When your military service ends, the DoD will issue discharge papers that designate the type of discharge you received. Service members strive to receive an honorable discharge at the end of their service, which can qualify them for various veterans’ benefits, such as hiring preferences in government employment, disability benefits, VA healthcare, and military pensions. The type of discharge that a service member receives can affect their employment and financial interests in civilian life. 

Types of Honorable Discharge

Types of military discharges frequently characterized as “honorable” discharges include:

• Honorable discharge: The military will issue an honorable discharge when a servicemember completes their military service with proper behavior and proficient performance of their duties or when the military must discharge a servicemember for reasons outside of their control (such as budgetary reasons), including no violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. An honorable discharge does not affect future civilian employment and allows servicemembers to apply for any veterans benefits for which they qualify. 
• Medical discharge: A servicemember may receive a medical discharge when they have a medical condition that renders them unfit for military service. A medical discharge may entitle a servicemember to a severance payment; the servicemember may also use their discharge paperwork as supporting documentation for a VA disability benefits claim.
• Disability discharge: A servicemember may receive a disability discharge due to a more serious medical or mental health condition than would lead to a medical discharge. A disability discharge may entitle a servicemember to additional benefits over a medical discharge, such as a higher disability rating that can lead to monthly disability benefits payments or lifetime access to VA healthcare. 
• General discharge: A general discharge, like other types of honorable discharges, allows a servicemember to access most veterans’ benefits. A servicemember may receive a general discharge when they provided overall satisfactory service, but minor issues occurred during their service that did not rise to the level of a criminal offense. A servicemember may receive a general discharge for a failure to complete the original service conduct, such as due to a lack of physical readiness/fitness. 

Why the Type of Honorable Discharge Matters

The type of honorable discharge you receive can matter for obtaining veterans’ benefits after you leave military service. For example, a general discharge may disqualify you from some benefits. Conversely, a medical or disability discharge can help you obtain VA disability benefits or free healthcare through the VA. Obtaining an honorable discharge can also affect your ability to pursue federal, state, or local government employment or to obtain security clearances if you seek civilian employment or contractor work with the DoD, NSA, or other national security agencies. 

When to Seek Legal Help

A servicemember who believes they received an improper discharge classification or that the DoD erroneously documented the type of discharge they received can challenge the military’s decision through the Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military Records. An attorney can help a servicemember or veteran correct or contest the characterization of their discharge by gathering supporting documentation or witness statements, filing appropriate administrative appeals, and advocating on the servicemember’s or veteran’s behalf to fight for a correction of their discharge records. 

Contact Our Firm Today for Counsel and Advocacy

As you face separation from the military, the type of discharge you receive can affect your eligibility for veterans’ services and benefits. Contact Patriots Law Group today for an initial consultation with a military discharge attorney to learn more about the different types of honorable discharges and how they can affect your rights and benefits as a military veteran.