VA Benefits by Discharge Status

Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)

Issued by court-martial. Most VA benefits BARRED.

A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) is issued by a Special or General Court-Martial as part of a punitive sentence. Most VA benefits are barred. However, MST-related care and some emergency services remain available.

✓ Eligible for

  • MST-related care (FREE regardless of discharge characterization)
  • Some Vet Center combat-counseling services
  • Emergency Caregiver / suicide-prevention crisis services

✗ NOT Eligible for

  • VA disability compensation
  • VA healthcare (general)
  • GI Bill education benefits
  • VA home loan
  • VA pension
  • All state veteran benefits
  • Federal hiring preference
  • Burial in a national cemetery (with rare exceptions)

Notes

BCD from a Special Court-Martial (Special CM) can be reviewed by the DRB. BCD from a General Court-Martial (GCM) can ONLY be reviewed by the BCMR — not the DRB.

Upgrade path: BCD-Special CM: file DD Form 293 with DRB within 15 years OR DD Form 149 with BCMR any time. BCD-General CM: file DD Form 149 with BCMR (DRB cannot review GCM discharges). Engage a VA-accredited attorney (paid or pro-bono via Veteran Legal Clinics).
How do I upgrade my discharge? → Find a free CVSO →
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Important: Crisis services are FREE regardless of discharge characterization. Vet Centers offer free MST and combat counseling for ALL discharges including OTH and BCD.

Other discharge characterizations

Honorable DischargeGeneral Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions)Other Than Honorable (OTH) DischargeDishonorable Discharge

About this guide

VA benefit eligibility by discharge characterization is established in federal law (38 USC §5303 and related). Always verify the most current rules at va.gov before filing. Free claim help available from VSOs (American Legion, VFW, DAV) and CVSOs in every U.S. county.