mental health studies being done that have linked alcoholism & drug use as a coping mechanism to deal with untreated mental health issues such as anxiety, adjustment disorder & PTSD the claimant's testimony is considered probable. In view of the evidence of record it is determined that this offense does not constitute willful and persistent misconduct. (Signed as Concurred and Approved on 8/21/2013) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As well as this letter Dear XXXXXX, We made a decision regarding your discharge from military service. Every effort was made to see that your claim received complete consideration. This letter tells you what we decided, how we reached our decision and what evidence we used to reach our decision. We have also included information on what you can do if you don't agree with our decision, and who to contact if you have questions or need assistance. What We Decided We decided that your military service for the period XXXXX through XXXXX is honorable for VA purposes. You and your dependents are eligible for any VA benefits for this period of military service. How Did We Make Our Decision? The evidence shows that your service from XXXXX to XXXX was under other than honorable conditions. You are entitled to receive VA benefits based upon this period of service. You are eligible for health care and related benefits authorized under Chapter 17 of Title 38, United States Code, for any disability or disabilities incurred or aggravated in line of duty during active service. Evidence Used to Decide Your Claim In making our decision, we used the following evidence: DD Form 214 Facts and Circumstances from the Service Department

The above is a proposed rule change by the VA. The actual document can be found here https://beta.regulations.gov/document/VA-2020-VBA-0018-0001 When these changes are 'Proposed', does it mean there will be a change of some sort? What is the general progression and how long could it take? Proposed Rule - Update and Clarify Regulatory Bars to Benefits Based on Character of Discharge.pdf

Do they qualify for a retiree ID? Do they qualify for PX & Commissary privileges? Do they qualify for state benefits for being rated 100% P&T? Even if their DD-214 states Other Than Honorable?

Hello, My claim is being denied over and over again since 2009 and the VA states it is due to my OTH Discharge . Here is a rundown of the claim, Bars to benefits per the VA: 1. AWOL more than 180 days 2. Acceptance of OTH discharge in-lieu of General Court Martial. VA states no records indicate insanity at time of offense, nor compelling circumstances. I recently was made aware my mental health records from Fort Bragg do exist but for 12 years I was told they don't. Someone eventually informed me after countless calls that they do exist and cannot be released to me because of the sensitive information within and might me attempt suicide? I filled the supplemental claim October 28, 2019 with 4 "buddy statements", gave specific locations of these "clinical inpatient records from Fort Bragg", listed my current mental health treatment records from 2012 to 2019 and I am now seeing a VA psychiatrist at the mental health clinic in Tampa, FL 2019 to 2020. VA closed the supplemental claim Novemeber 20, 2019 after 23 days. Called and requested a informal hearing via telephone with ST. Petersburg Florida RO, called 800-827-1000 and a represenative filled out VA Form 27-0820 on my behalf. Mysteriously the same supplemental claim "reopened" on VA.GOV Website and after speaking with a "Assistant Coach" as the man claimed he literally said my claim had no hope and to just give up cause your service is dishonorable. VA closed supplemental claim again December 13, 2019. Fast forward to February 2020 and behold my long awaited clinical inpatient records from Fort Bragg arrive, My period of treatment was from August 1998 to February 1999, the records I got covered only November 1998 to February 1999. I was excited because I finally had the silver bullet and my records proved I had 9 different diagnoses, 52 days in the WOMAC Psych ward at Fort Bragg. Plus I was awaiting for a bed at medical holdover for a Physical Evaluation Board to wrap up my medical discharge. Filed Supplemental claim March 10, 2020 with a clear and concise case that I was insane at the time of offense and 13 days later on March 23, 2020 claim closed again but here is the kicker they once again reopened the October 28, 2019 claim and as of yesterday March 31, 2020 they closed it again. After speaking with a VSO who called on my behalf to inquire the reason, and no surprise it was the character of my service and once again they denied me even though I provided a legal brief that I learned how to write so they could understand every statue and regulation that applies to my claim. Lastly, here is one more point I applied for a VA home Loan certificate and was denied which I knew I would be but wanted the character of service determination and I got the letter stating my character of service is sufficient for VA purposes, so go figure? If anyone can please help me here I would greatly appreciate it, I am exhausted from staying up every night reading statues and VA regulations, I am about at the end of my rope. Sincerely, yours Frankie I.

I have a compensation claim in progress for PTSD due to MST, and for Major Depression. My claim is still in progress, but after 11 months waiting for news, I found out on Friday that my discharge was upgraded to Honorable for VA purposes. This is a huge step, because it means that they looked at the evidence I submitted in my FDC and determined that my reason for going AWOL was brought on by the sexual assaults. I never thought I would actually win this...I was only seventeen when I enlisted and went AWOL after less than six months after enlisting, after being raped and threatened by a group of guys I served with. I was detained and outprocessed about 5 months after going AWOL - one month after turning 18. I received an other than honorable discharge. Sixteen years later, this news feels to good to be true. I have been battling these demons for almost half of my life, and even though this isn't over, will never be over for me, and my claim is still being processes, I finally feel some hope because they acknowledged that I had a justified reason for leaving and deserve to be recognized as having served. According to my MST coordinator at the Lincoln Regional Office, I can now get free counseling and mental health care for my service related PTSD and depression through the VA. For me, this is huge. I have been hospitalized for it numerous times in the last decade and a half but have always had to quit counseling because I couldn't afford it. I know there is still a chance I will not receive disability compensation, but honestly, I thought my discharge would be the deciding factor holding me back from it. So now I have a little bit of hope. I just wanted to share with others because I know that trying to get a Character of Discharge determination can be harrowing, but it does sometimes work out!