Other Than Honorable discharge
An Other Than Honorable discharge does not automatically rule out VA benefits. The VA reviews each case, and rules updated in 2024 let it consider more of your story. Here's how it works, explained plainly.
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Individual results vary. The VA decides every claim.
What it means
An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge is an administrative discharge, usually for misconduct or conduct issues. It is not a court-martial sentence, and it is different from a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge.
Honorable and general discharges generally qualify for VA benefits. With an OTH discharge, the VA decides case by case whether your service counts for VA purposes. That decision is called a Character of Discharge review, and it starts when you apply.
A Character of Discharge review does not change your DD-214. It only decides whether the VA treats your service as qualifying for VA benefits.
Your options
You don't always need a discharge upgrade first. Many veterans start with a VA claim and let the VA do its own review.
Path 1
Path 2
Source: VA.gov eligibility and discharge upgrade guidance. Rules change; check VA.gov before you apply.
What changed in 2024
The VA updated its character of discharge rules, effective June 25, 2024. For some discharges, the VA can now consider compelling circumstances, such as mental health, hardship, and the length and quality of your service.
The update applies to claims received on or after June 25, 2024, and to claims that were still pending on that date. If you were told no before then, it may be worth looking at your situation again. Every case is different, and there is no guarantee of approval.
Some VA care, such as mental health care and emergency care, may be available to former service members with an OTH discharge. Ask the VA or see VA.gov for the current rules.
Source: VA final rule, 89 FR 32361 (April 26, 2024).
Where VetComm fits
VetComm is a private company, not the VA, a law firm or a VA-accredited agent. We teach you the process and sit with you while you file your own claim. The VA makes every decision.
VetComm assists veterans with an OTH discharge with up to two claims. The money-back guarantee does not apply to OTH discharges, and our program does not cover bad conduct or dishonorable discharges.
Get my free claim reviewPricing for OTH discharges
OTH claims take more work, because the VA adds a Character of Discharge review. VetComm's program for veterans with an OTH discharge starts at $1,995. We confirm your exact price during the free claim review, before you decide anything.
You pay one flat fee. We never take any part of your back pay or your monthly compensation.
Get my free claim reviewThe money-back guarantee does not apply to OTH discharges.
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Questions
It's an administrative discharge the military gives for misconduct or other conduct issues. It is not a court-martial sentence, and it is different from a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge.
Possibly. When you apply, the VA can do a Character of Discharge review to decide whether your service counts as honorable for VA purposes. It's decided case by case, and it does not change your DD-214. There is no guarantee of approval.
Not always. A discharge upgrade goes through your branch's Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records. That is a separate process from your VA claim, and VetComm does not handle discharge upgrades.
The VA updated its character of discharge rules, effective June 25, 2024. For some discharges, the VA can now consider compelling circumstances, such as mental health, hardship, and the length and quality of service. The update applies to claims received on or after June 25, 2024, and to claims that were pending on that date.
Some VA care, such as mental health care and emergency care, may be available to former service members with an OTH discharge. Ask the VA directly or see VA.gov for the current rules.
No. VetComm is a private company. We are not the VA, not a government agency, not a law firm and not a VA-accredited agent. We teach you the process and help you file your own claim. The VA makes every decision.
The claim review is free. If you choose to enroll, VetComm is a paid program with one flat fee. For OTH discharges, pricing starts at $1,995, and we confirm your exact price during the free claim review. We never take any part of your back pay or monthly compensation.
No. Because the VA adds rules for OTH discharges, the refund does not apply. VetComm assists veterans with an OTH discharge with up to two claims.
VetComm's program does not currently cover bad conduct or dishonorable discharges. Your branch's discharge review board or the VA can explain your options.
Tell us about your service. We'll walk through your options in 15 minutes, no obligation.
Get my free claim reviewPublic disclaimer. VETCOMM US provides educational support to help veterans understand the VA benefits process through video courses and workbooks. VETCOMM US is not an Accredited Veterans Affairs (VA) Agent, is not a government agency, and is not affiliated with the VA in any way. VETCOMM US does not contact the VA on behalf of any veteran client. VETCOMM US is not a law firm, medical provider, VSO or VSR, and nothing on this page is legal advice or a guarantee of a favorable rating award or increase by the VA.
VETCOMM US adheres to 38 U.S.C. 5901, does not act as legal counsel, and does not require a Power of Attorney. See our Terms and Conditions.
VETCOMM offers a Money-Back Guarantee for veterans who follow the full process as outlined. When you sign up, you agree to allow us two attempts to help you secure at least a 10% VA rating. To remain eligible for a refund, you must attend all scheduled appointments with our team and complete your VA-requested C&P exams.
If your first VETCOMM-assisted claim results in a total VA rating increase of 10% or more, the goal of the course has been achieved and the guarantee is fulfilled. No refund is issued.
If your first claim does not lead to a 10% total increase, VETCOMM will assist you in filing a second claim.
If the second claim results in a 10% or greater increase, the goal has been achieved and the guarantee is fulfilled.
If your second claim also does not result in a 10% total increase, you have two options:
Request a full refund
Proceed with a third filing and waive your right to a refund
Filing a third claim fulfills the guarantee obligation, regardless of outcome. Many veterans require multiple filings due to documentation challenges or individual circumstances that affect how the VA awards ratings. While we assist in the process, approval decisions are made solely by the VA.
There are a few situations where the Guarantee Refund Policy does not apply:
Veterans with a 90% Total Disability Rating:
Due to how the VA calculates ratings, increasing from 90% to 100% is very difficult. VETCOMM will still assist with up to three (3) VETCOMM-assisted claims, but no refund will be issued if a 10% total increase is not awarded.
Veterans with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge:
Veterans with an OTH discharge can still file claims with VETCOMM. However, because of additional VA restrictions, we will assist with up to two (2) VETCOMM-assisted claims, and no refund will be issued if a 10% total increase is not awarded.