Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defend service members worldwide in administrative separation boards, Boards of Inquiry (BOIs), Article 15/NJP appeals, discharge upgrades, and courts-martial. The effective use of evidence often determines whether a service member is retained or separated. This guide explains how to collect, organize, and present evidence in a way that maximizes impact on the board’s decision.

Why Evidence is Critical

• Government standard: The command must prove misconduct by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).
• Record-driven: The board’s decision is based on the record before them—missing or poorly presented evidence can lose your case.
• Future impact: Your evidence record becomes the foundation for appeals to DRBs, BCMRs, or federal courts.

Types of Evidence That Help Service Members

• Performance evaluations: NCOERs, OERs, FITREPs, CHIEFEVALs, EPRs, OPRs—show long-term reliability and professionalism.
• Awards & commendations: Combat awards, campaign medals, and commendations prove dedication and performance under stress.
• Operational records: Duty logs, training records, watch bills, after-action reports, medical notes.
• Character statements: Letters from supervisors, peers, and subordinates attesting to integrity and mission value.
• Medical/psychological evidence: PTSD, TBI, MST, or other conditions mitigating alleged misconduct.
• Rehabilitation evidence: PME completions, counseling certificates, substance treatment, volunteer work.

How to Collect Evidence

1. Request your records: Obtain your entire personnel file, medical records, and command investigation packet.
2. Interview witnesses: Ask supervisors, peers, and subordinates for statements and supporting documents.
3. Gather medical documentation: Get VA or civilian medical records relevant to the case.
4. Preserve digital evidence: Save texts, emails, and social media posts that support your defense.
5. Verify authenticity: Ensure every document can be authenticated if challenged.

How to Present Evidence at the Board

• Organize exhibits: Use a tabbed and indexed binder (Tab A, Tab B, etc.).
• Connect exhibits to testimony: Reference exhibits during witness questioning for maximum impact.
• Keep it simple: Avoid flooding the board with irrelevant paperwork—focus on quality over quantity.
• Visual aids: Use timelines, charts, or graphics to clarify complex evidence.
• Anticipate objections: Be prepared to explain authenticity and relevance of each exhibit.

Defense Strategies for Evidence Use

• Highlight contradictions: Use government exhibits against them by showing inconsistencies or gaps.
• Compare records: Demonstrate how your evaluations and awards contradict the allegations.
• Frame mitigation: Use evidence of rehabilitation, medical conditions, and strong duty history to argue against separation.
• Retention theme: Tie all evidence back to why keeping you benefits the mission and unit readiness.

Common Evidence Mistakes

• Submitting piles of irrelevant documents.
• Not labeling exhibits clearly or failing to reference them during testimony.
• Relying on unverified digital evidence without proper authentication.
• Waiting until the board to collect and organize exhibits.
• Failing to use evidence strategically—dumping paper without narrative context.

Sample Evidence Binder Layout

Tab A – Service Record Summary (evaluations, awards)
Tab B – Operational Documents (logs, reports, training records)
Tab C – Witness Statements (supervisors, peers, subordinates)
Tab D – Medical Evidence (PTSD/TBI/MST records, treatment notes)
Tab E – Rehabilitation (PME, counseling, certificates)
Tab F – Character Endorsements (senior leader letters)
Tab G – Comparative Cases or Equity Evidence

Video: Using Evidence at a Separation Board

We Build Evidence-Driven Defenses

At Gonzalez & Waddington, we treat separation boards like trials, using evidence strategically to dismantle government claims and build retention arguments. Don’t risk your career by going in unprepared.

Gonzalez & Waddington — ucmjdefense.com — 1-800-921-8607

FAQs: Evidence at Separation Boards