Military Discharge Types Explained
 “Military discharge type” is a shorthand people use to describe what the military records say about how and why someone separated. In most cases, it points to your characterization of service (the part people mean when they say “Honorable” or “OTH”), but it can also involve the narrative reason for separation, separation authority, separation (SPD) code, and reenlistment (RE) code listed on the DD-214. These labels matter because they can affect VA benefits eligibility, employment screening, professional licensing, security clearances, and reenlistment options.
Most separations are administrative (handled through separation processing, not a court-martial). A smaller number are punitive discharges imposed by a court-martial. Understanding which category applies helps you interpret consequences and next steps accurately.
Quick Explanation of Military Discharge Types
When people ask about “types of military discharge,” they’re usually asking about the characterization of service. This is the headline label describing the overall quality of service at separation. However, “discharge type” conversations often blend together multiple DD-214 items, which is why confusion is so common.
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Honorable - The most favorable administrative characterization, generally indicating service met required standards.
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General (Under Honorable Conditions) - Administrative; service was satisfactory but did not meet all standards for Honorable.
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Other Than Honorable (OTH) - Administrative; typically tied to significant misconduct allegations or patterns and often triggers additional benefit review.
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Entry-Level Separation (ELS) / Uncharacterized - Administrative; used when separation happens early enough that a formal characterization is not assigned under standard timelines.
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Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) - Punitive; a court-martial sentence (usually special or general court-martial, depending on circumstances).
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Dishonorable Discharge (DD) - Punitive; the most severe discharge, imposed by a general court-martial. |
Two important clarifications help keep the terms straight:
1) Administrative separation vs punitive discharge: Honorable, General, OTH, and most uncharacterized separations are administrative outcomes. BCD and Dishonorable are punitive outcomes from a court-martial.
2) Multiple labels can describe the same separation: Your DD-214 may show a characterization (for example, “General”), a narrative reason (for example, “Misconduct”), and codes (SPD and RE) that add detail. People often treat these as interchangeable, but they are different data points, and each can influence benefits, jobs, and reenlistment in different ways.
Where Discharge “Type” Appears on Your DD-214
If you are trying to confirm your military discharge status, the DD-214 is usually the first place to look. Several entries can be relevant, and it’s normal for service members to mix them up.
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Characterization of Service - The primary “discharge type” label most people mean (Honorable, General, OTH, Uncharacterized, etc.).
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Narrative Reason for Separation - A plain-language reason category (for example, “Disability,” “Parenthood,” “Misconduct,” “Unsatisfactory Performance,” “Completion of Required Service,” depending on the case and era).
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Separation Authority - The regulation and authority used to separate you (varies by branch and time period).
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Separation Code (SPD) - A code that corresponds to the narrative reason and separation authority (branch- and era-specific).
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Reenlistment Code (RE) - A code that indicates reenlistment eligibility and whether a waiver may be needed. |
A common misunderstanding is assuming the narrative reason equals the characterization. It does not. Two people can both have a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization but very different narrative reasons and codes, depending on facts, documentation, and the separation basis.
Why that matters in real life:
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Benefits - Some VA decisions look beyond the headline characterization and evaluate the underlying circumstances.
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Employment - Employers who request a DD-214 may focus on characterization, but some also ask questions when the narrative reason appears negative or unclear.
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Reenlistment - RE codes and separation codes can drive eligibility more directly than characterization alone. |
Administrative Discharge Characterizations
Administrative characterizations are the most common outcomes. They are not court-martial sentences, and they usually come from standard separation processing. The same administrative characterization can arise from different underlying reasons, including performance issues, medical factors, misconduct allegations, force shaping, family circumstances, or other administrative bases.
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Administrative characterizations - Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Other Than Honorable (OTH), Entry-Level Separation/Uncharacterized.
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Court-martial outcomes - Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) and Dishonorable Discharge (DD) are punitive and follow a conviction. |
Honorable Discharge
An Honorable discharge is the most favorable administrative characterization. In plain language, it generally means the service member’s performance and conduct met the standards expected for their period of service.
Common downstream effects often include:
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Benefits access - Typically the clearest path for VA benefit eligibility, though specific benefits still have their own rules and requirements.
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Employment screening - Many employers who ask for a DD-214 focus on the characterization and usually view Honorable as a positive credential.
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Reputation and record clarity - Fewer follow-up questions compared with less favorable characterizations. |
Even with an Honorable discharge, employers may still notice the narrative reason if it is unusual or if the job requires extensive background review. In practice, many screenings prioritize the characterization and whether the DD-214 supports veteran preference claims, but experiences vary by employer and industry.
General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions)
A General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge is administrative and indicates the service was satisfactory but did not meet the full standard for an Honorable characterization.
What commonly confuses people is that “under honorable conditions” sounds identical to “Honorable,” but it is a distinct classification. A General discharge often appears in situations involving performance issues, repeated minor disciplinary problems, or patterns that the command concluded did not warrant an Honorable characterization.
Typical practical impacts can include:
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VA benefits may vary - Some benefits may be available, while others can be limited depending on the program rules and the VA’s review.
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Employment perception - Some employers treat it as acceptable without questions; others ask why it wasn’t Honorable, especially if the narrative reason sounds negative.
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Reenlistment - Eligibility is not determined by characterization alone; the RE code and separation basis often drive whether reenlistment is possible and whether a waiver might be required. |
Because benefit rules can be specific and fact-dependent, it is smart to rely on official eligibility determinations and your documentation rather than assumptions based on the label alone.
Other Than Honorable (OTH)
An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge is an administrative characterization that generally signals more serious concerns than a General discharge. It is often associated with significant misconduct allegations, repeated misconduct patterns, or conduct the command considered incompatible with continued service.
Key points about OTH:
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Administrative, not a court-martial sentence - OTH is not the same as a punitive discharge. It is typically issued through administrative separation processing, even when the underlying allegations are serious.
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Benefits can require additional review - When the discharge is not clearly qualifying, the VA may conduct a character of service determination to decide eligibility for specific benefits.
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Practical consequences can extend beyond benefits - Employment background checks, security clearance considerations, and reenlistment barriers are common concerns and are often highly fact-specific. |
A crucial nuance is that “VA benefits eligibility” is not always a simple yes/no based solely on the OTH label. A character of service determination can involve a close look at the separation basis, the service record, the timing of events, and any exceptions or special rules that apply to a particular benefit.
Entry-Level Separation / Uncharacterized Discharge
An Entry-Level Separation (ELS) or Uncharacterized discharge generally means the separation occurred early enough that the military did not assign a formal service characterization under the usual timelines and policies.
This is often misunderstood as “bad,” but uncharacterized typically means not characterized, rather than negative.
Common reasons include:
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Training or adjustment issues - Inability to complete training requirements or early performance issues.
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Early medical concerns - Medical problems identified early in service that prevent continued training or duty.
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Administrative processing - Situations where separation occurs before a standard characterization would normally be assigned. |
Because the characterization is unassigned, some benefits programs and employers may look more closely at the narrative reason and codes on the DD-214 for context. This is where narrative reason and separation code interpretation becomes important.
Punitive Discharges (Court-Martial Outcomes)
Punitive discharges are not routine administrative outcomes. They are imposed as part of a court-martial sentence after a conviction and are treated differently in legal and administrative contexts. The two most commonly discussed punitive discharges are Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) and Dishonorable Discharge.
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How they happen - A punitive discharge is tied to court-martial proceedings and sentencing.
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Why they are treated differently - A conviction record and the legal basis of separation can affect benefits, civil rights, employment screening, and other downstream consequences.
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Why generalizations can mislead - The underlying conviction, sentence components, and subsequent legal actions can change what the discharge means in practice. |
Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)
A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) is a punitive discharge resulting from a court-martial conviction. Because it is tied to a conviction, it is often evaluated differently than administrative separations when it comes to benefits decisions and civilian background checks.
Common impacts people worry about include:
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Benefits complications - Eligibility can be significantly affected and may require detailed review of the court-martial and service record.
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Civilian life consequences - Employment screening, licensing, and clearance questions may arise due to the conviction history associated with the discharge.
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Record complexity - Understanding the exact type of court-martial, findings, and sentence details matters for interpreting options. |
Because BCD situations can be legally complex, individualized guidance is often important, especially when records include court-martial documentation, appellate history, or related administrative actions.
Dishonorable Discharge (DD)
A Dishonorable discharge is the most severe punitive discharge and is imposed by a general court-martial. It generally indicates a serious criminal conviction under the military justice system.
High-level consequences often include:
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Major benefits impact - Frequently associated with serious limitations, but exact outcomes can depend on the record and applicable rules.
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Employment and licensing concerns - The discharge and underlying conviction can create significant barriers in screenings and professional credentialing.
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Firearms rights and legal status - Depending on the conviction and jurisdiction, firearms and other civil rights issues may be implicated, so case-specific review is important. |
It is easy to overgeneralize the consequences of a Dishonorable discharge. The underlying offense, sentence terms, and legal status matter, and different systems (federal agencies, state licensing boards, employers) can evaluate the record in different ways.
How Discharge Type Can Affect VA Benefits
A common question is: “What does my discharge mean for VA benefits?” The most reliable answer is that benefits eligibility depends on both the discharge characterization and the VA’s rules for the specific benefit.
Important concepts to know:
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Characterization matters - Honorable and General discharges are often clearer starting points for many programs, while OTH and punitive discharges commonly trigger additional review or limitations.
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Character of service determinations - When eligibility is not clear, the VA may review the circumstances of service and separation to decide whether service is considered qualifying for specific benefits.
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Different benefits, different rules - VA health care, disability compensation, education benefits, home loan eligibility, and other programs can apply different standards, exceptions, and documentation requirements. |
Why outcomes can vary: two veterans with the same characterization might have different benefit results because their service record facts, dates of service, separation basis, and documentation differ. If you have denial letters or prior VA decisions, those documents are often the fastest way to understand what issue the VA is focusing on and what evidence might matter next.
Employment, Background Checks, and Professional Licensing
Discharge characterization can influence employment, but the real-world impact often depends on whether an employer asks for a DD-214 and how deep the screening goes.
What employers typically see and ask for:
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Many employers do not request a DD-214 - They may verify employment history, education, and criminal history, and only ask for military documents if a role requires it.
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DD-214 requests vary - Some employers request the DD-214 when a candidate claims veteran preference, applies for certain government roles, or seeks positions tied to clearance or sensitive duties.
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What stands out - Characterization is the first thing many reviewers notice, but narrative reason and codes can prompt questions when they suggest misconduct or other sensitive issues. |
Professional licensing boards may ask about:
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Military separation history - Some boards ask about prior discipline or adverse actions.
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Criminal history - Court-martial convictions can be treated similarly to civilian convictions for disclosure purposes, depending on the licensing authority’s rules.
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Documentation - Boards may request discharge paperwork or supporting records when the application raises questions. |
If you need to discuss your discharge, focusing on facts, documentation, and current stability helps. Many situations are best explained as a timeline: what happened, what the official paperwork says, what has changed since, and what records support your explanation.
Reenlistment Eligibility and RE Codes
Reenlistment is often a separate question from “What discharge did I receive?” because reenlistment decisions rely heavily on the RE code (and sometimes additional records), not just the characterization.
Key points about RE codes:
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RE codes summarize reenlistment eligibility - They indicate whether reenlistment is allowed, restricted, or potentially possible with a waiver.
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Characterization alone is not determinative - Two service members with the same characterization can have different RE codes and very different reenlistment options.
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Waivers can be fact-dependent - A waiver might be possible in some cases, but eligibility depends on the separation basis, time elapsed, branch needs, and the specifics of the record. |
If reenlistment is a goal, reviewing the DD-214’s RE code alongside the narrative reason and separation code is usually more informative than focusing on characterization alone. A recruiter or an appropriate advocacy/legal resource can help interpret what those codes mean for a particular branch and time period.
Separation Codes and Narrative Reasons
Many veterans discover that confusion comes from “hidden” DD-214 data: the narrative reason for separation and the Separation Program Designator (SPD) code. These items can shape how others interpret your separation and can influence strategies for benefits reviews or record corrections.
What these items generally represent:
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Narrative reason - A plain-language category explaining the basis of separation.
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SPD code - A code that corresponds to the narrative reason and separation authority (and can differ by branch and era).
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Why they matter - They can drive questions during employment screening, inform VA review context, and affect how an upgrade or correction request is framed. |
Why codes differ: each branch has its own regulatory framework and updates codes over time. The same real-world scenario can map to different codes depending on the year and the regulation in effect.
If you are trying to make sense of your separation, it helps to keep a complete document set, not just the DD-214:
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Separation packet - Notifications, acknowledgments, rights advisements, and recommendations.
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Counseling statements and performance documentation - Records that show context and progression.
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NJP or adverse action paperwork - If applicable, documents supporting the basis for administrative action.
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Medical evaluations - Especially important in cases involving disability, early medical separation, or mental health factors.
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VA decision letters - These can show exactly what the VA decided and why. |
Discharge Upgrades and Record Corrections
If your records contain errors, or if the outcome seems unjust or inconsistent with the full context, you may hear about “discharge upgrades” and “record corrections.” These are related but not identical.
The difference in plain language:
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Discharge upgrade - A request to change the characterization of service (for example, from OTH to General, or from General to Honorable) based on error or unfairness.
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Record correction - A request to correct mistakes in military records (dates, codes, narrative reason, and other entries), which may or may not include a characterization change. |
Boards involved (high-level):
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Discharge review boards - Often focused on discharge characterizations and the fairness/propriety of the separation, depending on the branch and the case type.
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Boards for correction of military records - Often broader authority to correct records when there is an error or injustice, including narrative reasons and codes in appropriate circumstances. |
Common reasons people pursue upgrades or corrections:
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Errors - Incorrect entries, missing documentation, or misapplied regulations.
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Inequity - Outcomes that appear inconsistent compared to similar cases or circumstances.
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Medical and mental health factors - Situations where health conditions, including behavioral health issues, may have influenced the separation context and were not adequately considered.
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Procedural issues - Missing required steps, inadequate advisements, or problems with how the separation was processed.
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Post-service evidence - Records showing stability, rehabilitation, treatment, education, employment history, and community support that helps contextualize the service period. |
Upgrading the narrative reason can be a separate goal from changing the characterization. For example, someone might keep a General characterization but seek a correction to the narrative reason or code if it is inaccurate or misleading. In many cases, timelines and evidence quality matter, and outcomes are never guaranteed, so building a well-documented record is usually the most practical approach.
Common Scenarios That Create Confusion
These are frequent “I’m stuck” situations that lead to repeated searching and conflicting answers. The fastest way out is usually to identify which DD-214 fields and supporting documents control the issue.
I have a General discharge but a negative narrative reason
A General characterization can appear alongside a narrative reason that sounds harsh. First, verify what is actually listed:
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Check the DD-214 fields - Characterization, narrative reason, separation authority, SPD code, and RE code.
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Locate the separation packet - The packet often explains the basis and the documentation used.
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Compare against any VA letters - If benefits are the concern, VA letters show whether the VA is focusing on the discharge, the underlying events, or missing evidence. |
My discharge is uncharacterized, does that mean bad?
Uncharacterized usually means the service ended early enough that a formal characterization was not assigned under standard rules. It is often neutral rather than negative.
What to check first:
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Narrative reason and SPD code - These provide context for why separation happened early.
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Medical or training records - If the separation involved medical issues or training barriers, those records can clarify what happened.
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Benefit program rules - Some programs care more about qualifying service details than the presence or absence of a characterization. |
My DD-214 has codes I don’t recognize
This is extremely common. Codes are designed for administrative processing and differ by branch and time period.
What to check first:
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Confirm the branch and time period - Codes can change over time.
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Match the SPD code to the narrative reason - They should generally align.
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Review the separation authority - The regulation cited often points to the correct separation category.
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Gather supporting paperwork - Separation packets, NJP records, and medical evaluations help interpret why the code was applied. |
I was medically separated; is that a discharge type?
“Medical separation” is usually a description of the reason and process, not a standalone characterization label. A medically related separation can still have a characterization (often Honorable, depending on circumstances), and the DD-214 typically reflects the narrative reason and separation authority tied to the medical basis.
What to check first:
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Characterization of service - The headline discharge status.
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Narrative reason - Often references disability or medical conditions depending on the record.
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Medical board documentation - If applicable, these records explain the process and findings. |
My benefits were denied even though I served
A denial can happen for reasons other than discharge characterization, including missing evidence, service dates, disability rating issues, or program-specific rules. If discharge status is involved, the VA usually explains it in the decision letter.
What to check first:
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The exact reason for denial in the VA letter - Focus on the stated basis rather than assumptions.
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Whether a character of service determination was made - If the VA reviewed character of service, the decision often describes that analysis.
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What evidence was considered - Missing records can change outcomes.
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Deadlines for appeal or supplemental evidence - Many VA processes are time-sensitive, so tracking dates matters. |
FAQs
What discharge types exist in the military?
Common military discharge classifications include Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Other Than Honorable (OTH), Entry-Level Separation/Uncharacterized, Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD), and Dishonorable Discharge. Honorable, General, OTH, and uncharacterized outcomes are usually administrative, while BCD and Dishonorable are punitive discharges imposed by a court-martial.
What is the difference between Honorable and General (Under Honorable Conditions)?
An Honorable discharge generally indicates service met the required standards. A General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge indicates service was satisfactory but did not meet the full standard for Honorable. The practical impact can vary by benefit program and by what the DD-214 lists for narrative reason, separation code, and reenlistment code.
Is Other Than Honorable the same as Dishonorable?
No. An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge is usually an administrative characterization issued through separation processing. A Dishonorable discharge is a punitive discharge imposed by a general court-martial after a conviction. Because they come from different processes, they are evaluated differently for benefits, employment screening, and legal consequences.
Can you get VA benefits with a General or OTH discharge?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the benefit and the VA’s rules. A General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge may qualify for some benefits, while an OTH discharge often triggers a character of service determination where the VA reviews the circumstances of service and separation. Different benefits can apply different eligibility standards, so official determinations and documentation matter.
What does “uncharacterized” mean?
Uncharacterized usually means the service ended early enough that the military did not assign a formal characterization under standard timelines. It is often neutral rather than positive or negative. The narrative reason, separation authority, and separation code on the DD-214 usually provide more context about why the separation occurred.
Do employers see my discharge type?
Employers typically only see discharge information if you provide it or if they request the DD-214, which varies by job and industry. Some employers request a DD-214 when you claim veteran preference, apply for certain government roles, or pursue positions requiring extensive screening. When a DD-214 is reviewed, characterization is often the first focus, but narrative reason and codes can also raise questions.
Can I reenlist after an OTH or General discharge?
Reenlistment depends heavily on the RE code and the separation basis, not just the characterization. A General discharge may still allow reenlistment in some situations, while an OTH discharge often creates significant barriers. Waivers may exist in certain cases, but they are fact-dependent and influenced by branch policy, the record, time elapsed, and current recruiting needs.
How do I start a discharge upgrade or correction request?
Starting usually involves gathering your DD-214 and supporting records (separation packet, evaluations, medical records, and any NJP or court-martial documents), identifying what change you are requesting (characterization, narrative reason, codes, or other record entries), and submitting an application to the appropriate review or correction board for your branch. Evidence and timelines often matter, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and documentation.
When to Get Help Reviewing Your DD-214 and Options
If you are unsure what your discharge type means in practice, it often helps to have a knowledgeable person review the DD-214 and the supporting record set. Many of the highest-stakes questions require reading the exact paperwork, not just the label.
Common signs a review may be useful:
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Benefit denial or unexpected limitation - Especially if a VA letter references character of service, misconduct, or missing documentation.
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OTH, BCD, or Dishonorable discharge - These often involve complex rules, record implications, and fact-specific outcomes.
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Confusing or concerning codes - SPD and RE codes can drive reenlistment options and raise employment questions.
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Career or licensing impact - When a job or board asks for discharge paperwork or detailed disclosures.
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Desire to reenlist - RE codes and separation basis often need careful interpretation before planning next steps.
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Suspected errors or missing paperwork - Incorrect narrative reason, wrong separation code, missing separation packet, or mismatched entries across documents. |
What to gather before any review:
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DD-214 - The version issued at separation, plus any corrected versions if applicable.
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Separation packet - Notifications, advisements, and command recommendations.
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Performance evaluations and awards - Helpful for showing service quality and context.
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NJP or court-martial documents - If any adverse actions were involved.
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Medical and mental health records - Especially if health factors contributed to separation or post-service stability.
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VA decision letters - These often identify the exact issue and what evidence the VA relied on. |
Accurate guidance depends on the precise entries on the DD-214, the timeline of events, and the supporting documents behind the separation. For many veterans, simply organizing these records and identifying which DD-214 fields are driving the concern is the biggest step toward clarity. |
