Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharges
For many U.S. military veterans, discharge status significantly shapes their post-service life. While honorable and general discharges allow access to most veterans’ benefits, an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge can lead to a lifetime of stigma, lost opportunities, and limited access to vital support services. But what exactly does an OTH discharge mean, and how can we change the public perception?
What Is an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge?
An OTH discharge is the most severe form of administrative discharge issued by the U.S. military. It typically results from serious misconduct that does not rise to the level of a court-martial. Examples may include substance abuse, unauthorized absences, or patterns of minor infractions.
While it is not a criminal conviction, an OTH discharge can have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Ineligibility for most Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits
- Difficulty securing civilian employment due to background checks
- Loss of access to GI Bill education assistance and VA home loans
- Social stigma within and outside of veteran communities
Learn more about discharge types from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/
The Stigma Behind OTH Discharges
The term “Other Than Honorable” often carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting moral or ethical failure. However, this judgment overlooks the root causes that often contribute to OTH separations:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
- Discrimination or bias during service
- Substance use disorders stemming from combat stress
These underlying factors were frequently not considered in discharge decisions, especially prior to 2017, when the Department of Defense began encouraging review boards to give more weight to behavioral health conditions.
In 2017, the DoD issued guidance for discharge review boards to consider mental health conditions in upgrade applications:
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1292833/
The Path to Discharge Upgrades
Many veterans with OTH discharges may be eligible to upgrade their discharge status—particularly if their misconduct was related to mental health conditions or discrimination.
As of April 2024, the VA expanded access to benefits by changing its regulations around character of discharge determinations. This means some veterans with OTH discharges can now qualify for VA care if compelling circumstances existed at the time of separation.
Apply for a discharge upgrade or benefits determination:
https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/
Read the VA’s rule on discharge determinations (April 2024):
https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-rule-amending-regulations-discharge-determinations/
Consult with an experienced discharge upgrade lawyer:
https://MilitaryAdvocacy.com
Changing the Narrative: It’s Time to End the Stigma
Veterans with OTH discharges are not inherently dishonorable. Many served under extreme stress, dealt with invisible wounds, or faced systemic injustice. Instead of labeling these individuals, we should focus on providing compassion, context, and opportunity.
Ways to support:
- Educate others on the complexity of discharge statuses
- Encourage veterans to seek discharge upgrades
- Support employers who hire veterans regardless of discharge type
- Advocate for fair and trauma-informed review policies
Final Thoughts
The stigma surrounding an Other Than Honorable discharge can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By acknowledging the full story behind each discharge, society can better support veterans who have already sacrificed much. With new federal guidance and a more compassionate public, change is not only possible—it’s happening.
If you or someone you know is seeking support or a discharge review, start here:
https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/
https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell-Resources/