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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