Manatt successfully secured an honorable status upgrade for an Iraq veteran who was discharged for a drug-related test under the other-than-honorable status, despite his many acts of service and exceptional reviews from superior officers.
After a harrowing and traumatizing tour of Iraq as a front-line heavy equipment specialist, the client, referred to as "B.L.", returned to his home town to try and recapture some semblance of normalcy for a weekend with friends. Unfortunately, due to a positive drug test upon his return to the base, B.L. was other-than-honorably discharged despite his many acts of service and heroism in a foreign and hostile nation.
Notwithstanding multiple exemplary reviews and recommendations from superior officers for advancement in the ranks and responsibilities, B.L. found himself jobless and often homeless, unable to maintain employment in his proven trade once prospective employers requested his military record.
In 2018, Manatt Partner David Smith first met Veteran B.L. in-person through Manatt's collaboration with the Inner City Law Center. More than simply a pro-bono attorney and client assignment, Smith and B.L. developed a common purpose – rectifying the unjust dismissal of B.L.'s service to his country and fellow service members, as well as securing the benefits for him and his family which he honorably earned and was entitled to.
Amid battling the difficulties posed by his military discharge record, Smith and B.L. petitioned the Pentagon for an upgrade to his discharge. After long periods of inactivity and confirmation that the initial petition and supporting materials had been lost, the Pentagon finally confirmed that B.L.'s discharge status had permanently been upgraded to Honorable" in April 2025.
Veteran B.L. is now pursuing employment supporting his country and government, positions for which he was ineligible to even apply under his former discharge status.