Applicant. A former member of the Coast Guard who has been discharged from the service but excluding those discharged by sentence of a court-martial, except as provided in § 51.3. If the former member is deceased or incompetent, the term “applicant” includes the surviving spouse, next-of-kin, or legal representative who is acting on behalf of the former member.

Counsel. An individual or agency designated by the applicant who agrees to represent the applicant in a case before the DRB. It includes, but is not limited to: A lawyer who is a member of the bar of a federal court or of the highest court of a state; an accredited representative designated by an organization recognized by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs; a representative from a state agency concerned with veterans affairs; or a representative from private organizations or local government agencies.

Discharge. Any formal separation of a member from the Coast Guard which is not termed “honorable”, including dismissals and “dropping from the rolls”. This term also includes the assignment of a separation program designator, separation authority, the stated reason for the discharge, and the characterization of service.

Discharge Review. The process by which the reason for separation, the procedures followed in accomplishing separation, and the characterization of service are evaluated. This includes determinations made under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 3103(e)(2).

Discharge Review Board. A board consisting of five members of the U.S. Coast Guard, appointed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard and vested with the authority to review the discharge of a former member. The board is empowered to change a discharge or issue a new discharge to reflect its findings, subject to review by the Commandant or the Secretary.

Hearing. A proceeding which, upon request of the applicant, is utilized in the discharge review process enabling the applicant and/or the applicant's representative to appear before the DRB and present evidence.

President. An officer of the United States Coast Guard appointed by the Commandant as President to preside over the DRB. The President will convene the board and may also serve as a member. If the President does not serve as a member of the DRB, the President shall designate a presiding officer for the board to serve as President.