Can I get VA benefits with a general discharge?

Veterans who receive general discharges under honorable conditions are entitled to all VA benefits, with the exception of GI Bill education benefits.

Can you get VA disability with a general discharge?

Veterans with a general discharge, or general discharge under honorable conditions, are also entitled to all the benefits under the VA. This character means that a service member may not have met all of the standards of honorable discharge, yet their military service met standards of adequacy.

What benefits do veterans get with a general discharge?

Accordingly, veterans with an Honorable Discharge are entitled to all VA benefits, including applicable disability compensation, educational, healthcare, and vocational benefits.

Are you considered a veteran with a general discharge?

Current state law generally defines a veteran in three ways. The general definition is anyone honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty in the armed forces.

Is a general discharge considered honorable?

There are three main categories: Honorable Discharge. This means that the service member met or exceeded the conduct and performance standards of the military. General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.

Military Discharge Status, Upgrades, and VA Benefits

Can I rejoin the military with a general discharge?

There are several types of discharges that can keep you from re-enlisting in the service, including a bad conduct discharge, an "other than honorable discharge" and a dishonorable discharge. On the other hand, if you received a general or honorable discharge, you may qualify for re-enlistment.

Can you get VA benefits with other than honorable discharge?

Veterans with other than honorable (OTH) discharges can apply now for health care and may receive treatment while VA reviews your application. The VA may treat you for: Your VA-rated, service-connected disability. Any conditions related to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during your service.

How do I get my general discharge changed to honorable?

You can apply to the Discharge Review Board (DRB) of your branch of the service for a discharge upgrade or a change in the discharge reason (that is, character of service).

Do all veterans get VA benefits?

All veterans, regardless of priority group, are generally entitled to the same medical services after enrollment. Visit the VA website for a comprehensive description of the medical benefits provided, including doctors' visits, mental health care, emergency care, in-patient hospital services, and more.

How does a general discharge affect civilian life?

1. It prevents future service. Individuals who receive a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions are not allowed to re-enlist once the dismissal has been completed. The discharge type prevents individuals from entering a different service of the armed forces as well.

What is a general discharge under honorable conditions?

In contrast, a “General, Under Honorable Conditions” Discharge (commonly referred to as a General Discharge) is for service members whose service was satisfactory, but involved situations where the Soldier's conduct and/or performance of duty were not so meritorious to warrant an Honorable Discharge.

Who qualifies for military veterans benefits?

How long do you have to be in the military to get VA benefits?

To be eligible for most veterans benefits, a minimum period of active duty of 24 continuous months or the full period for which a person is called or ordered to active duty must be completed. This rule has been in effect since October 16, 1981 for new enlistees.

What is the VA 55 year rule?

What is the VA 55-year-old rule? Veterans who receive VA disability benefits for service-connected conditions are exempt from periodic future examinations once they turn 55 years old. This includes veterans who will be 55 by the date of a future examination, according to the VA Adjudication Procedures Manual.

Do Veterans get free healthcare for life?

If you are a 50% or greater disabled veteran or a former POW, all your medical care from the VA is free. There are other groups that may get some, or all VA medical care for free, see our VA Copay page for details.

What qualifies you to be a veteran?

The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. (E) authorized travel to or from such duty or service. 38 U.S.C.

Can I join USAA with a general discharge?

You must have separated with an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge. Call 800-531-USAA (8722), that's 800-531-8722 to see if you qualify.

How often do discharges get upgraded?

You must apply for a discharge upgrade within 15 years of the date of your discharge-no exceptions to this time limit.

What is general discharge?

A general discharge under honorable conditions means that your service was satisfactory, but did not deserve the highest level of discharge for performance and conduct. Many veterans with this type of discharge may have engaged in minor misconduct.

Can you rejoin the military after being honorably discharged?

You are normally only eligible for reenlistment if you have an honorable discharge. All other discharges than honorable tend to have legal or court martial offenses attached to them.

Can you sell leave with a general discharge?

Enlisted troops can sell back leave when they re-enlist or when they leave the military with an honorable discharge. Officers can sell back leave only when separating from the military under honorable conditions.

How long do you have to wait to reenlist after a general discharge?

To get prior service when you want to re-enlist, you must have a minimum of six months of post-basic training experience. If you were still in advanced individual training (AIT) or active duty for training (ADT), you may have to return to basic training, even if you have 180 days in the military.

What is the VA 5 year rule?

The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.

Do you get a pension after 4 years in the military?

You'll need to serve 20 years or more to qualify for the lifetime monthly annuity. Your retirement benefit is determined by your years of service. It's calculated at 2.5% times your highest 36 months of basic pay. Thrift Savings Plan contributions are not matched by the government.