The need for a comprehensive guide to discharge upgrade practice could not be more critical. A 2020 report found that hundreds of thousands of veterans have been, or are at risk of being, unjustly denied benefits because they have received less-than-honorable discharges. Many of these veterans have experienced trauma (including combat trauma and Military Sexual Trauma), mental health conditions or medical conditions (such as Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury), or discrimination (based on race, sex, or LGBTQ status) while in the military.

The Manual covers fact investigation, legal research, and case strategy in advocating for discharge upgrades before military review boards. Each representation stage receives detailed attention, from initial intake to administrative proceedings to federal court review.