Application for the Review of
Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
12/18/2025
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
02/28/2026
4,835
2,827
2,418
1,414
17,527
10,262
Under Title 10 USC 1553 and DOD
Directive 1332.41, "Boards for the Correction of Military Records
(BCMRs) and Discharge Review Board (DRBs)," former service members
who received an administrative discharge have the right to appeal
the characterization or reason for separation provided they do so
within 15 years from the date of separation. The DD Form 293,
"Application for Review of Discharge or Separation from the Armed
Forces of the United States," is the form that allows former
Service members to explain the reasons for the alleged error,
designate legal counsel, and provides DRBs necessary information to
process requests.
There has been an increase in
burden since the previous approval due to the following: 1. Several
DoD-directed group application submissions over the last few years,
such as the submission of over 1,000 applications for discharge
upgrade last year as part of the remedy for those discharged under
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. There were also a number of applicants who
sought records correction and return to duty after the COVID
vaccination requirement was removed. 2. A steady increase in
applications under a policy called “liberal consideration” in which
the Boards are directed to liberally grant discharge upgrades for
those who provide some evidence that they suffered from combat or
sexual assault/harassment related PTSD or TBI at the time of their
discharge. As this policy has become more widely known, more people
have applied to the Boards. 3. Some of the Services (Army and Air
Force) have made it easier for applicants to submit applications
through an online portal. The Navy also now allows members to
submit applications by email, whereas previously they would only
accept applications through the mail.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.