What is a bad paper discharge?

A less-than-honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments — behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI and other trauma-related conditions, Peters said.

What is bad paper in the military?

The board adjudicates applications from Navy and Marine Corps veterans seeking to upgrade their general or other-than-honorable discharges. Those discharges, also known as “bad paper,” stigmatize veterans and keep them from receiving health care, education and other military service benefits.

Are you considered a veteran with a bad conduct discharge?

Other Than Dishonorable Conditions: VA Determinations of Eligibility. Many veterans assume that when they get a less-than-honorable discharge, they are ineligible for benefits. However, veterans with an OTH Discharge or, more rarely, a Bad Conduct Discharge can be deemed eligible for some VA benefits.

Can I rejoin the military with a general under honorable 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 I get VA benefits with an OTH discharge?

To receive VA home loan benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). Generally, there is no character of discharge bar to benefits to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance.

What’s the difference between dishonorable discharge and bad conduct discharge?

A BCD and a Dishonorable Discharge are not the same types of discharge. Both are similar as they are punitive in nature. However, a dishonorable (DD) happens after a general court-martial, and it is more severe than a bad conduct discharge. A DD is like a felony conviction as a civilian.

Can you get a security clearance with a bad conduct discharge?

With regard to number 1, above, an enlisted member can receive a Dishonorable Discharge. Receipt of an OTH may impact on an ability to obtain a clearance, but receiving an OTH does not preclude getting a clearance in the same manner as does receipt of a Dishonorable Discharge/Dismissal.

What causes an honorable discharge?

You may qualify for an honorable discharge for medical reasons if you have suffered an injury or debilitating illness during service or during personal time. Conditions such as obesity, seasickness and airsickness also may qualify you for a physical discharge.

Can You appeal a bad paper discharge in the Army?

Read Next: Army to Review More Than 3,500 ‘Bad Paper’ Discharges for Post-9/11 Vets Once a service member has exhausted all appeals with the appropriate service Discharge Review Board and Board of Correction of Military or Naval Records, they now can apply to the new appeal board for a final review.

Can a discharge be changed in the military?

Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with authority to change, correct or modify discharges or dismissals that are not issued by a sentence of a general courts-martial. The board has no authority to address medical discharges.

How do I get a review of a military discharge?

The veteran or, if the veteran is deceased or incompetent, the surviving spouse, next of kin or legal representative may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military department concerned, using DoD Form 293.

How many different types of military discharges are there?

There are 8 different types of military discharges, all with their own pros and cons. Learn more about each type, including the benefits and consequences of getting one.