In crisis? Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1 · Text 838255
EVENTS
NEWS & INPUT
VETERAN PROGRAMS
Veteran Legal Aid & Discharge Upgrades
Help with discharge upgrades, denied VA claims, and other legal issues that need more than a VSO can offer.
Overview
A VSO can walk you through most VA claims — but a discharge upgrade, a formal appeal, or a records correction usually needs an attorney who specializes specifically in military law. This page points you to the right kind of help, separate from the general legal aid already in our Community Resources directory.
How to get started
Understand which board you need
A Discharge Review Board handles requests made within 15 years of discharge. After that, or for other record errors, you apply to your branch's Board for Correction of Military or Naval Records. That board generally asks you to apply within 3 years of finding the error, but it can waive the deadline. Knowing which one applies saves you months.
Decide who will represent you
Accredited VSOs, including the county Veteran Service Office, help with most claims and appeals for free. If you hire an attorney or claims agent, use VA's search to confirm they're accredited. They can only charge a fee after VA makes an initial decision on your claim.
Look into free and low-cost legal help
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and the State Bar of Texas's Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans clinics offer free legal help to veterans who qualify.
Know about Williamson County's Veterans Treatment Court
If a veteran faces criminal charges in Williamson County, this court may offer mental health or substance use treatment and a veteran peer mentor instead of a traditional case. Ask your attorney, or call the program case manager at 512-943-1664.
What to gather
Helpful links
For general legal help not specific to military service, see the Legal Aid entries in our Community Resources directory.