self-help guides

Step-by-step tools to upgrade your discharge, apply for benefits, and fix your military records — at your own pace.

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These guides are here to help you take the next step — whether you're working through them on your own or with someone you trust.

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Some topics may be difficult. It’s okay to take breaks and come back when you're ready.

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Go through the guides with a friend, case manager, or advocate if it helps.

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If you need help along the way, reach out. Our legal team and other veteran organizations are here to support you.
‍Check out our list of legal resources.

Don’t Know Where to Start?

Common Questions Veterans Ask — and the Guides That Help

Whether you're applying for benefits, fixing your records, or just trying to understand your options — you're not alone. These guides are grouped by real-life questions our legal team hears every day.

How Do I Request My Military Records?
How Do I Apply for a Mental Health Service-Connection Claim at the VA?
What Should I Do If the VA Says I Owe Back Money They’ve Paid Me?
How Can I Get VA Disability Income for a Service-Connected Condition?
As a Veteran with a Less-than-Honorable Discharge, How Do I Become Eligible for VA Benefits?
As a Trans Veteran, How Do I Request a Name Change on my DD214?
I Was Kicked Out Due to My Sexuality – How Do I Correct My DD214 and Upgrade My Discharge?
How Do I Upgrade My Discharge Status?
Need Help?

Check out this list of legal organizations that can help with your discharge upgrade.

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Veteran Resource List

Looking for help beyond our guides? Here’s a curated list of trusted resources — including legal aid, housing assistance, mental health care, and more.

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Want to Explore Everything?

Common Questions Veterans Ask — and the Guides That Help

Prefer to browse by title? You can view the full list of guides our legal team has created — from discharge upgrades to overpayments, re-enlistment, and more.

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Service Areas
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Women Veterans
(8)
LGBTQ
(4)
Productivity
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Discharge Upgrades & Records Corrections
Ordering Military Records
VA Benefits
Other
Plan Ahead: Protect Your Rights Before You Leave the Military

Checklist of documents to collect before discharge.

VA Character of Service Determinations: An Alternative to Discharge Review

Alternative benefits access for less than Honorable discharge.

Writing Your PTSD Stressor Statement

Steps to prepare a PTSD stressor statement.

Upgrading Your Discharge and Changing the Reason for Your Discharge

How to upgrade discharge or change discharge reason.

Requesting Copies of Military Records

Request military records like DD214.

Re-Enlistment: The Basics

Info on re-enlistment basics.

Ordering Courts-Martial Transcripts and Military Investigative Records

How to order court-martial records.

PTSD Statements from Friends and Family Members

Guide for family and friends supporting PTSD claims.

Overpayments of VA Benefits

Managing VA overpayments and debt.

Information for Incarcerated Veterans

VA benefits and rights information for incarcerated veterans.

Guidelines for a PTSD Mental Health Evaluation

Checklist for PTSD mental health evaluation.

Dealing with Government Agencies

Tips for dealing with VA, SSA, and other agencies.

Discharge Upgrade Information for Military Prisoners

Guidance on discharge upgrades for prisoners.

Kennedy Settlement Information

Details on the Kennedy Settlement.

Agent Orange: The Basics

Guide on benefits for Agent Orange exposure.

California’s Alternative Sentencing for Veterans and Service Personnel

Info on alternative sentencing programs in CA.

DD214 Name Corrections for Transgender Veterans

Steps for name and gender updates on records.

DD214 Corrections for Veterans Discharged Under 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' and Prior Policies

Discharge upgrade help for DADT cases.

Back-to-Back and Conditional Discharges

Eligibility with extended service beyond ETS.

Compensation and Pension Examinations

Preparing for C&P exams.

Upgrading Your Discharge and Changing the Reason for Your Discharge

How to upgrade discharge or change discharge reason.

Re-Enlistment: The Basics

Info on re-enlistment basics.

Discharge Upgrade Information for Military Prisoners

Guidance on discharge upgrades for prisoners.

Kennedy Settlement Information

Details on the Kennedy Settlement.

DD214 Name Corrections for Transgender Veterans

Steps for name and gender updates on records.

DD214 Corrections for Veterans Discharged Under 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' and Prior Policies

Discharge upgrade help for DADT cases.

Character of Discharge Chart

What Benefits Can You Get Based on Your Discharge Status?

Even with a less-than-honorable discharge, you may still qualify for housing, healthcare, or disability benefits — especially if the VA conducts a Character of Discharge (COD) review. This chart shows typical eligibility, but every case is different.

Discharge Status
GI Bill
Housing
Healthcare /Service Connection / Pension
Honorable
General
Uncharacterized
Due to Entry Level Separation
Uncharacterized
Due to Void Enlistment / Dropped from the Rolls
Other Than Honorable
Bad Conduct
Special court martial conviction
Bad Conduct
General court martial conviction
Compliance Checks
Key
0
Weeks
0
Days
Eligible for benefit  
Character of Discharge Determination is needed
Not eligible for benefit
Please note that an exception may apply to your circumstance that would mean you are eligible for this benefit. The rules around VA benefits eligibility are complicated, and this chart represents how those rules generally apply in most cases.
What is a COD?
A Character of Discharge (COD) determination is when the VA reviews your service to decide if you still qualify for benefits — even with an OTH or Bad Conduct discharge. If approved, you may get access to VA healthcare, disability, or pension.
Disclaimer
This table is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Please speak with an attorney or veterans service officer for advice on your individual circumstances.