You Served Our Country.

let's get you the Benefits you deserve.

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.

Take your time

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

Ask for support

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

You’re not alone.

If you need help along the way, reach out. Our Legal Services team and other veteran-serving 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 VA benefits, correcting your military or discharge records, or trying to understand your options, these guides could help. Browse the situations below to find the guide that best fits the barrier or challenge you're currently navigating.

Need Help?

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

See resources

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.

Get support

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

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.

self-help guides

let's get you the Benefits you deserve.

Take your time

Ask for support

You’re not alone.

Common Questions Veterans Ask — and the Guides That Help

View our guides

Plan Ahead: Protect Your Rights Before You Leave the Military

VA Character of Service Determinations: An Alternative to Discharge Review

Writing Your PTSD Stressor Statement

Upgrading Your Discharge and Changing the Reason for Your Discharge

Requesting Copies of Military Records

Re-Enlistment: The Basics

Ordering Courts-Martial Transcripts and Military Investigative Records

PTSD Statements from Friends and Family Members

Overpayments of VA Benefits

Information for Incarcerated Veterans

Guidelines for a PTSD Mental Health Evaluation

Dealing with Government Agencies

Discharge Upgrade Information for Military Prisoners

Kennedy Settlement Information

Agent Orange: The Basics

California’s Alternative Sentencing for Veterans and Service Personnel

DD214 Name Corrections for Transgender Veterans

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

Back-to-Back and Conditional Discharges

Compensation and Pension Examinations