The short answer is that the VA is the keeper of all benefits and with a General (under Honorable Conditions) discharge should allow you to keep your benefits that the VA grants. You will not be able to re-enlist, but your benefits are safe per the VA.
What happens to my benefits if I get a general discharge?
The short answer is that the VA is the keeper of all benefits and with a General (under Honorable Conditions) discharge should allow you to keep your benefits that the VA grants.
What are the benefits of a general discharge under honorable conditions?
Consequently, what benefits do you get with a general discharge under honorable conditions? While recipients of a General Discharge will receive entitlement to benefits such as VA medical and dental services, VA home loans and burial in national cemeteries, they will not receive educational benefits under either the Montgomery or Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Can you get a job with a general discharge?
Can You Get a Job with a General Discharge? You can seek employment as a civilian in the private sector. Also, you may apply for a Federal Civil Service job, as well. Because the job application is based on points, your discharge earns you ten points for job considerations.
What are my benefits if I'm discharged from the military?
No benefits are earned with this discharge, since benefits generally require serving longer than 180 days, unless you suffered an illness or injury as a result of service. If you need help applying for veterans benefits, or if you've had an application for benefits denied, get in touch with an attorney for advice on how to proceed.
Can you keep your GI Bill with a general discharge?
The GI Bill has special eligibility requirements. For the GI Bill, your DD-214 has to actually say “Honorable.” A General discharge isn't enough, and unlike all other VA benefits, you cannot become eligible for the GI Bill through a successful Character of Discharge decision.
What are the consequences of a general discharge?
A service member that receives a General discharge (Under Honorable Conditions) may not receive certain benefits including: participation in the GI Bill, service on veterans' commissions, and other programs for which an honorable discharge is required, but is eligible for VA disability and most other benefits.
Do you get benefits with other than honorable discharge?
Veterans with OTH discharges may be eligible for certain health care benefits without being required to enroll in VA health care, such as: Treatment for sexual assault or harassment experienced while in the military. Mental and behavioral health care. Counseling services at a VA Vet Center.
What discharge qualifies for VA benefits?
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services, the Veteran's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).
Can you reenlist after a general discharge?
You are normally only eligible for reenlistment if you have an honorable discharge. All other discharges than honorable tend to have legal or court martial offenses attached to them.
Can I change my general discharge to honorable?
Can I Get a Discharge Upgrade? You can apply to the Discharge Review Board (DRB) of your branch of the service for a discharge upgrade or a change in the discharge reason (that is, character of service).
Do all veterans get VA benefits?
All enrolled Veterans receive the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) comprehensive Medical Benefits Package which includes preventive, primary and specialty care, diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient care services.
What is general discharge?
A service member may receive a general discharge under honorable conditions if their performance is satisfactory but the individual failed to meet all expectations of conduct for military members.
What's the difference between honorable and general discharge?
Recipients of General Discharges usually have engaged in minor misconduct or have received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, UCMJ. While the “under honorable conditions” terminology is slightly confusing, there is a clear disadvantage to receiving a General Discharge in contrast to an Honorable Discharge.
Does a general discharge affect VA benefits?
Veterans who receive general discharges under honorable conditions are entitled to all VA benefits, with the exception of GI Bill education benefits.
Is it hard to get a job with a general discharge?
With a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions, these rights remain intact. 5. It won't impact future job opportunities in most circumstances. It is true that a future employer is going to prefer an individual with an Honorable Discharge over an individual with a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions.
How long does a general discharge take?
A general discharge can be completed in as little as 30 days but could take up to six months. Separation from the military can take longer than six months. It's vital that you don't procrastinate on starting the process.
What does it mean to be discharged with a discharge?
General discharge means that you were discharged with satisfactory performance, but there is some area that you did not meet the requirements. There was some type of no judicial punishment that you received for failure to meet the military expectations or for some type of misconduct that wasn’t bad enough to warrant a dishonorable discharge.
How long do you have to serve in the military to get a VA loan?
6 years in the Reserves or National Guard. If you can prove you served enough time and that you have the right type of discharge, you are eligible for the VA loan. You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility, which your lender will need to process your VA loan. Click to See the Latest Mortgage Rates.
Do you have to have a dishonorable discharge to receive VA benefits?
In general, you need a discharge other than dishonorable in order to receive VA benefits. This means honorable, under honorable conditions and general discharge. The only exception to this rule would be if there is some type of special circumstance that left you with a dishonorable discharge.
What are the disadvantages of a general discharge?
The disadvantage of a General Discharge is that there are specific benefits which no longer become accessible. GI Bill education benefits, for example, are reserved for military members who received an honorable discharge. Any benefit tied to that specific discharge type will not be received. Here are some of the other General Discharge, Under ...
Why is discharge important?
1. It prevents future service. Individuals who receive a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions are not allowed to re-enlist once the dismissal has been completed. The discharge type prevents individuals from entering a different service of the armed forces as well.
What is the best discharge for the military?
The type of discharge that is received will be placed on their DD-214. The best option is the Honorable Discharge, while the worst option is a Dishonorable Discharge. Several options, including the General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions, ...
How many points can you add to your discharge?
The application is a points-based system, so individuals with this discharge type who qualify can have up to 10 points added to their scores.
Why is Chapter 13 considered an administrative discharge?
A Chapter 13 for failing to attend a specific responsibility, being overweight, or being under-strength are three common reasons for this administrative discharge to be used.
When is a discharge under honorable conditions assigned?
The General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions is assigned when there are infractions that do not warrant a judicial consequence. It can also be assigned when there is a medical reason for a discharge.
What is a general discharge?
With a General Discharge, an individual will have received some form of non-judicial punishment during their time of service as a disciplinary action.
What are the discharge requirements for VA compensation?
Discharge Requirements for Compensation Benefits#N#To receive VA compensation benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).
What is the Montgomery GI Bill?
To receive VA education benefits and services through the Montgomery GI Bill program or Post-9/11 GI Bill program, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be honorable. To receive VA education benefits and services through any other VA educational benefits program, including the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) ...
Can you get VA benefits for bad conduct?
However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA. Read the factsheet on claims for benefits involving other-than-honorable discharges.
Is there a character of discharge bar for veterans?
Generally, there is no character of discharge bar to benefits to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. However, for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance benefits, the Veteran’s character of discharge must be other than dishonorable.
Can you receive VA benefits if you are dishonorable?
However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.#N#Read the factsheet on claims for benefits involving other-than-honorable discharges.
Eric L. Strom
That is correct that the VA determines what benefits you are entitled to with a General Discharge. In general the only benefit you are not entitled to with a General vice Honorable discharge are GI Bill benefits. I would strongly recommend that you discuss this issue with a JAG defense attorney.
Andrew Jonathon Kisala
That depends: To be eligible for VA benefits, an individual must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. While this seems to preclude all discharges except a true “dishonorable” discharge or dismissal, the VA also lists other factors that may disqualify an individual regardless of character of discharge. These...
Sandra Kay Drewniak
I am assuming this discharge is administrative in nature. The short answer is that the VA is the keeper of all benefits and with a General (under Honorable Conditions) discharge should allow you to keep your benefits that the VA grants. You will not be able to re-enlist, but your benefits are safe per the VA.
Why do veterans get discharged?
Some common reasons for the military to issue a general discharge include the following: mental instability, frequent or prolonged absences, alcohol abuse and drug abuse.
What is an honorable discharge?
A general discharge under honorable conditions satisfies the basic eligibility for veteran status with the Department of Veterans Affairs and provides the benefit of assistance from counselors at a local VA branch. VA benefits are contingent upon time in service and possession of an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable ...
What is VA benefits?
VA benefits are contingent upon time in service and possession of an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. Honorable and general discharges qualify the veteran for most VA benefits.
Is it a good idea to petition for an upgrade in status?
Although a general discharge provides access to most benefits, petitioning for an upgrade in status is a good idea. Make sure you understand the reason for your general discharge under honorable conditions.
Can a general discharge be considered honorable?
A prospective employer rarely challenges a general discharge under honorable conditions, which means that this type of discharge avoids the stigma associated with a dishonorable discharge. General discharges can convert to honorable discharges if the return to civilian life encourages formation of a stellar citizen. To petition for an upgrade in discharge status, the individual must establish a stellar civilian profile before petitioning for the change, which could take several years.
What benefits do veterans get after discharge?
Depending on their length of service, this can include retirement pay, GI bill benefits, medical and dental coverage, and home loan assistance.
What is bad conduct discharge?
A bad conduct discharge is the result of a crime that is taken to military trial. There are two types of Courts-Martial: a General Court-Martial and a Special Court-Martial. Service members often have to deal with a period of confinement following their Court-Martial and before their discharge.
What is dishonorable discharge?
It is another type of punitive discharge, meaning that it is the result of misconduct of the military member. Examples of crimes that warrant a dishonorable discharge include: Murder. Fraud.
Why was Bowe Bergdahl discharged?
Bowe Bergdahl received a dishonorable discharge for desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. Image: Wikipedia.org. A dishonorable discharge is considered the worst type of military discharge. It is the result of a serious crime, such as a felony, and is almost always awarded following military confinement.
Can you use a bad conduct discharge on a veteran?
Those receiving a bad conduct discharge are not able to use any veteran’s programs; this includes medical and dental benefits, VA housing programs, and the option to serve in the military in the future. A dishonorable discharge also comes with a loss of personal civilian rights, such as the right to own a firearm.
Can a letter of reprimand affect a discharge?
While a letter of reprimand, official counseling, or other minor infraction will rarely impact a service member’s career to the point of changing their discharge classification, it is still critical to strive for the exemplary record that merits an honorable discharge.
Do you get an honorable discharge after retiring from the military?
Following a career of faithful military service, the member is almost always given an honorable discharge.
What is discharge after military service?
As you know, you receive a discharge after you complete your military service, releasing you from your obligation to serve. There are multiple types of discharges, and the veterans benefits you qualify for will depend on what type of discharge you receive. Types of service discharges include:
What does honorable discharge mean?
This means that you met or exceeded the conduct and performance standards of the military. You're eligible for all veteran (and military) benefits if you receive this discharge. Some benefits actually require an honorable discharge, including Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill education benefits.
What is an OTH discharge?
An OTH discharge means that you had some serious departures from the conduct and performance expected of a service member. Some examples of when you may receive this discharge include: 1 security violations 2 serious misconduct that endangers other members of the military, or 3 use of deliberate force to seriously hurt another person.
What is the second best discharge?
The second best type of discharge you can receive is a general discharge under honorable conditions. This means that your performance was considered satisfactory. Just like an honorable discharge, you're eligible for most veteran (and military benefits) if you receive a general discharge, including disability compensation, ...
What are some examples of dishonorable discharges?
Examples include desertion, rape, or murder. You will receive a dishonorable discharge only if you're convicted at a general court-martial that calls for a dishonorable discharge as part of the sentence. All veteran and military benefits are lost with this discharge.
What to do if you are denied a VA benefit?
If you need help applying for veterans benefits, or if you've had an application for benefits denied, get in touch with an attorney for advice on how to proceed. And if you've been given anything less than an honorable discharge, you might want to appeal your discharge status.
Can you get VA benefits if you are an OTH?
use of deliberate force to seriously hurt another person. You are not likely to be eligible for any veteran benefits if you receive an OTH discharge, but the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will examine the circumstances of your OTH discharge to determine whether you're eligible or not.
What does it mean to be discharged from the military?
General discharge means that you met the requirements of service, likely with some minor disciplinary actions, or failure to meet certain standards. However, overall, your military performance was considered satisfactory. Veterans who receive general discharges under honorable conditions are entitled to all VA benefits, with the exception of GI Bill education benefits.
How to determine if discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable?
To determine whether the events that led to discharge were “under conditions other than dishonorable,” VA reviews the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident (s) that led to discharge, as report by the military . You can also submit your own supporting evidence or evidence obtained from third parties.
What is the worst discharge you can receive?
Dishonorable Discharge. The worst discharge you can receive is a dishonorable discharge. This type of discharge status is usually reserved for veterans who have committed a very serious offense such as desertion, rape, or murder.
What percentage of veterans receive honorable discharge?
Honorable Discharge. An honorable discharge is by far the most common with over 85 percent of veterans receiving this type of discharge. Veterans with an honorable discharge are entitled to all VA benefits (e.g., disability compensation, educational, healthcare, vocational).
What is an OTH discharge?
It means you had some serious departures from the conduct, protocol, and performance expected of a service member. Examples of situations that might result in an OTH discharge include security violations, serious misconduct that endangers other members of the military, or use of deliberate force to seriously hurt another person.
What is bad conduct discharge?
A bad conduct discharge is a punitive, or disciplinary, discharge that is imposed by a court-martial. A court-martial is a criminal trial conducted by the military when there is a violation. If you receive a bad conduct discharge by a special court-martial (reserved for more serious charges), rather than a general court-martial (reserved for crimes that would be felonies if committed by civilians),
Can a bad conduct discharge be considered a VA benefit?
However, veterans with an OTH Discharge or, more rarely, a Bad Conduct Discharge can be deemed eligible for some VA benefits.
