The Hanzel Law Firm Board for Corrections of Military / Navy Records (BCNR) and the Discharge Review Board (DRB)
 Fighting to Protect Your Rights, Career & Future

North Charleston Military Records Correction Services

Remove Unjust Documents Like Article 15 or NJP Records

We understand how difficult it can be to move on with your life and career if you have uncorrected bad paper in your file somewhere along the line. We can help to easily guide you through the often confusing and time-consuming process of trying to change your military records, whether at your respective branch’s:

  • Discharge Review Board (DRB) 
  • Board for Correction of Naval Records
  • Military Records (BCNR/BCMR)

Your military records are important. They are not only a reflection of your past service, but they can also determine your future, as well. For those currently serving, your records can often affect the current and future trajectory of your career. 

If you’ve decided to transition to civilian life, your records can be instrumental in allowing a veteran like yourself to secure employment and a livelihood once you leave Active Duty. 

Your discharge characterization can also affect your civil liberties, such as the ability to possess a firearm or the ability to obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Important Deadlines for BCNR/BCMR Relief Applications

If you’re looking to upgrade your discharge or to get other types of relief to correct your military records, normally, the deadline to apply for relief to a BCNR/BCMR is within 3 years of the date you notice the error or injustice you’re seeking to correct. 

However, even if you are past 3 years, the BCNR/BCMR might consider your application if you can show good cause, which can be defined pretty broadly. Reach out today to find out more!

Key Elements the Boards Evaluate

The burden of proof in these cases rests entirely on the applicant. The boards begin with a legal presumption that military records are correct and that officials acted in good faith. To overcome this, your Board for Corrections of Military Records lawyer must demonstrate a "probable material error or injustice" by a preponderance of the evidence. The boards evaluate several core elements:

  • Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Before reaching the Board for Correction, you must generally show that you have tried all other available avenues, such as the DRB or a formal appeal through your chain of command.
  • Statutory Timeliness: Under 10 U.S.C. § 1552(b), a request must be filed within three years of discovering the error. However, we specialize in arguing for waivers under the "interest of justice" standard, which has become more liberal in recent years for cases involving PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma (MST).
  • The Presence of Injustice: An "injustice" is often defined as treatment that is "shocking to the sense of justice" or simply unfair, even if no technical regulation was broken.
  • Materiality of the Error: The board must be convinced that the error actually mattered. We prove that but for the error, your rank, pay, or discharge status would be different.

Fighting to Protect Your Rights, Career & Future. Call The Hanzel Law Firm at (843) 202-4714 today to get started.

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Our Values

What Our work means

  • Zealous & Ethical Legal Advocacy
    After serving on active duty, Attorney Michael Hanzel has since devoted himself to standing up for fellow servicemembers.
  • Fighting for Your Constitutional Rights
    As JAG, Attorney Michael Hanzel swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. He will protect your rights and fighting for your freedom.
  • Know the Criminal Justice System Inside & Out
    Our attorneys have seen the best and worst of our justice system. They will do what it takes to navigate you through its complexities.
  • Proven Track Record as US Navy JAG
    With over a decade of experience in the military justice system, Attorney Michael Hazel has achieved outstanding results for our clients.

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    I became embroiled in a clinical adverse action with DHA and retained the Hanzel Law Firm to assist me in restoring my hard-earned reputation. Mike, Lauren, and Marshal all had involvement and provided excellent advice as well as were instrumental in dismantling the DHA case at the hearing and securing and restoring my medical privileges and reputation. Through the morass of a changing and unresponsive administrative environment from DHA, they were there for me all the way. In the increasingly hostile clinical arena of DHA, this is the firm to choose to defend your clinical privileges and reputation.
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