Understanding the Implications of an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge

An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge is an administrative separation from the military under "other than honorable conditions." It is the most severe form of administrative discharge (below Honorable, General, and Entry-Level) and carries significant, long-lasting consequences.

Major Consequences

Paths to Relief

1. Discharge Review Board (DRB): Within 15 years of discharge. Reviews propriety/equity. Can upgrade to Honorable/General.
2. Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR): After 15 years or if DRB denies. Corrects errors/injustices. Higher standard.
3. VA Character of Discharge Determination: For benefits eligibility only — not an upgrade.
4. Legal representation: Free help from veterans' advocates (VSO, law school clinics, nonprofit firms).

Key Advice

• Request complete military personnel file (OMPF) and separation documents (DD-214, separation justification).
• Document mitigating factors: PTSD, TBI, MST, command climate, procedural errors.
• Act promptly—deadlines apply (DRB: 15 years).

An OTH discharge is not a life sentence, but it creates steep barriers. Professional advocacy significantly improves upgrade chances.

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Domain	Impact	Exceptions / Mitigation
VA Benefits	Generally ineligible for healthcare, disability compensation, education (GI Bill), home loan guaranty, pension, burial benefits.	VA may grant benefits if discharge was "due to insanity" or for service-connected injury/illness (38 CFR 3.12). Character of discharge review possible.
Employment	Many employers (especially federal, defense, security-cleared) view OTH negatively. Background checks reveal it. May bar licensure (law enforcement, healthcare, education).	Some states prohibit discrimination based on discharge type for non-federal jobs. Upgrade possible via DRB/BCMR.
Reputation & Social	Stigma; perceived as misconduct. Affects veterans' organization membership (VFW, American Legion require Honorable/General).	Peer support networks exist for OTH veterans (e.g., Veterans Legal Services, Swords to Plowshares).
Federal Housing (HUD)	May be denied public housing, Section 8, VASH vouchers. "Covered person" definition often excludes OTH.	Some local PHAs have discretion; legal advocacy can help.
Reenlistment	Barred from all components (Active, Reserve, Guard). RE code typically RE-4 (ineligible).	Extremely rare waiver; requires discharge upgrade first.
Education	Ineligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, VR&E.	Some states offer tuition waivers for veterans regardless of discharge.
Firearms	Not a prohibited person per se (unless felony), but some states restrict based on discharge.	Federal law: only Dishonorable = prohibited person (18 USC 922(g)(6)).