Can I get VA benefits with an uncharacterized discharge?

In addition, an Uncharacterized discharge (due to Entry-Level Separation) is generally also eligible for benefits without review. Service members receiving a bad conduct discharge by a general court-martial or a dishonorable discharge are legally barred from receiving veterans’ benefits.

Can an uncharacterized discharge be upgraded?

Soldiers discharged under Other Than Honorable conditions after 1 October 1982 while in entry level status (less than 6 months service) may request upgrade to an uncharacterized discharge. To do this, write in block 3c “Change to Entry Level Separation”.

What does uncategorized discharge mean?

Entry level separations, or uncharacterized discharge, are given to individuals who separate prior to completing 180 days of military service, or when discharge action was initiated prior to 180 days of service. This type of discharge does not attempt to characterize service as good or bad.

What happens if you can’t pass basic training?

If a recruit has been recycled and still cannot pass the assessment, then they will be given an Entry-Level Separation (ELS). An ELS is given at the leadership’s discretion. Processing an ELS can take weeks or months, and those awaiting processing are usually given some form of manual labor to pass the time.

How do you get an honorable discharge early?

Early Release for Education Department of Defense Directives allow a military member to be discharged early to pursue their education if they are within 90 days of their normal separation date. Sometimes a service will approve an educational discharge request of more than 90 days.

How hard is it to fail basic training?

​Yes, it is possible to fail basic training. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.