Understanding Veteran Status with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge

In the United States, a veteran is formally defined as someone who has served in the armed forces. However, the type of discharge you receive can impact various benefits and recognitions. This article explores whether you are still considered a veteran if you have an other than honorable discharge.

What is Veteran Status?

Technically, if you have served in the military, you are considered a veteran, regardless of your discharge status, including an other than honorable (OTH) discharge. The term veteran primarily signifies that you served in the military, even if it wasn't under fully honorable circumstances.

Benefits and Services

While your OTH discharge may limit your access to certain veterans benefits such as healthcare, education, and housing assistance, it does not completely bar you from these benefits. The VA typically provides benefits to those with honorable and general discharges. Those with OTH discharges may need to apply for a Character of Service Review to access some benefits. This process allows you to request a review from the Board for Correction of Military Records or a similar entity to potentially upgrade your discharge status.

Character of Service Review

If you believe that your discharge does not accurately reflect your service, you can request a review. During this review, the board may consider evidence provided to determine if your discharge should be upgraded to a more favorable status. This process can significantly impact your eligibility for various veterans benefits and recognition.

Conclusion

While you are indeed considered a veteran with an OTH discharge, it can affect your eligibility for certain benefits. However, the term veteran inherently signifies your military service, regardless of the discharge status.

It's important to note that different countries have different rules and definitions of veteran status. In the US, the term is broader and focuses on the act of serving in the military, whereas in other countries, it may be more closely tied to specific conditions of discharge and eligibility for benefits.