Every year, service members are separated under the wrong labels. Instead of being recognized for service-connected medical conditions—like PTSD, TBI, or chronic injuries—they’re pushed out with stigmatizing discharges:

  • “Misconduct”

  • “Failure to Adapt”

  • “Unsatisfactory Performance”

This error doesn’t just wound your honor. It costs you:

  • Lifetime retirement pay you earned.

  • Healthcare for you and your family through TRICARE.

  • Back pay stretching years, sometimes decades.

  • VA benefits tied to disability retirement.

  • Peace of mind that your record reflects the truth.

Correcting this isn’t about paperwork—it’s about justice.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we bring our dual advantage to every fight:

  • Insider knowledge — Our lawyers are former JAGs, adjudicators, and federal insiders who know the system because we helped build it.

  • Lived experience — Many of us are veterans who have faced retaliation, denials, or injustice firsthand.

We are the elite military unit of law firms—disciplined, mission-ready, and relentless.

How the Wrong Discharge Harms Veterans

When a service-connected medical condition is misclassified as misconduct or failure to adapt, the consequences are devastating:

  • Lost retirement: No monthly pension despite meeting the criteria.

  • No TRICARE: Families are left without lifetime military healthcare.

  • Employment stigma: Employers see “misconduct” and assume the worst.

  • Lost honor: Your legacy is clouded by a false narrative.

The Correction Process

Step 1: Identify the Error

Look at your DD-214. If you were discharged for misconduct, failure to adapt, or performance issues while suffering from PTSD, TBI, or another condition, you may have been wrongfully denied medical retirement.

Step 2: Choose the Right Path

  • DD-215: For simple corrections, though medical retirements usually require more.

  • Discharge Review Board (DRB): Can upgrade discharges and recharacterize reasons for separation if within 15 years.

  • Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR): The most powerful remedy. BCMRs can correct the record to reflect disability retirement with full back pay.

Step 3: File the Correct Form

  • DD Form 149 — Application for Correction of Military Record.

  • DD Form 293 — Application for Review of Discharge (if under 15 years).

Step 4: Build the Evidence Package

You need overwhelming evidence that your separation was medical, not disciplinary. This may include:

  • VA disability ratings proving service-connected conditions.

  • Medical records showing PTSD, TBI, or chronic illness during service.

  • Sworn statements from commanders or peers.

  • IG reports proving retaliation or bias.

  • Past evaluations reflecting honorable performance before the medical issue.

Step 5: Timeline and Outcome

  • Timeline: 6–18 months for most boards.

  • Outcomes:

    • Full retirement correction with back pay.

    • Partial relief (upgrade but not retirement).

    • Denial (appealable in federal court).

Real-World Example

A Marine was separated for “failure to adapt” after showing signs of severe PTSD from combat. His discharge denied him retirement, healthcare, and benefits. With a BCMR petition supported by medical evidence and VA ratings, his record was corrected to medical retirement. He received back pay covering a decade and lifetime TRICARE for his family.

Hypotheticals

Bad Petition

“I was treated unfairly. Please change my discharge.” No records attached. Denied.

Good Petition

Veteran submits:

  • VA decision granting 70% PTSD rating.

  • Deployment records documenting combat stressors.

  • Sworn statement from unit medic confirming condition.
    The BCMR rules in his favor, correcting to permanent medical retirement.

FAQs: Medical Retirement Corrections

Can I seek correction decades after separation?
Yes. BCMRs can act “in the interest of justice,” no matter how much time has passed.

What’s the difference between VA disability and medical retirement?
VA disability pays compensation, but medical retirement also gives you a pension and TRICARE.

Do I need a lawyer?
Not required—but a Military Record Correction Lawyer dramatically improves success by framing legal arguments and submitting airtight evidence.

Why Choose NSLF for Medical Retirement Corrections

  • 100+ years of combined experience in military and federal law.

  • Veteran-founded, D.C.-based, nationwide representation.

  • Attorney Review Board (“war room”) ensures every case is battle-tested.

  • Flat-fee pricing with flexible financing (3–24 months).

  • 4.9-star Google reviews from veterans nationwide.

We know the boards. We know the strategies. And we fight to win.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.

Additional Resources

Ready to Correct Your Record to Medical Retirement?

Every month without correction means lost pay, benefits, and healthcare. Don’t wait—lifetime benefits and honor are on the line.

At NSLF, we are disciplined, relentless, and ready to fight for your future.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.