How bad is a general discharge?
Yes, a general discharge can be bad for the following reasons. U.S. military service members who receive a bad conduct discharge are ineligible for GI bill benefits, VA housing programs, & unable to join any branch of the U.S. military in the future.
Do you lose VA benefits with a general discharge?
Veterans with a general discharge, or general discharge under honorable conditions, are also entitled to all the benefits under the VA. This character means that a service member may not have met all of the standards of honorable discharge, yet their military service met standards of adequacy.
What does general discharge under honorable conditions mean?
General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions. A “General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions” is awarded to Marines who served satisfactorily but did not meet all performance and conduct requirements. Marines who require non-judicial punishment to correct conduct violations are also awarded this type of discharge.
How to change a general discharge to an honorable discharge?
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Do you get full benefits with a general discharge?
Veterans with a general discharge, or general discharge under honorable conditions, are also entitled to all the benefits under the VA. This character means that a service member may not have met all of the standards of honorable discharge, yet their military service met standards of adequacy.
Do I qualify for VA benefits with a general discharge?
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).
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.
Can you get a government job with a general discharge?
Eligibility for Federal Job Preference Veterans must generally have served during a period of war to qualify for preference for federal jobs, and must have been discharged under honorable conditions. This means you must have either a general or an honorable discharge.
What disqualifies you from VA benefits?
If you're a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.
Can I rejoin the military with a general discharge?
There are several types of discharges that can keep you from re-enlisting in the service, including a bad conduct discharge, an "other than honorable discharge" and a dishonorable discharge. On the other hand, if you received a general or honorable discharge, you may qualify for re-enlistment.
How hard is it to get a job with a general discharge?
When applying for a Federal civil service job with a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions, a qualified individual with a passing score can receive a hiring preference. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 a veteran receive a VA home loan?
To receive VA home loan 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). Discharge Requirements for Insurance Benefits.
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.
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.
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, ...
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 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 ...
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.
How long does it take to get a DD form 293?
Individuals must use DD Form 293, which is an application to have a discharge or dismissal from the armed forces reviewed. The form must be submitted within 15 years of discharge. Otherwise, a change to personal military records must be requested. 2. It meets eligibility standards.
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.
What is nonjudicial punishment?
Nonjudicial punishment most often results in a general discharge, under honorable conditions. This means that if a service member does something that warrants punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) but does not break a civilian law. Examples of things punishable under the UCMJ include:
What is medical separation?
A medical separation is a type of military discharge that stems from a soldier, sailor, or Marine having a physical or mental condition that affects their ability to serve. This discharge is determined via the 2 medical review boards: Medical Evaluation Board (or MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).
What is entry level separation?
An entry-level separation is a type of military discharge that happens very early on in ones military service. It’s given to individuals who have not completed a minimum of 180-days of service, and technically isn’t considered good or bad.
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.
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.
How many periods of service do veterans have?
Determining eligibility for benefits may be complex for veterans with multiple periods of service. For example, veterans may have two periods of service: the first with an honorable discharge and the second with a dishonorable discharge. Any conditions incurred during the first period would be eligible for VA benefits; however, ...
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 does "bad paper" mean in the military?
Military discharge status and what it means for your entitlement to VA benefits. April 24, 2017. “Bad paper” – or less-than-honorable discharge status from the military – can cause veterans shame, stigma, and ineligibility for VA benefits. Many veterans, and some VA health care professionals, assume that a less-than-honorable discharge status on ...
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 are the reasons for a discharge?
A general discharge applies to service members who faithfully completed active duty even if they have some disciplinary issues listed on their military records. Common reasons to receive a general discharge under honorable conditions include: 1 Not maintaining military standards of dress 2 Not maintaining military standards of appearance 3 Not maintaining military standards for body weight 4 Not maintaining military standards for fitness 5 One or more minor disciplinary infractions while serving active duty 6 Not demonstrating adequate progress in your military training
What does it mean to receive an honorable discharge?
Receipt of an honorable military discharge means that you met performance and conduct standards while completing ...
What are the benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill?
VA Education Benefits: The Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill both require military personnel to have received an honorable discharge from active duty service. Other educational programs for retired military personnel only require a military discharge status of anything other than under dishonorable conditions.
What are the requirements for military retirement?
Here are the specific military discharge requirements to maintain eligibility for these programs: Military Retirement Benefits: You must have a military discharge status of honorable, general, or under honorable conditions to maintain eligibility for retirement pay for military members. VA Compensation: To receive compensation for ...
What does "other than honorable discharge" mean?
Other than honorable discharge means that the military ended your active duty service prematurely due to an act of serious misconduct. Abuse of authority and/or fraternizations also fall under this category. You could receive an other than honorable discharge when you come to the end of your enlisted military service and opt for desertion rather than waiting to receive your formal military discharge from a superior. Any military service member convicted by special court-martial who did not receive a punitive discharge also receives an other than honorable discharge.
How long can a military member be off duty?
Military service personnel in a commanding position can relieve service members of duty after 180 days or less if it becomes clear that person does not have the physical stamina required to remain on active duty for the United States military.
Can a general court order a bad conduct discharge?
A general court or special court can institute a bad conduct discharge against enlisted military service members only. These courts have no jurisdiction over bad conduct discharge for higher ranking officers. You could receive this type of punitive discharge for any of the following offenses:
