OTH Discharge Benefits: What VA Coverage You Actually Have
Other Than Honorable does not mean zero VA benefits. Most pathways require a favorable Character of Discharge determination — separate from a discharge upgrade. Many veterans win benefits without ever upgrading. Mental health and crisis services are open to OTH unconditionally.
The COD-vs-upgrade distinction TAP buries
Most VA benefit pathways require a favorable Character of Discharge (COD)determination — VA evaluates the reason behind your OTH and decides whether to treat your service as "honorable for VA purposes." That decision is separate from upgrading your discharge characterization through DRB or BCMR. A favorable COD unlocks most benefits with your current OTH on the DD 214; an upgrade changes the DD 214 itself.
Discharge upgrade pathway: DRB vs BCMRMental Health
Veterans Crisis Line
YES — open to OTHUnconditional. Open to ALL former service members regardless of discharge.
Open the official resourceVet Centers (readjustment counseling)
YES — open to OTHNo VA enrollment required. Combat-zone, MST, or qualifying-loss service triggers eligibility. Family counseling included. 1-877-927-8387.
Open the official resourceEmergency mental health care (COMPACT Act)
YES — open to OTHAny former service member in acute suicidal crisis — VA covers up to 30 days inpatient or 90 days outpatient at any ER, VA or community. No COD determination needed.
Open the official resourceAdmin & Records
VA Solid Start (12-month check-ins)
YES — open to OTHAll separating service members regardless of characterization. Calls at 90/180/365 days post-separation.
Open the official resourceBurial / Headstone / Presidential Memorial Certificate
CONDITIONAL — favorable CODFavorable COD; dishonorable barred by statute. National Cemetery Scheduling 1-800-535-1117.
Open the official resourceVGLI Conversion (Veterans Group Life Insurance)
LIMITEDMust apply within 1 year + 120 days of separation regardless of discharge. Treated separately from disability/health benefits.
Open the official resourceHousing
Homeless Veterans services
YES — open to OTHLow-barrier program. National Call Center 1-877-424-3838. HUD-VASH and SSVF accept OTH.
Open the official resourceVA Home Loan Guaranty
CONDITIONAL — favorable CODFavorable COD required. Foreclosure help line 1-877-827-3702 once a loan exists.
Open the official resourceHealth Care
VA Health Care (general enrollment)
CONDITIONAL — favorable CODRequires favorable Character of Discharge determination under 38 CFR 3.12. Apply via VA.gov; VA evaluates the underlying reason for the OTH.
Open the official resourceCHAMPVA / Caregiver Support (PCAFC)
CONDITIONAL — favorable CODGenerally requires veteran rated P&T after favorable COD. Apply via VAMC Caregiver Support Coordinator.
Open the official resourceDisability & Income
VA Disability Compensation
CONDITIONAL — favorable CODRequires favorable COD. Bars apply for willful misconduct, AWOL >180 days, conscientious objector, mutiny, or court-martial dishonorable (38 CFR 3.12(c)).
Open the official resourceVR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation, Ch. 31)
CONDITIONAL — favorable CODFavorable COD + service-connected disability. No time limit for post-1/1/2013 separators.
Open the official resourceVA Pension
CONDITIONAL — favorable CODFavorable COD required. For wartime service, low income, age 65+ or P&T disabled.
Open the official resourceEducation
GI Bill / Post-9/11 Education
NO — typically barredPost-9/11 GI Bill requires honorable discharge. OTH usually disqualifies (unless upgrade granted via DRB/BCMR).
Open the official resourceLiberal Consideration policies
If your OTH was driven by behavior linked to PTSD, TBI, MST, or other behavioral-health conditions in service, the Discharge Review Boards must give your upgrade application favorable presumption per the Hagel Memo (2014, PTSD), Kurta Memo (2017, MST/mental health), and Wilkie Memo (2018, TBI). These remain in force as of 2026.
Document your conditions in your upgrade application — even partial medical records help. Free legal help available through Veterans Legal Services Clinics, Swords to Plowshares, NVLSP, and accredited VSOs.
If you're in mental health crisis right now
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then Press 1, text 838255. Open to ALL former service members regardless of discharge type, regardless of enrollment. Confidential.
COMPACT Act — VA covers up to 30 days inpatient or 90 days outpatient mental health care at any emergency room (VA or community) for any former service member in acute suicidal crisis. No claim, no enrollment, no COD check required.