Discharge Upgrade
If your character of discharge is not 'Honorable' you may be barred from receiving certain benefits from the VA such as:
VA Benefit Discharge Required
Disability Compensation Honorable* or Under Honorable (general)*
GI Bill Honorable
Healthcare Not Dishonorable**
Life Insurance Not Dishonorable
VA Pension Not Dishonorable
VR&E Not Dishonorable
IMPORTANT NOTE:
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If you have at least one period of honorable service (such as a reenlistment) you are eligible for benefits, unless stated otherwise.
*If you have multiple periods of service. You may claim disabilities that developed or manifested during periods that were considered other than honorable. The VA will make an administrative decision as to if your service was honorable for VA disability compensation.
**Even if you got a Dishonorable Discharge you CAN still use the VA to access mental health care services!
Having the VA Make an Administrative Decision on your Service
If you file a disability claim with a discharge lower than General, Under Honorable, the VA will make a determination whether the character of your service can be considered Honorable for purposes of VA disability compensation.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
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The VA will NOT make an decision as to your service being Honorable for the purposes of VA Education benefits!
Applying for an Upgrade (From your Branch of Service)
Click HERE and follow the prompts to learn the best method to appeal.
For information on the Board of Corrections of Military Records click HERE.
NOTES:
* If your branch of service GRANTS an upgrade the VA is bound by their determination.
* If your branch of service DENIES an upgrade the VA may still find in your favor in terms of VA disability benefits.
Special Considerations
Veterans who experienced or have the following have been recognized as having a good chance of receiving an upgrade:
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Removed from service due to sexual orientation under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'.
Getting a new DD-214
When the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Coast Guard upgrades a Veteran’s discharge, it usually issues a DD215 showing corrections to the DD214. The DoD or the Coast Guard attaches the DD215 to the old DD214—which still shows the outdated discharge and related information. While the discharge on the DD215 is the correct discharge, a Veteran may still want a new DD214 that shows no record of their earlier characterization of discharge.
If you have a DD215 and want an updated DD214, click Get Started. On the next page, select: “I received a discharge upgrade or correction, but my upgrade came in the form of a DD215, and I want an updated DD214.” After you’ve answered all the questions, you’ll see instructions for how to request a new DD214.
FAQ
Can I get VA benefits without applying for an upgrade?
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Yes, the VA will automatically consider if your service is 'honorable for VA purposes' when you file a disability claim.
How long can appealing for an upgrade take?
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It can take upwards of 18 months.
What do I do if I was previously denied?
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You may appeal, just be sure to submit new and relevant evidence.
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Those denied due to their sexual orientation before 2011 should definitely try again as the DoD operates under new rules now.
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Those denied who suffered from PTSD, TBI, or other mental health disorders before 2014 should definitely try again as the DoD operates under new rules now.
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Those denied who suffered a sexual assault/MST before 2017 should definitely try again as the DoD operates under new rules now.
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Can I use a Lawyer or a VSO to help me get an upgrade?
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Yes you can. To find a VSO click HERE.
See Also
References
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