Looking for a “military discharge benefits chart PDF”? You’re in the right spot! Official U.S. military and Veterans Affairs (VA) sites like militarybenefitassociation.org have the latest charts. They show what benefits you might get based on your discharge type.
In this article, we’ll explain it all in simple terms. We’ll show you where to find these charts and how your discharge status affects your benefits. Let’s get started!
What Is a Military Discharge Benefits Chart?
A military discharge benefits chart is a table or list. It shows what benefits you can get after leaving the military. It depends on your discharge type, like honorable, general, medical, or dishonorable.
These charts are very helpful. They make it easy to see what benefits you’re entitled to, like healthcare, education money, or a pension.
The U.S. military and VA update these charts often. As of April 5, 2025, the latest versions reflect new rules and benefits. You can download them as PDFs from trusted sites to keep handy.
Why Your Discharge Type Matters
When you leave the military, you get a discharge type. This label decides what benefits you can claim. It’s like a report card—it shows how you did and affects what you get later.
Here are the main types:
- Honorable Discharge: The best kind! You did your job well and followed the rules.
- General Discharge: You’re good, but maybe you had some small issues.
- Other Than Honorable (OTH): This means there were bigger problems, like breaking rules.
- Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD): Given after a court-martial for bad behavior.
- Dishonorable Discharge: The worst kind, usually for serious crimes.
- Medical Discharge: If you got sick or hurt and couldn’t serve anymore.
Each type changes what benefits you can get. Let’s explore them!
Where to Download a Military Discharge Benefits Chart PDF
Finding a military discharge benefits chart PDF is easy. Here are the best places to look:
- VA.gov: The Veterans Affairs website has free PDFs under their benefits section.
- MilitaryOneSource.mil: A great spot for active-duty and discharged folks.
- Army.mil: Check the Army’s site for a “military discharge benefits chart army” version.
- National Archives: They offer discharge papers and sometimes benefits charts too.
Just type “military discharge benefits chart” into their search bars, and look for a PDF link. Save it to your phone or computer—it’s that easy!
Benefits for Honorable Discharge
An honorable discharge is like getting an A+ in school. It opens the door to tons of benefits. Here’s what you might get:
- Healthcare: Free or low-cost care through the VA.
- Education: Money for college with the GI Bill.
- Home Loans: Help buying a house with a VA loan.
- Pension: Monthly money if you served long enough.
For example, if you have an honorable discharge, you can ask, “Can you get military benefits with a general discharge?” Nope, not all of them—honorable gets you more!
General Discharge Military Benefits
A general discharge is like a B grade. You get some benefits, but not all. Here’s what you might get:
- VA Healthcare: If the VA says your service wasn’t “dishonorable.”
- Disability Pay: For injuries from service.
- Some Jobs: Government jobs might hire you.
But, you won’t get the GI Bill for school. That’s a big difference from honorable!
Benefits for Other Than Honorable Military Discharge
An “other than honorable” (OTH) discharge is tricky. It’s like a C- grade. The VA looks at why you got this discharge. You might get:
- Healthcare: If your issues were tied to service, like PTSD.
- Disability: For service-related injuries.
You need to ask the VA, “If my military discharge was other than honorable, what benefits do I get?” They decide each case.
Bad Conduct Discharge Military Benefits
A bad conduct discharge (BCD) is tough—it’s like an F. It comes from a court-martial. Most benefits are gone. You might get:
- Emergency VA Care: If you’re really sick or hurt.
- Nothing Else: No GI Bill, no pension, no loans.
“Can you get military benefits with a BCD discharge?” Usually, no—benefits are very limited.
Are There Any Benefits for Dishonorable Military Discharge?
A dishonorable discharge is the worst—it’s like being expelled from school. You lose almost all benefits. The law says you’re not a “veteran” anymore. So, to answer, “Can you get military benefits with a dishonorable discharge?”—nope, not really. You might get:
- Emergency Care: If you’re in a crisis.
- That’s It: No VA help, no money, nothing else.
“Do dishonorable discharges get military benefits?” No, they don’t.
Military Medical Discharge Benefits
A medical discharge happens if you get sick or hurt and can’t serve. It’s not about behavior—it’s about health. Benefits depend on why you left. Here’s what you might get:
- VA Healthcare: For your injury or illness.
- Disability Pay: Money every month if it’s service-related.
- Pension: If you served long enough before getting sick.
“Do I keep military benefits if medically discharged?” Yes, usually! It’s one of the better deals.
Benefits by Discharge Type
| Discharge Type | Healthcare | GI Bill | VA Loan | Disability Pay | Pension |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honorable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| General | Maybe | No | Maybe | Yes | Maybe |
| Other Than Honorable | Maybe | No | No | Maybe | No |
| Bad Conduct | Emergency | No | No | No | No |
| Dishonorable | Emergency | No | No | No | No |
| Medical | Yes | Maybe | Maybe | Yes | Maybe |
How to Understand Military Discharge Codes and Benefits
Your discharge papers have codes that explain why you left. These codes tell the VA what benefits you get. For example:
- Code 1: Honorable—full benefits!
- Code 3: General—some benefits.
- Code 5: Dishonorable—almost nothing.
Look at your DD-214 to see your code. Then check a benefits chart to match it up!
Military Discharge Types and VA Benefits
The VA uses your discharge type to decide your benefits. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Honorable: Full VA benefits.
- General: Some VA benefits, if not “dishonorable.”
- Medical: Good VA benefits, for health.
- OTH/BCD/Dishonorable: Very little, if anything.
“Types of military discharges and VA benefits” all connect like this!
Can You Get Military Benefits If Discharged Due to Reduction?
Sometimes the military cuts jobs. This is a “reduction in force.” Your benefits depend on your discharge type. Usually, it’s honorable or general, so you’d get:
- Honorable: Everything.
- General: Most stuff, but no GI Bill.
“Can you get military benefits if discharged due to reduction?” Yes, if it’s not a bad discharge!
Benefits of a Medical Discharge from the Military
A medical discharge can be a big help. It’s not your fault if you get hurt or sick. The “benefits of medical discharge from military” include:
- Medical Care: Free treatment for your condition.
- Money: Disability pay if it’s from service.
- Support: Help finding a new job.
“Benefits of a medical discharge from the military” are strong because they focus on your health.
Military Spouse Benefits After Discharge
If you’re married to someone who served, you might wonder about “military spouse benefits after discharge.” It depends on their discharge:
- Honorable: You get healthcare, base access, and more.
- General: Some benefits, like healthcare, might stay.
- Dishonorable: Almost nothing for you.
“Benefits entitled to discharged military spouse” hinge on that discharge type!
Unemployment Benefits After Military Discharge
Leaving the military can mean looking for a job quickly. “Unemployment benefits after military discharge” can help. You qualify if:
- Honorable or General: Yes, you can get money while job hunting.
- OTH or Worse: Probably not.
Check with your state’s unemployment office—they use your DD-214 too!
Military Discharge Unemployment Benefits
The “military discharge unemployment benefits” work like this: if you left with an honorable or general discharge, you can apply. It’s money to help until you find work. Dishonorable? No luck there.
Military Health Benefits After Discharge
Healthcare is huge after leaving. “Military health benefits after discharge” depend on your status:
- Honorable: Full VA healthcare.
- Medical: Care for your condition.
- General: Maybe, if VA approves.
“Dishonorable discharge from military VA benefits?” Just emergencies.
Military Benefits After Honorable Discharge
An honorable discharge is the golden ticket. “Military benefits after honorable discharge” include:
- College Money: GI Bill pays for school.
- Loans: VA helps you buy a home.
- Healthcare: Free or cheap doctor visits.
“Do you keep your military benefits after an honorable discharge?” Yes, you do!
List of Military Benefits After Discharge
Here’s a quick “list of military benefits after discharge” based on common types:
- Healthcare: VA hospitals and clinics.
- Education: GI Bill for college or training.
- Disability: Pay for service injuries.
- Loans: Help buying a house.
- Pension: Money if you served long.
Your discharge decides which ones you get!
Military Discharge VA Benefits
The VA is your go-to for “military discharge VA benefits.” They look at your discharge status and say yes or no to:
- Healthcare: For most discharges (not dishonorable).
- Disability: If it’s from service.
- Education: Honorable only.
“Military discharge status VA benefits” all tie back to that DD-214!
Types of Military Discharge and Benefits
Let’s sum up “types of military discharge and benefits”:
- Honorable: Everything.
- General: Most, but no GI Bill.
- Medical: Health-focused benefits.
- OTH: Case-by-case.
- BCD/Dishonorable: Almost nothing.
“Types of military discharges and benefits” are clear once you know your type!
Discharge Types and Key Benefits
| Discharge Type | Education (GI Bill) | Healthcare | Home Loan | Job Help |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honorable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| General | No | Maybe | Maybe | Yes |
| Medical | Maybe | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
| OTH | No | Maybe | No | Maybe |
| BCD | No | Emergency | No | No |
| Dishonorable | No | Emergency | No | No |
How to Upgrade Your Discharge for Better Benefits
If your discharge isn’t great, you can try to change it. This is called a discharge upgrade. Here’s how:
- Get Your DD-214: Your discharge papers.
- File a Request: Use VA Form 293.
- Explain Why: Show it was unfair or a mistake.
If it works, “military discharge types and VA benefits” could improve for you!
Military Discharge Benefits for Child of Deceased Parent
If your parent served and passed away, you might get “discharge military benefits for child of deceased parent.” It depends on their discharge:
- Honorable: Education money, healthcare.
- General: Some help, maybe.
- Dishonorable: Nothing.
Check with the VA—they’ll help you figure it out!
Blue Discharge Military Benefits
A “blue discharge” is an old term from World War II. It’s like an OTH today. “Blue discharge military benefits” were limited then and now—mostly just emergency care if anything.
Chapter 13 Military Discharge Benefits
A “Chapter 13” discharge is an Army term for leaving early, often for behavior. “Chapter 13 military discharge benefits” are slim—usually just what an OTH gets, like maybe healthcare.
Military Hardship Discharge Benefits
A hardship discharge is when you leave for family reasons. “Military hardship discharge benefits” depend on if it’s honorable or general—usually good stuff like healthcare or disability.
Uncharacterized Military Discharge Benefits
An “uncharacterized” discharge happens if you leave early, like in basic training. “Uncharacterized military discharge benefits” are almost none—you didn’t serve long enough.
Military Administrative Discharge Benefits
An “administrative discharge” is when the military lets you go for small issues. “Military administrative discharge benefits” match your type—honorable gets more, OTH gets less.
Army Discharge Married Just for Military Benefits
Some people marry for benefits, then leave. “Army discharge married just for military benefits” doesn’t change your discharge type—it’s all about how you served.
Get Your Military Discharge Benefits Chart PDF Today
Now you know all about military discharge benefits! Whether it’s a “military discharge benefits chart army” or a general “discharge military benefits chart,” you can download one from VA.gov or MilitaryOneSource.mil. Your discharge type—honorable, general, medical, or other—decides what you get. Check your DD-214, grab a PDF, and see what’s yours. You earned it!
