Discharge Status

VA Benefits by Discharge Characterization — Eligibility Guide

5 discharge characterizations (Honorable, General, OTH, Bad Conduct, Dishonorable) with structured "what you DO get vs DON'T get" matrices, plus upgrade paths via DRB / BCMR + Liberal Consideration policy.

5 pages in this category

Honorable Discharge
The highest character of service. Eligible for ALL VA benefits.
General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions)
Most VA benefits available; GI Bill (Chapter 33) is barred.
Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge
Most VA benefits limited or barred. May qualify after a discharge upgrade or Character of Service Determination.
Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)
Issued by court-martial. Most VA benefits BARRED.
Dishonorable Discharge
Issued by General Court-Martial only. ALL federal VA benefits barred.

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Q&A: How do I upgrade my discharge?VA forms catalog Glossary: OTH