Discharge Status and VA Loan Eligibility

An honorable discharge generally satisfies the character-of-service requirement when the applicable minimum service requirement is also met.

For other discharge characterizations or shortened service, request a COE and provide complete separation records. VA evaluates eligibility under governing law and any qualifying exception.

An other-than-honorable discharge is not a promise of eligibility or automatic denial in every case. VA may conduct an individualized character-of-discharge review and consider applicable statutory or regulatory bars.

If mental health, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, discrimination, or another circumstance affected the discharge, include relevant evidence when seeking benefits advice or discharge review. Those facts do not guarantee a result.

Certain discharges and statutory bars can prevent VA benefit eligibility. The effect of a bad-conduct or dishonorable discharge depends on the authority and circumstances, so obtain an individualized VA determination rather than relying on a summary list.

A VA character-of-discharge review decides eligibility for VA benefits under VA law; it does not rewrite the military discharge record. A discharge upgrade or correction is handled by the military department and can change the record if that board grants relief.

You can request a COE and VA review without waiting for a military discharge upgrade. You may also pursue an upgrade or correction separately. Neither process guarantees the result of the other.

• VA character-of-discharge information ↗
• Use VA's personalized discharge-upgrade tool ↗

Avoid choosing a form or deadline from a generic summary. VA's personalized tool directs applicants to the appropriate military board and current instructions based on branch, separation date, and requested change.

• DD Form 214 and any corrected separation documents
• Records for every relevant service period
• Separation authority and narrative reason
• Service, medical, personnel, or other evidence relevant to the circumstances
• The COE or VA notice showing what additional evidence is requested