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The two types of honorable discharges are an Honorable Discharge and a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions, both of which make veterans eligible for VA disability compensation, health care, and other VA benefits.
• Honorable Discharge — makes veterans eligible for the full range of VA benefits, including disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA health care, home loans, and burial benefits
• General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions — makes veterans eligible for most VA benefits, including disability compensation and health care, though some education benefits like the GI Bill may be limited
Understanding the difference between these discharge characterizations is critical when applying for VA disability benefits or determining your overall eligibility. While both are considered favorable for VA purposes and meet the VA’s requirement of service “under conditions other than dishonorable” (38 C.F.R. § 3.12), the level of access to certain benefits can vary depending on your discharge status.
In this post, we explain the types of honorable discharges, how each affects VA benefits eligibility, and what options are available if your discharge status limits access to the benefits you’ve earned.
>> Did you know? Technically, there is only one formal Honorable discharge characterization; a General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge is a separate and distinct classification, not a type of honorable discharge. However, both are considered favorable discharges.
Summary of Key Points
- The two discharge characterizations generally considered honorable for VA purposes are an Honorable Discharge and a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.Â
- An Honorable Discharge provides full access to VA benefits, including disability compensation, VA health care, GI Bill education, home loans, and burial benefits.Â
- A General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions qualifies for most VA benefits, though some education benefits may be limited.Â
Table of Contents
What Are the Types of Honorable Discharges (for VA Purposes)?
Military discharges are categorized based on your service performance and conduct. The two favorable types commonly referred to as “honorable discharges” are Honorable and General Under Honorable Conditions. These are distinguished from less favorable discharges, such as Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable. Â
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), your discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable to qualify for most benefits. Let’s explore each in detail.
Honorable Discharge Explained
An Honorable Discharge is awarded when a service member meets or exceeds all standards of conduct and performance during their military service. It’s the most prestigious discharge type and reflects exemplary service.
To earn an Honorable Discharge, you typically need to complete your enlistment term satisfactorily, with no major infractions. Factors include adherence to military regulations, positive evaluations, and honorable reasons for separation.
Veterans with an Honorable Discharge are eligible for most VA benefits, including disability compensation for service-connected conditions, VA health care, GI Bill education, home loans, and burial benefits. Â
VA eligibility determinations are governed by VA regulations (38 C.F.R. § 3.12) and federal law (38 U.S.C. 5303), which define statutory and regulatory bars to benefits.Â
General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions Explained
A General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions (General-UHC) is given when service was satisfactory but didn’t meet the highest standards for an Honorable Discharge. VA considers it service under conditions other than dishonorable for benefit eligibility.
A General-UHC discharge might result from minor disciplinary issues, failure to meet fitness standards, or other non-punitive issues affecting overall service, while still reflecting generally satisfactory conduct.
Since a General-UHC is considered service under conditions other than dishonorable, you generally qualify for VA disability benefits. Those benefits generally include tax-free monthly payments for service-connected disabilities; however, some education benefits, such as major GI Bill programs, require an Honorable discharge.
Key Differences Between Honorable and General Discharges
While both are considered service under conditions other than dishonorable for many purposes, there is a key distinction in access to benefits. While Honorable provides full eligibility for VA benefits, General-UHC may not qualify for certain education benefits, such as major GI Bill programs.
Do Both Types of Discharges Qualify for VA Disability Benefits?
Yes. Both Honorable and General Under Honorable Conditions meet the VA’s threshold for disability compensation eligibility.
The VA evaluates claims based on service-connected conditions, not the label of your discharge. Benefits can be barred only if your discharge falls under a statutory or regulatory bar listed in 38 C.F.R. § 3.12, regardless of the underlying reason for separation.
How the VA Determines Benefits Eligibility Based on Discharge Type (38 C.F.R. § 3.12)
If your discharge limits your benefits, you can apply for an upgrade through your branch’s Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records. An approved upgrade can restore eligibility for VA disability compensation and other benefits.
How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits After an Honorable Discharge
You can file for VA disability benefits:
- Online, or
- By downloading a VA Form 21-526EZ to mail in or fax, or
- Submit your application in person at a regional VA facility.Â
How to Upgrade Your Military Discharge
If your discharge limits your benefits, you can apply for an upgrade through your branch’s Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records. An approved upgrade can restore eligibility for VA disability compensation and other benefits.
How Other Types of Military Discharges Affect VA Benefits
Discharges such as Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, and Dishonorable can limit eligibility for VA benefits. However, the VA may still approve disability compensation after a Character of Discharge review, especially when service-connected conditions like PTSD, TBI, or MST are involved.
Entry-Level Separation is typically treated as honorable for VA purposes if no misconduct occurred.
Can You Still Get VA Disability Without an Honorable Discharge?
Yes. Veterans with discharges other than honorable may still qualify for VA disability benefits after a Character of Discharge review under 38 C.F.R. § 3.12. The VA evaluates the circumstances of your service, including mitigating factors such as mental health conditions or military sexual trauma.
Related:Â VA Benefits Eligibility Chart by Discharge Status.Â
Conclusion
Understanding discharge characterizations generally considered honorable for VA purposes — Honorable and General Under Honorable Conditions — is key to unlocking the VA benefits you’ve earned.
These discharges provide a strong foundation for disability compensation, health care, and more.
If your status is less favorable, don’t hesitate to seek a review or upgrade. The VA’s recent expansions make it easier than ever to access support.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two most common favorable discharge characterizations?
The two most common favorable discharge characterizations are an Honorable Discharge and a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions, both of which are generally considered “under conditions other than dishonorable” for VA benefit eligibility.Â
Is a general discharge considered honorable?
Yes, a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions is under honorable conditions and qualifies for most VA benefits, though it’s a step below a fully Honorable Discharge.Â
Can you get VA disability with a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions?
Yes, a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions meets the VA’s eligibility criteria for disability compensation.Â
Which discharge qualifies for full VA benefits?
An Honorable Discharge provides unrestricted access to VA benefits, while a General Under Honorable Conditions discharge also qualifies for most benefits, with potential minor limitations. Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable discharges have stricter benefit limits. Â
Can you upgrade your military discharge status?
Yes, you can upgrade your discharge status through the review boards of your military branch. Evidence of mitigating factors, such as mental health issues, can strengthen your case.Â
What type of discharge qualifies for VA benefits?
Discharges under “other than dishonorable” conditions, including Honorable and General Under Honorable Conditions, qualify for the most VA benefits.Â
What are the five types of military discharges?
The five types of military discharges are: Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions, Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, and Dishonorable.
What are all honorably discharged veterans entitled to?
Honorably discharged veterans are entitled to full VA benefits, including disability pay, health care, education, loans, and burial, depending on service details.
What VA benefits can I get with an Other Than Honorable discharge?
If you have an Other Than Honorable Discharge, you can still potentially receive disability care, mental health services, and more after a VA review, especially for combat- or trauma-related cases.
About the Author
Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
