self-help guides
Step-by-step tools to upgrade your discharge, apply for benefits, and fix your military records — at your own pace.
Step-by-step tools to upgrade your discharge, apply for benefits, and fix your military records — at your own pace.
These guides are here to help you take the next step — whether you're working through them on your own or with someone you trust.
Some topics may be difficult. It's okay to take breaks and come back when you're ready.
Go through the guides with a friend, family member, or case manager if it helps.
If you need help along the way, reach out. Our Legal Services team and other veteran-serving organizations are here to support you.
If you’re navigating discharge status or access to VA benefits, these two guides are a good place to start.
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Step-by-step resources to help veterans navigate legal and benefits issues.
Eligibility with extended service beyond ETS.
Guidance on discharge upgrades for prisoners.
Guide for family and friends supporting PTSD claims.
Steps to prepare a PTSD stressor statement.
Guide on benefits for Agent Orange exposure.
Info on alternative sentencing programs in CA.
Preparing for C&P exams.
Discharge upgrade help for DADT cases.
Tips for dealing with VA, SSA, and other agencies.
Checklist for PTSD mental health evaluation.
VA benefits and rights information for incarcerated veterans.
Details on the Kennedy Settlement.
How to order court-martial records.
Managing VA overpayments and debt.
Checklist of documents to collect before discharge.
Info on re-enlistment basics.
Request military records like DD214.
How to upgrade discharge or change discharge reason.
Alternative benefits access for less than Honorable discharge.
Guidance on discharge upgrades for prisoners.
Discharge upgrade help for DADT cases.
Details on the Kennedy Settlement.
Info on re-enlistment basics.
How to upgrade discharge or change discharge reason.
Eligibility with extended service beyond ETS.
Guide for family and friends supporting PTSD claims.
Steps to prepare a PTSD stressor statement.
Guide on benefits for Agent Orange exposure.
Preparing for C&P exams.
Checklist for PTSD mental health evaluation.
Managing VA overpayments and debt.
Alternative benefits access for less than Honorable discharge.
Info on alternative sentencing programs in CA.
Tips for dealing with VA, SSA, and other agencies.
VA benefits and rights information for incarcerated veterans.
Checklist of documents to collect before discharge.
These trusted legal organizations support veterans nationwide with legal aid
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Looking for help beyond our guides? Here’s a curated list of trusted resources — including legal aid, housing assistance, mental health care, and more.
Whether you're applying for VA benefits, correcting your military or discharge records, or trying to understand your options, these guides could help. Browse the situations below to find the guide that best fits the barrier or challenge you're currently navigating.
Even with a less-than-honorable discharge, you may still qualify for housing, healthcare, or disability benefits — especially if the VA conducts a Character of Discharge (COD) review. This chart shows typical eligibility, but every case is different.
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