WILL I RECEIVE MY DECISION THE DAY OF MY PERSONAL APPEARANCE HEARING?
WILL I RECEIVE MY DECISION THE DAY OF MY PERSONAL APPEARANCE HEARING?
The Naval Discharge Review Board cannot and will not review reenlistment or re-codes. Do not send DD Form 149 to us. All requests of this type must be sent to the Board for Correction of Naval Records (703-614-1402).
No! The Naval Discharge Review Board does not upgrade or change narrative reasons for the purpose of educational and employment benefits as it relates to the VA or any other government agency. Our mission is to review upgrades and/or narrative reason to ensure there was no impropriety or equity in each case.
MY DISCHARGE IS OVER 15 YRS AGO, CAN I STILL APPLY?
You must petition to the Board for Correction of Naval Records and submit a DD Form 149.
Are you eligible? Click here
If you are eligible, the NDRB application process requires the completion of DD Form 293, click here to access and print the form. (You will not be able to access DD Form 293 without Adobe Acrobat being installed on your computer). If you need to install Adobe Acrobat on your computer, click here to obtain a free copy of the software and click on “Download Now” to download the software to your computer. Additionally, you must include a copy of your DD Form 214 (member’s copy 4) before the application process is complete. You can request a copy of your DD Form 214 by clicking on the following link: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/dd-214.html
Once the form is completed, the form must be SIGNED, DATED, and mailed to the following address:
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY COUNCIL OF REVIEW BOARDS ATTN: NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD 720 KENNON ST SE STE 309 WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC 20374-5023WHY DOES THE BOARD CHANGE A “CHARACTER” OR “NARRATIVE” REASON?
The board may change the character or narrative reason if during the course of review, it is determined that the discharge was improper/inequitable.
Any supporting documentation and issues to support your case, including your Certificate of Discharge (DD Form 214) must accompany your application.
This is simply a rumor and there is no truth to it -- discharges are not automatically upgraded after 6 months.
Your service record and medical record will not be available until about 9 months after your discharge from the service.
Veterans service organizations at no cost or private legal representation at your own expense.
HOW QUICKLY WILL I GET AN ANSWER?
Once your application is accepted it generally takes about 9 – 12 months.
I WANT TO GO DIRECTLY TO A PERSONAL APPEARANCE HEARING?
The Naval Discharge Review Board recommends that each applicant receive a document review first, then a personal appearance hearing. If you decide on a personal appearance hearing first, you forfeit your opportunity for a record review.
WHEN WILL I HEAR BACK REGARDING MY APPLICATION?
Response time is usually 5 to 7 days after receipt of application. You will receive an acceptance letter as confirmation.
Yes, additional documents can be submitted anytime up until document review or personal appearance hearing.
HOW DO I WITHDRAW MY APPLICATION?
You may withdraw your application at anytime by writing to the Board or calling the Board and follow up with a letter.
Depending on how long your case has been in our office. Process time is 9 to 12 months. You may request representation during and prior to scheduled hearing date.
HOW DO I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION?
You may call our office (202-685-6600), office hours from 6:00 am to 3:30 pm. You can call and leave a message on our voicemail after hours, submit a written request for status or contact via email at NDRB_INBOX@nmci-isf.com
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE HEARING?
Assemble all the supporting documents you want to present at your personal appearance hearing and be ready to articulate your issue to the board. Make arrangements to meet with your representative/counsel and any witnesses prior to your hearing date.
HOW DO I GET TO THE NDRB/NAVY YARD?
http://www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/Washington Navy Yard_map_V6.mht
Note: Applicant must have a valid driver’s license, valid registration, and proof of insurance. Upon entering the Washington Navy Yard you must go to the visitor’s center and request a visitor’s pass for self and vehicle. Applicant should request direction to the parking garage and where to park from the visitor’s center.
http://www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/local_lodging.htm
WHERE CAN I PARK ON THE WASHINGTON NAVY YARD?
http://www.ndw.navy.mil/SpecialEvent/Parking/Index.htm
The Board does not provide childcare services, however you may bring spouse, witnesses/counsel/representative
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
A picture ID
For a vehicle driven on to the base you must have a valid driver’s license, valid registration, proof of insurance.
Scheduling letter with enclosures
Supporting documents
HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR REPRESENTATION?
Applicant, at their expense, may obtain representation from a civilian attorney. Representation should be obtained no later then when applicant responds to the scheduling notice.
Note: There are free representatives available. Applicant must contact the individual organization before listing them as their representative.
American Legion (202) 861-2700
Disabled American Veterans (202) 530-9392
WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO BE THERE?
The applicant, witnesses and representative/counsel should arrive by 8:00 am the day of the hearing.
The length of each personal appearance hearing depends on length of testimony, questions and number of witnesses.
Note: Travel arrangements made for departure should be no earlier than late afternoon/early evening.
HOW DO I CANCEL MY PERSONAL APPEARANCE HEARING?
Contact the Naval Discharge Review Board (202) 685-6600 and request your case be closed without further action.
Note: Once you have closed your case without further action you will need to start the process over, if you so desire. (The application must be received within 15 years of the date of your discharge.)
WILL I RECEIVE MY DECISION THE DAY OF MY PERSONAL APPEARANCE HEARING?
The Naval Discharge Review Board will mail your decision to the current address on file.
Refer to Enclosure (5) of DoDI 1332.28 for complaint guidelines.