Other Considerations for Benefits

Other Considerations for Benefits

Determining whether you qualify for a specific veteran’s benefit can be a frustrating process fraught with complications. In this post, we will break down the three biggest factors which affect your eligibility. They are:

  • Length of service
  • Location and date of time served
  • Discharge characterization

We will also examine how one’s discharge affects their level of access to Veteran’s benefits, and how one may attempt to change their discharge classification.

Length of Service

The majority of benefits require completion of a minimum length of service. For example, to qualify for full Montgomery GI Bill benefits, you would need to serve for a minimum of 36 months.

VA disability compensation or VA medical care is sometimes available for individuals who have served any amount of active duty, including, in some cases, just a single day of service. If the length of service was very short however, then other qualifications may need to be met in order to qualify for full medical and disability compensation benefits.

For those whose active service began after September 7th, 1980, 24 months of continuous service is the baseline for most benefits. Exceptions to this include, but are not limited to:

  • Recipients of a Purple Heart
  • Former Prisoners of War (POWs)
  • Those who were discharged for hardship or a non-preexisting disability
  • Those found by the VA to be catastrophically disabled
  • Recipients of the Medal of Valor

Regardless, the VA encourages all veterans to apply, even those who are unsure if they have served long enough to qualify, or who may not have other factors qualifying them beyond length of service.

Location and Date of Time Served

The location and time in which you served in the military has an influence on your applicability for certain veteran’s benefits. For example, to be eligible for the VA Home Loan Program, a veteran whose service took place during the Gulf War would need at least 24 months of continuous active-duty to qualify. If their service took place during the Vietnam War, the minimum length of active duty required is 90 days. At least six months of service is required for members of the National Guard or Reserves, unless they qualify due to active-duty status.

Service Discharges

There are multiple types-or characterizations-of discharges, based upon the quality of one’s military services. Discharges however, fall under two categories: Administrative and Punitive.

Administrative discharges are granted by the discharge authority of a high-ranking commanding officer, typically for reasons related to command’s satisfaction regarding one’s quality of service, while Punitive discharges can be executed only through a military court-martial for offenses determined to be exceptionally serious.

Administrative Discharges

Military discharges are predominantly administrative in nature, but it is important to understand the differing types of administrative discharges:

  • Honorable discharge: The majority of service members will receive an Honorable Discharge (HD) after their service. This represents the individual’s ability to meet the standards required of them, and their adequate performance of duty in the opinion of their commanding officers. If the service of the individual was exceptional, and they were awarded a medal for valor or bravery, an HD would be granted by default.
  • General (under honorable conditions) discharge: Service performed in an authentic and faithful manner, even if not completely satisfactory, would result in a general discharge (GD). Minor disciplinary infractions, failure to progress with training, or failure to maintain standards of dress, fitness, or appearance can all result in a GD characterization.
  • Other-Than-Honorable discharge: When an individual’s disciplinary issues go beyond minor infractions, an Other-Than-Honorable discharge (OTH) is issued. This is the most negative characterization of an administrative discharge and represents a significant failing on the part of the former service member to live up to the standards expected of those who serve. Factors that may lead to an OTH include abuse of authority, serious misconduct, fraternization, and a pattern of repeat offenses.
  • Entry-level separation: Individuals who serve less than 180 days qualify for an entry-level separation (ELS), which is a special case that has no characterization. This may be viewed as a neutral discharge after a preliminary test service. Not every discharge after less than 180 days results in an ESL, each case is judged individually.

Punitive discharges

For punitive discharges, only special and general courts-martial have authority to enact this characterization upon the individual in question. Summary courts cannot impose discharges. However, the individual’s commanding officer can resolve to begin administrative discharge proceedings as a separate matter if they’re convicted of an offense by any court-martial and the court does not impose a punitive discharge.

The three types of punitive discharges are as follows:

  • Bad Conduct Discharge: Otherwise known as BCD’s, Bad Conduct Discharges are appointed by special and general courts, but only to enlisted members as part of the court punishment. Officers cannot receive a BCD. Convictions for crimes include absence without leave (AWOL), intoxication while on duty, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI/DWI), adultery, issuing bad checks, as well as disorderly conduct can all result in the distribution of a BCD.
  • Dismissal: A Dismissal is similar to a Bad Conduct Discharge, but is designated only for officers. Whereas the maximum punishment listed in the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) includes a BCD, special and general courts have the ability to impose Dismissals on an officer.
  • Dishonorable Discharge: Again, the worst option to be imposed, a Dishonorable Discharge (DD) is distributed only by a general court-martial, and only if the MCM authorizes a DD for the offense that the individual was convicted of. Traditionally, a DD is tacked on to an extended time held in a military prison.

How discharges affect eligibility

Veterans are eligible for many benefits after receiving honorable or general discharges, provided they meet additional criteria. However, an Honorable Discharge is a required prerequisite in order to receive GI Bill education benefits.

On the other hand, if an individual received a dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or a dismissal from a general court-martial, they do not qualify for veteran’s benefits.

If a special court-martial imposes an Other-Than-Honorable administrative discharge, Dismissal, or Bad-Conduct-Discharge, certain veteran’s benefits may not be available. In cases such as these, the Department of Veteran’s affairs (VA) is tasked with determining a service member’s time as “other than honorable,” by applying to standards vested by Congress in Title 38, Section 3.12 in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

The CFR is available for review online at: edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2007/julgtr/pdf/38cfr3.12.pdf.

One’s service is considered “other than honorable” by the VA if:

  • An individual conscientiously objects to performing military duty, wearing a uniform, or abiding the lawful order of competent military authorities.
  • Resignation occurs for the “good of the service”.
  • Rather than face a trial by general court-martial, an individual opts for an OTH.
  • A service member is discharged for going absent without leave (AWOL) with no intent of returning—otherwise known as desertion.
  • A service member is discharged for AWOL in excess of 180 continuous days.
  • A service member is discharged for insubordination or espionage.
  • A service member is discharged for moral depravity which generally includes conviction of a felony.
  • A service member is discharged for intentional and continued misconduct.
  • A service member is discharged for homosexual actions involving provoking situations or other factors affecting the routine of duty including child molestation, homosexual prostitution, homosexual acts or conduct followed by assault or coercion, and homosexual acts or conduct taking place between service member of different ranks, or if a service member has abused his or her superior rank.

The VA, after evaluation, could itself determine that a particular discharge doesn’t qualify for benefits, but VA medical care may still be available in some cases. In order to qualify, the VA must recognize that a veteran developed a medical condition sustained during or aggravated by their time in the military service.

Changing Your Discharge

Veterans are not altogether out of the running for receiving benefits if they were issued a disqualifying discharge characterization. It is possible to apply to the applicable Discharge Review Board (DRB) for a discharge upgrade or to alter the reason for discharge, provided the individual has credible reason to believe their characterization to be unfair. An unfair characterization is generally classified as either inequitable or improper.

  • Inequitable means the cause for characterization conflicts with policies of the service.
  • Improper means the cause for characterization is incorrect by violating a regulation or law established with policies of the service.

Veterans seeking to upgrade or change the cause of their discharge must apply with DD Form 293, Application for Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States. This application is also available at a VA regional office or by sending a written request to the Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA), ATTN; Client Information and Quality Assurance, Arlington, VA 22202-4508

This form is available for download at:  https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/documents/dd0293.pdf

After completing the form by typing or printing the requested information, attach copies of statements or records appropriate to the case. If the board finds the individual can justly prove the case that their discharge is inequitable or improper by providing proof, they will upgrade the characterization. Evidence can include signed statements from witnesses, the individual presenting the case, or by providing copies of records that support the case. If utilizing witnesses, the defendant should provide signed statements from each witness prior to the submission of their request.

Separate Discharge Review Boards are available to veterans with regard to the particular branch in charge of their discharge. These boards include the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The Navy controls the board for all employees and members of the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Non-military members are appointed by the secretary of the equivalent service branch to each board.

Keeping evidence and statements narrowed down to the duration of time spent in service is advantageous for the case and the time of the board. They will not be interested in extraneous information that is not applicable to the appropriate time period of service in question.

If all else fails and the board rejects the request, there is no further appeal with the exception of the federal court system and in such a case the individual must file a lawsuit against the Department of Defense. If new evidence comes to light after the rejection that has bearing on the case, it is possible to request the board to reconsider.

30 Comments
  • JVL
    Posted at 03:31h, 10 December Reply

    I served in the Navy for 9 years. Received an Honorable discharge. Received my GI BILL and am receiving disability.
    I entered the reserves and after attempting countless times to go inactive, they have threatened to Admin Sep me. If I get Admin Sep from the Reserves, will I lose the benefits that I gained through my Active Duty period?

  • Brian D Robbins
    Posted at 12:58h, 29 October Reply

    I have depression and anxiety. I have been voluntarily admitted to the psych ward for SI twice and am receiving help via a civilian psychiatrist under humanacare. My command is trying to separate my under an administrative general discharge for conditions not disability. My conditions are listed under the VA disability ratings. I have not been to mast or received any other punishments. I have put in 3.5 years of good work. I keep requesting to be seen by a medical board and I would rather undergo the MEDSEP processes. No matter how much I report my history of issues and request to be evaluated both my command and the hospital keep denying me to be seen. I also keep trying to request to be on some kind of medication and they are refusing to let me be seen for this issue as well. I have also been trying to get seen for tinnitus, back pain, and other issues but my command is making this extremely difficult. Medical told me they filed paperwork with MRD and were just waiting for an appointment time and date. I called MRD after 3 weeks and they said they had no such records. I talked to my CMC and then they said I would go see a different Doctor. Prior to me seeing that Doctor I was admitted to NMCP and was unable to make that appointment. I am not the only one at this command going through these issues. I believe I deserve to get the GI Bill and disability. My psychiatrist has written letters in support of this and they still deny me the ability to be evaluated. As per many instructions this seems like a violation of the MILPERSMAN 1910 series. I need to get a JAG. My question is if they do separate me under a general discharge for mental health issues will I get my GI Bill and VA benefits as I did nothing wrong and had outstanding character throughout my service? My command keeps telling me that a general discharge for CND will allow me to keep the GI Bill and other benefits however, every other resource I am looking at says otherwise. My command is looking to separate me within the next 3 months. I am very confused and panicking about getting the help I need as well as making sure I am set up appropriately for when I get out so that I don’t end up at the hospital or worse when I get out. If I do get out under this general discharge is it likely that I can have it changed to an honorable discharge and receive my benefits after the discharge occurs? Thank you for your time and consideration.

  • Andrew Bharath
    Posted at 16:21h, 01 January Reply

    I was in the marines and completed 7 weeks basic training . From 02/85-04/85. 50 days. However when my mom were very I’ll and died I was given an entry level separation discharge. Because of my mom’s death and I being the only son. Could I still qualify for any type of veterans benefits of anything at all?

    • Robert Bradford
      Posted at 08:54h, 26 January Reply

      Hell no

  • Fred
    Posted at 17:18h, 23 October Reply

    I served in the Marine reserves from 1956 to 1960 and was honorably discharged
    My active duty was 14 days. Am I entitled to a VA loan

  • Ian
    Posted at 19:19h, 13 October Reply

    I got injured while in the military, and got hospitalized for what I believe was a Sarin exposure; and I was in a large ward with approx. 13 other effected/infected soldiers…. this happened just prior to the Persian Gulf War being started…. we all were on antibiotics (Low Dose) for 6 days, but the all of the medications didn’t work for what we had…. The hospital only had one (Super Powerful) pill to save one soldier, so they drew lots to see who would get the one pill to save one person; they drew my name and I am the only survivor of our incident to tell about this incident. There were no other survivors!!! Our Doctor (a Major Officer, abandoned us and took off!!!) and refused to sign all documents! and changed my diagnoses to a normal illness for some reason. When I got released from Active Duty, I should have gotten a Medical Discharge! but they only gave me improper or unfair type characterization of my discharge…. what can I do now? My discharge papers don’t reflect the truth about what actually happened to me and a few other soldiers…. Since this happened I got confronted by the Naval Intelligence Agency, asking about this situation. I told them…., but there is no record of this occurance even ever happening….

    • O’Brien Lee
      Posted at 12:59h, 21 April Reply

      Ian, Can you email me at genealogyrs@yahoo.com. I have heard a story like yours before. Thanks.

  • JD Thomas
    Posted at 03:22h, 17 October Reply

    I am a recently dismissed officer, after 25 years, in the military (Mustang). And wonder if I’ve lost all my VA Benefits. I’ve had surgery, hearing loss, back problems, PTSD and sleep apnea (which I think was prompted from breathing in the air from the ‘Burn Pits’ in Iraq).
    I know I messed up, loss my pension and military benefits for my family, and honorably served until the day I screwed up!
    I’m just asking if I should pursue requesting benefits, or just move on. I appreciate your advice. Thanks.

  • Federico Galang Tolentino Jr
    Posted at 10:20h, 24 July Reply

    Dear Sir/Madam;

    My name is Federico Galang Tolentino Jr., I served and protected the United States of America, with honorable discharge, on June 1986.

    I respectfully request your kind assistance for “Dental Implant” for Full Lower Denture. I have Dental Dental (via Medicaid)/ State of California Medical Dental Program.

    I am now U.S. Veteran homeless, no income, unable to eat properly. I need help very badly.

    I am a live-in caregiver for twenty years for Mr. Alfred Eagan Frederiksen, he died at age of 100.

    Mr. Frederiksen did not put or include my name on his rental agreement, now I am evicted by the property management and force me legally to vacate Mr. Alfred Eagan Frederiksen’s home in Alameda County, Hayward, CA.

    I look forward to your reply. Thank you so much.

    Respectfully,

    Tolentino, Jr., Federico Galang
    600 Kentucky St.,
    Unit 243,
    Fairfield CA 94534

    (415) 966-5003 (Direct)
    (415) 767-9673 (Message)

    Email(s):
    tongpusam4ever@gmail.com
    atekuya6885@gmail.com

    SUMMARY

    Versatile, efficient professional having dedicated meaningful efforts towards compassionate care of clients’ needs, as well as precision-based responsibilities within other career environments.

    I have State of California medi-cal dental program, but it does not cover the dental implant.

    NOTE:
    U.S. Veteran Homeless Need Dental Implant For Full Lower Denture, and Need Veterans Housing Assistance (Section 8, for low income housing), also Need Veteran Employment Assistance.

    Emailed/ Sent To:

  • J . Young
    Posted at 08:49h, 09 July Reply

    I was discharged from Paris island. Got home and had surgery on both knees within a week. Paris island doctors gave me Motrin for what was found to be some serious damage. Fast forward twenty years and I have to get injections every six months to stay comfortable. Never been able to get a straight answer if I would qualify for any benifits.

    • Annie
      Posted at 19:31h, 20 July Reply

      J. Young
      I have gone through the VA disability compensation myself and I can tell you that if you can prove your current disabilities occurred while in service or aggravated after your service, you may very well qualify for disability compensation. First thing is to try and get all of your military medical records and current records. It may be helpful to write a personal statement discussing how current injuries occurred during service.

  • Patricia Wilson
    Posted at 06:32h, 15 March Reply

    I never knew that discharge status can be amended after a review. My grandfather has been having issues with his benefits because of a disqualifying discharge. I’m glad that I came across this article when I did because I can finally help him make headway with his financial footing. I’d be sure to keep all of your recommendations in mind for when I help him out get a review. Thanks for this very insightful article.

    • Matt Terry
      Posted at 18:57h, 23 April Reply

      Patricia,

      We are excited to hear this helped!

      -Matt

  • Nick Greci
    Posted at 16:31h, 14 October Reply

    I was a Navy reservist,went through boot camp and Radia A school in San Diego,I was in groom 77-83 honorable discharge, am I entitled to anything

    • Adam
      Posted at 20:21h, 16 October Reply

      You can find out more information on this by calling the VA Benefits help line at 1-800-827-1000

  • Crawford, John
    Posted at 14:53h, 10 July Reply

    I am 100% disabled but was wondering if I could day trade on the computer if that will be a conflict with my pension or not

    • Adam
      Posted at 18:15h, 10 July Reply

      You can find out more information on this by calling the VA Benefits help line at 1-800-827-1000

  • Workers Comp Claim Help
    Posted at 07:29h, 18 April Reply

    Good Article, workers compensation is a good benefit among all the workers which helps them during the injury periods. For more information visit: https://workerscompclaims.help/

  • Almeda Williamson
    Posted at 20:47h, 31 May Reply

    I’m looking for some assistance finding help for my dad. He was in the army, I believe infantry. He was in the Korean war. To my knowledge he’s never used any of his benifits. I have been his caregiver for the past two years, I can no longer care for him. He’s no longer walking. We have to help him eat, bathroom, all of his days of living. I need information on what you may offer with assistance, either in home or a care facility. And if he would be eligible for the assistance.

  • Lloyd Anderon
    Posted at 07:15h, 04 February Reply

    I live in Dewey, Ok and I was curious how to go about getting an a (SBA) certificate. I am wanting to by a semi-truck and trailer. Could you kindly lead me in the right direction?

    Respectfully,
    Diana Anderson

    Service member: Lloyd D. Anderson

  • Joachim Kaiser
    Posted at 16:36h, 28 January Reply

    My service records were destroyed in the fire in St. Louis. I received six certificates of service that have official stamps on the paper.
    My question is what do I need to do if anything to make sure that the Veterans Administration has this information.
    Do I need to send a copy of these forms to some office of the Veterans Administration? If so I need the address to which to send this information by mail.
    Joachim Kaiser

  • Randy
    Posted at 05:39h, 03 January Reply

    USMC proudly served January 1982 to April 1983.Once a marine always a marine.I enlisted to be come of them lifer’s as they were called .Put 25 30 years if all went how we liked it to.Left MCRD an Engineer mos just what I wanted perfect in March 1982 back to SW Oregon very proud of the myself.Then flew to Camp Lejeune NC for engineer school 10 or 12 weeks was meritoriously promoted to PFC.Back to SW Oregon get home Get ask to carry American Flag in the big fourth of July parade pretty big deal for a guy who was heading down a terrible out come. Flying to Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base HI.The Marine life was who i was do the best i can and be proud.Several letters of commendations and meritoriously promoted to LCPL in October of 1982.Then in April of 1983 started having problems with my feet.Honorable discharge not service connected.Bummer there goes that dream.So in September of 1985 I was diagnose with Hodgkin lymphoma had massive amounts of radiation to my left shin.Had trouble since 1987 with left leg many operations finally left leg above knee amputation in June 2014.Then I find out in the veterans hand book group 6 veterans who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune NC for no fewer than30 days beginning Jan 1 1957 and ending Dec31 1987 water contamination.There are 15 side effects you can get Hodgkin lymphoma is one of them.This was kept a secret for along time.They told me I am not a veteran cause i served 17 months 5 months short of 2 years.BS i am still a marine a disabled veteran.Any help or advice would be grateful.

    • tom
      Posted at 18:31h, 02 September Reply

      SEMPER FI SIR .contact local service officer-per DAV-VFW etc.DO OR DIE MARINE.

  • James Rodney Thomas
    Posted at 15:34h, 22 December Reply

    I was told I would receive a letter to exempt me from paying property taxes. I have never gotten it. can you tell me where it stands?

    • tom
      Posted at 18:25h, 02 September Reply

      1-800-NUMBER AND ASK.nothing given without request.

  • Alvin Hollinger
    Posted at 03:05h, 04 December Reply

    Can a wife who was confuse about her insurance right by her ptsd abusive husband.

  • royce g daily
    Posted at 13:51h, 11 October Reply

    I have been reduced from 100% to 30% and have not received a letter with the specifics of this reduction. With out this I am unable to determine if all of my Agent Orange associated illnesses have been evaluated. Specifically Ischemic Heart Disease and other. The last VA doctor I saw was only concerned if I had had a heart attack. The answer is no but have been diagnose with IHD. I have been prescribed with hearing aids for both ears. I have been unable to have sex since my prostate surgery and can not reproduce. An erection is no longer a capability. I truthfully stated my urination frequency was 3-4 times per night. If I had lied and said 5-6 times then I would have received as higher rating. I believe that the records I submitted in support of my claim were not included in my VA records. Can not prove such but if they had of reviewed all records submitted my final compensation would have increased.

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