Embedded Files
You have more options than you think
You have more options than you think
If you were discharged from the military because of your sexual orientation, it’s important to know you may still have options. Many veterans in this situation don’t realize they can request a discharge upgrade, which can restore access to the benefits they earned through their service. A Stay Proud and March On advocate can help you understand whether you may qualify, explain what the upgrade process looks like, and support you as you take those first steps.
Laws and regulations around LGBTQIA2S+ military service have changed significantly over time, and they continue to evolve. Even if you were denied benefits in the past, you may now have appeal rights or new ways to reopen your case. Connecting with a Stay Proud advocate can help you understand what has changed and whether you can pursue an appeal. They’re there to help you navigate the system and make sure you have the most current information.
Request your DD214 documentation
Request your DD214 documentation
Why? It unlocks the benefits you earned.
Why? It unlocks the benefits you earned.
A DD214 is the key document that proves your military service — when you served, how long you served, and the type of discharge you received. In short, it’s the record that unlocks the benefits you earned. Many state and local gencies use the DD214 to confirm eligibility for everything from health care to job opportunities. If you ever need to correct or upgrade your discharge, the DD214 is the document you submit.
Common uses of the DD214
Common uses of the DD214
Proof of military service — It’s the primary document that shows you are a veteran.
Accessing VA benefits — Health care, disability compensation, home loans, education benefits, and burial benefits all require it.
Employment verification — Many employers ask for it to confirm veteran status or apply veteran hiring preferences.
Discharge upgrades — It’s the document you submit when applying to correct or upgrade your discharge.
State and local veteran programs — Tax exemptions, license benefits, and veteran ID cards often require a DD214.
Where to request a copy
Where to request a copy
If you don’t have a copy of your DD214, or if you need other service records, you have several ways to request them.
eBenefits: You may be able to access your military personnel records electronically by following the instructions in the Accessing ebenefits and Military Documents.pdf
National Archives: You also may be able to request military records online through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
Apply for a discharge upgrade
Apply for a discharge upgrade
An upgraded discharge can open the door to the VA benefits you earned through your service. Even if your discharge happened for unfair or discriminatory reasons, you still have the right to apply for an upgrade. The VA has an online tool that asks you a few simple questions and then gives you customized, step‑by‑step instructions on how to apply for a discharge upgrade or correction. If your upgrade is approved, you can move forward with applying for the benefits you’re entitled to.
Did you change your name?
Did you change your name?
A Stay Proud advocate can help you fix mistakes in your military records, including updating your discharge papers so they show your current legal name. They can guide you through the correction process and make sure you have the right forms and information to move forward.
Congress allows veterans to correct their military records when something is wrong or when the record causes an unfair outcome. Your DD214 doesn’t list your gender, but it does list your name. For most people, having an old name on a service record doesn’t reveal anything sensitive. But for transgender veterans, a former name can reveal their transgender status. Because this can cause harm or discrimination, it’s considered an injustice — and that can be a strong reason to request a name change on your DD214.
To update your DD214, you usually need two things: a completed DD Form 149 (the application to correct a military record) and documents that support your name change request. This often includes proof of your legal name change and gender transition, such as a U.S. passport, driver’s license, or other government‑issued ID showing your current name and gender.
A Stay Proud advocate can help you through this process, including gathering the right documents and completing the DD Form 149. You can find DD Form 149 online, and your advocate can help you understand how to submit it and what to expect next.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse