How an Other Than Honorable Discharge Can Impact Your Career and Why a Discharge Upgrade is Worth Pursuing
Leaving the military with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge can have severe consequences on your civilian career and benefits. Whether you’re seeking employment, applying for federal benefits, or hoping to re-enlist, your discharge status can create significant obstacles. Fortunately, many service members may be eligible for an upgrade through the Discharge Review Board (DRB), and working with an experienced discharge upgrade attorney can significantly improve your chances of success.
How an Other Than Honorable Discharge Affects Your Career
An OTH discharge is more serious than a general discharge and can carry long-term consequences, including:
- Loss of VA Benefits – An OTH discharge often disqualifies veterans from most VA benefits, including healthcare, education assistance, and disability compensation. You can check your eligibility through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Difficulty Finding Employment – Many employers, especially those in government or security-related industries, prefer candidates with honorable discharges. Background checks may reveal an OTH discharge, making it harder to secure jobs that require security clearances.
- Re-Enlistment Challenges – If you plan to return to military service, an OTH discharge significantly reduces your chances of being allowed to re-enlist, as each branch has strict policies regarding prior service members with adverse discharges.
- Firearm and Licensing Restrictions – Certain professions requiring state or federal licenses may disqualify individuals with an OTH discharge, and firearm ownership rights can also be affected.
Why You Should Apply for a Discharge Upgrade
The Discharge Review Board (DRB) allows veterans to request a review of their discharge status if they believe it was unjust, erroneous, or the result of mitigating factors such as PTSD, TBI, or other service-related conditions. The process involves submitting evidence, documentation, and sometimes appearing before the board to present your case.
Applying for a discharge upgrade can:
- Restore eligibility for full VA benefits
- Improve job prospects by removing discharge-related employment barriers
- Increase your chances of obtaining security clearances and professional licenses
- Help reinstate firearm rights where applicable
To learn more about the DRB process, visit the official site for the Department of Defense Discharge Review Boards.
The Benefits of Hiring a Discharge Upgrade Lawyer
While you can apply for a discharge upgrade on your own, the process is complex and requires a well-documented legal argument. That’s where an experienced discharge upgrade attorney can help.
A military lawyer specializing in discharge upgrades can:
- Assess Your Case – A discharge upgrade lawyer can review your records and determine if you have a strong case for an upgrade.
- Gather Compelling Evidence – They can obtain service records, medical reports, and witness statements to strengthen your appeal.
- Prepare Legal Arguments – Experienced attorneys understand how to present your case effectively to the board, increasing your chances of approval.
- Represent You in Hearings – If your case requires a personal appearance, a lawyer can advocate on your behalf before the board.
Take Action Today
If your military discharge is preventing you from accessing the benefits and opportunities you deserve, don’t wait. The sooner you begin the process, the better your chances of success. Consulting a knowledgeable discharge upgrade attorney can make all the difference in securing an honorable discharge and improving your future.
For more information on filing a discharge upgrade request, visit the National Archives’ guide to military discharge upgrades.