A veteran’s discharge status — also called character of discharge or type of discharge — refers to the official characterization of a service member’s separation from the military. Discharge status is one of the most important factors determining a veteran’s eligibility for VA benefits and other veterans benefits programs. Understanding the different types of discharge and how they affect benefits eligibility can help veterans and their families navigate the benefits system more effectively.
Why discharge status matters
When a service member separates from the military their discharge is characterized based on their overall service record and the circumstances of their separation. This characterization — recorded on the DD-214 discharge document — determines whether and to what extent the veteran is eligible for VA benefits including healthcare, disability compensation, pension, education benefits, and home loan guaranty.
Veterans with honorable discharges generally have full access to VA benefits. Veterans with other than honorable discharges may be denied some or all benefits. Understanding your discharge status and its implications is an important first step in accessing the benefits you may have earned.
Types of discharge status
There are five main types of military discharge each with different implications for benefits eligibility:
- Honorable discharge — the highest and most common type of discharge awarded to service members who have met or exceeded the required standards of duty performance and personal conduct. Veterans with an honorable discharge are generally eligible for the full range of VA benefits.
- General discharge under honorable conditions — awarded to service members whose performance was satisfactory but who did not meet all the standards required for an honorable discharge. Veterans with a general discharge are eligible for most VA benefits but may be ineligible for some education benefits such as the Montgomery GI Bill.
- Other than honorable — OTH — discharge — an administrative discharge that may be given for a pattern of behavior that constitutes a significant departure from the conduct expected of a service member. Veterans with an OTH discharge are generally not eligible for most VA benefits though the VA conducts a character of discharge review for each case. Some veterans with OTH discharges may be eligible for VA mental health care for conditions related to military sexual trauma or combat.
- Bad conduct discharge — BCD — a punitive discharge issued by a special or general court-martial as a result of a criminal conviction. Veterans with a BCD are generally not eligible for most VA benefits though the VA reviews eligibility on a case by case basis.
- Dishonorable discharge — the most severe type of discharge issued only by a general court-martial for serious criminal offenses. Veterans with a dishonorable discharge are barred from all VA benefits and lose many civil rights including the right to vote and own firearms.
The DD-214
The DD-214 — Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty — is the official military discharge document that records a service member’s discharge status, dates of service, military occupational specialty, awards and decorations, and other service information. The DD-214 is the most important document for establishing military service and accessing veterans benefits.
Veterans should keep their DD-214 in a safe place and make copies for use in benefits applications. If a veteran does not have their DD-214 they can request a copy through the National Archives at archives.gov.
Character of discharge review
Veterans who received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or undesirable discharge may be able to have their discharge upgraded or their character of discharge reviewed through several processes:
- Discharge Review Board — DRB — each branch of the military has a Discharge Review Board that can upgrade a discharge or change the reason for discharge within 15 years of separation. The DRB reviews whether the discharge was proper and equitable.
- Board for Correction of Military Records — BCMR — each branch also has a Board for Correction of Military Records that can correct errors or injustices in military records including discharge characterization. There is generally no time limit for applying to the BCMR.
- VA character of discharge determination — even without a formal upgrade the VA conducts its own review of discharge circumstances to determine whether a veteran is eligible for VA benefits. A veteran may be found eligible for some VA benefits even with a less than honorable discharge if the VA determines that the conduct leading to the discharge was not disqualifying.
Upgrade of discharge
Veterans who believe their discharge was unjust or that they deserve a better characterization can apply for a discharge upgrade. Grounds for a discharge upgrade may include:
- The discharge was based on discriminatory practices related to race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion
- The service member had undiagnosed PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health condition that contributed to the behavior leading to discharge
- The discharge was based on sexual orientation under former policies such as Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
- The discharge was otherwise improper or inequitable
Veterans service organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, and DAV can provide free assistance with discharge upgrade applications.
Discharge status and specific VA benefits
Discharge status affects eligibility for specific VA benefits in different ways:
- VA healthcare — veterans with honorable or general discharges are generally eligible for VA healthcare. Veterans with OTH discharges may be eligible for limited VA mental health care. Veterans with dishonorable discharges are not eligible.
- Disability compensation — requires an honorable or general discharge. OTH discharges are reviewed case by case.
- VA pension — requires service during a wartime period and an honorable or general discharge.
- GI Bill education benefits — most GI Bill programs require an honorable discharge. General discharges may qualify for some programs.
- VA home loan guaranty — generally requires an honorable or general discharge.
- Burial benefits — veterans with honorable or general discharges are eligible for burial in national cemeteries and other burial benefits. Veterans with OTH discharges may be eligible in some cases.
Getting help with discharge issues
Veterans who have questions about their discharge status or want to explore a discharge upgrade should contact:
- A Veterans Service Organization such as the American Legion, VFW, or DAV for free claims assistance
- A VA accredited attorney or claims agent for legal representation
- The National Veterans Legal Services Program at nvlsp.org for legal assistance
- Your state’s veterans affairs agency for additional resources
Key terms to know
- Discharge status — the official characterization of a service member’s separation from the military
- DD-214 — the official military discharge document
- Honorable discharge — the highest type of discharge generally conferring full VA benefits eligibility
- Other than honorable — OTH — discharge — an administrative discharge that may limit VA benefits eligibility
- Dishonorable discharge — the most severe discharge barring all VA benefits
- Discharge Review Board — DRB — a military board that can upgrade discharges within 15 years of separation
- Board for Correction of Military Records — BCMR — a military board that can correct errors or injustices in military records
- Character of discharge review — the VA’s process of reviewing discharge circumstances to determine benefits eligibility
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
- National Archives — archives.gov
- National Veterans Legal Services Program — nvlsp.org
- USA.gov — Veterans Benefits
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. VA benefits eligibility rules are subject to change. Visit va.gov or contact a Veterans Service Organization for the most current information specific to your situation.