I’m currently going through a separation and getting a general discharge under honorable conditions. Just wondering if there’s a way to get it upgraded to an honorable discharge? And if I do manage to get it changed, would I get back any benefits I lost?
Yeah, I think you can apply to have it changed, but it’s pretty tough. The Board of Corrections for Military Records might be able to help if you have proof of an error or injustice. I looked into it a while ago.
@Blake
Good to know! Do you think it’s worth trying if I don’t have super strong evidence? I’m kinda on the fence.
Mica said:
@Blake
Good to know! Do you think it’s worth trying if I don’t have super strong evidence? I’m kinda on the fence.
Tbh, without solid proof that something went wrong in the process, it’s a tough sell. But no harm in consulting an attorney—they can help build a stronger case if there’s something to work with.
I heard the only benefit you lose with a general discharge under honorable is the GI Bill. Other stuff should still be available to you.
Zeke said:
I heard the only benefit you lose with a general discharge under honorable is the GI Bill. Other stuff should still be available to you.
Wait, so does that mean all VA healthcare benefits are still covered with a general discharge?
@Nico
Yeah, for sure! The GI Bill’s the main thing you lose out on. Other benefits like VA healthcare are still good with a general discharge under honorable conditions.
It’s tough to get a general discharge changed to an honorable one, but you can try. Just know the board tends to side with the original decision unless you have strong evidence.
Blakeley said:
It’s tough to get a general discharge changed to an honorable one, but you can try. Just know the board tends to side with the original decision unless you have strong evidence.
Makes sense. I’ll try to dig through my records and see if there’s anything I could use.
If you do decide to go ahead, the form you’d need is DD Form 149. That’s what you’d submit to start the correction process.
Aza said:
If you do decide to go ahead, the form you’d need is DD Form 149. That’s what you’d submit to start the correction process.
Thanks for the tip! Is it worth getting a lawyer for this?
@Mica
Probably a good idea. They can help make your case stronger and guide you through the paperwork. It’s a lot to handle alone.
Just a heads up—upgrading to an honorable is way easier when it’s for a ‘bad conduct’ discharge rather than a general one. Not impossible, but definitely a long shot without solid evidence.
Zara said:
Just a heads up—upgrading to an honorable is way easier when it’s for a ‘bad conduct’ discharge rather than a general one. Not impossible, but definitely a long shot without solid evidence.
Got it! Guess I’ll weigh my options and see if I really have a case.