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 DischargeThe 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) DischargeMost 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 DischargeIssued by General Court-Martial only. ALL federal VA benefits barred.
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