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Certain veterans who were discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial may now be eligible for care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a statement from the agency Thursday.
“We encourage former service members with other than honorable discharges to apply for VA care and benefits today,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Although VA cannot change your discharge status, we want to provide you with any health care or benefits we can — and we will work with you every step of the way to do exactly that.”
The expanded access to care and benefits will be reconsidered for these circumstances:
Although the VA has already made efforts to provide access to benefits for veterans discharged based on homosexual conduct, gender identity or HIV status, it has stated that it is reinforcing its commitment to “reducing disparity” among these groups.
Discharges due to bad behavior or moral wrongdoing will now be reconsidered by the VA to determine if compelling circumstances warrant an exception for care and services. This means they will consider factors such as length of service, mental and physical health, combat experience, and whether the individual was a victim of sexual abuse or discrimination.
Services members who were previously denied VA services but may now be eligible for benefits are encouraged to reapply.
The VA says it will review their records and provide services to “deserving former service members” such as those who faced discrimination, survived sexual assault or harassment, or struggled with their mental or physical health or other challenges while serving.
Most VA benefits require an "honorable" or "general — under honorable conditions" discharge. Veterans with other discharges aren’t automatically disqualified from VA care or benefits unless it is for reasons such as desertion, mutiny and other serious offenses. The VA may make exceptions for cases like going AWOL under compelling circumstances, the statement said.
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