DoD Discharge Appeal Review Board

This interim final rule implements Section 523 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, which requires the DoD to provide Service members and their authorized representatives with one final review of requests for an upgrade in the characterization of a discharge or dismissal. This rule establishes the Discharge Appeal Review Board (DARB) as the DoD authority responsible for considering such requests after all other administrative remedies have been exhausted. This rule also details the procedures for a petitioner and their authorized representatives to request this final review, the standards the DARB will apply when considering a petitioner's request, and the procedures the Military Departments will follow after the DARB adjudicates the request. The purpose of DARB review is to ensure uniform standards of review are met for requests for upgrades of a discharge or dismissal regardless of the petitioner's service affiliation.