How Does a Veteran Discharge Affect Disability Benefits?
Veterans that are considering applying for benefits via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may have questions about how their veteran discharge affects disability benefits. We want to ensure that you receive the benefits you have earned with your years of military service and understand how your discharge may impact your benefits at VA Benefits Attorneys.
How Does My Type of Discharge Impact Disability Benefits?
Veterans may not know it — but their discharge status has a significant impact on disability compensation and benefits. Veterans that are discharged from the military receive a discharge status — Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions, Other Than Honorable (OTH), Dishonorable, or Bad Conduct — and each has different implications for your benefits.
Here is a better look at how each type of discharge impacts veterans benefits:
Honorable Discharge
Veterans who receive an Honorable Discharge from the military are eligible to apply for veteran disability benefits via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and additional veterans benefits. This is the highest form of discharge in the military.
General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge
A General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge is used to illustrate that a veteran met most expectations of their military service — but not all. It is different than an Honorable Discharge, but veterans with this type of discharge are still eligible for disability benefits.
Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge
An Other Than Honorable Discharge is a non-punitive discharge for veterans that are administratively discharged due to conduct or performance that did not meet military standards. This could be due to discipline issues, misconduct, or other offenses. Despite the negative connotations of an OTH discharge, veterans may still be eligible for benefits with a Character of Discharge Determination.
Dishonorable Discharge
A Dishonorable Discharge is a punitive discharge that is attached to a general court martial and conviction for serious crimes that can include murder. Veterans who were discharged under dishonorable conditions are prevented from receiving veterans benefits and disability compensation.
Bad Conduct Discharge
A Bad Conduct Discharge is a punitive discharge for veterans who have been convicted by a military court-martial for serious crimes, misconduct, or a series of offenses that indicate that the veteran is unsuitable for service. Veterans who have received a Bad Conduct Discharge will not be eligible for military benefits.
What Is a Character of Discharge Determination?
Veterans who have received an Other Than Honorable Discharge may still be eligible to receive veterans benefits if it is found that the discharge was honorable based on additional parameters set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A Character of Discharge Determination is used to review the circumstances of the veteran’s discharge for eligibility of veterans benefits.
READ MORE: What Is the Success Rate for Veteran Discharge Upgrades?
Many veterans want to know — how does a veteran discharge affect disability benefits? We hope that this overview of veteran discharge statuses and how they each impact eligibility for veterans benefits and disability compensation has answered your questions.
