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Applying for Benefits and Your Character of Discharge
Veterans Benefits Administration
Applying for Benefits and Your Character of Discharge
Generally, 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).
However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other than honorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
We issued a final rule amending our regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial.
The final rule is effective as of June 25, 2024.
The new regulation expands access to care and benefits for certain former service members by:
- Eliminating the regulatory bar for “homosexual acts involving aggravating circumstances or other factors affecting the performance of duty” as a bar to benefits.
- Creating a “compelling circumstances exception” for certain former service members.
- Opening the door for previously denied service members to reapply for benefits.
Our character of discharge determination does not change the Armed Forces’ characterization of service and has no effect on the former Service member’s military discharge status. Our determination is for VA benefits and services eligibility purposes only.
We encourage former service members with other than honorable and bad conduct discharges to apply for VA care and benefits today. We will carefully consider the circumstances of your discharge and determine if you are eligible.
