Less-Than-Honorable Discharge? How You Might Still Qualify for Life-Changing VA Benefits

Okay, so you served in the military, and maybe your discharge isn’t exactly “honorable.” You’re probably wondering if that means you’re out of luck when it comes to VA benefits like Chapter 31, which helps vets get job training and support.

The good news? It’s not that simple, and you might still have a shot.

What Is Chapter 31?

First off, Chapter 31 is a VA program that helps veterans with service-related disabilities find and keep good jobs. They offer things like training, education, career counseling—basically, support to get you back on your feet and working.

To qualify, you usually need:

• A disability rating from the VA of at least 10%, and

• A discharge that isn’t dishonorable.

So yeah, your discharge status matters—but it’s not all or nothing.

What Counts as “Less-Than-Honorable”?

Discharges come in a few flavors:

• Honorable (the best kind)

• General under honorable conditions

• Other than honorable (OTH)

• Bad conduct

• Dishonorable (the worst kind)

If your discharge isn’t dishonorable, you’re still in the running. The VA will take a closer look, especially if it’s OTH or general. It doesn’t automatically shut the door on benefits.

Can You Still Get Chapter 31 Benefits?

Short answer: yes, probably.

The VA has gotten more flexible lately—especially since 2024—and is willing to approve benefits for vets with less-than-honorable discharges if there are good reasons behind it.

You do still need to have at least a 10% service-connected disability rating. So it’s not a free pass, but it’s definitely not impossible.

What Should You Do?

1. Apply anyway. Don’t assume you’re disqualified. The VA will review your case and discharge status once you apply.

2. Think about a discharge upgrade. If your discharge is holding you back, you can try to get it upgraded through the military. It’s a bit of a process, but it can really help.

3. Gather your papers. If there were things like medical issues or tough circumstances that led to your discharge, get those documents ready. It helps your case.

4. Talk to a VA counselor. They’re there to help you understand your options and guide you through everything.

Why This Matters Now

The VA has updated its rules recently to be more understanding about discharges that aren’t perfectly “honorable.” So if you tried before and got turned down, it might be worth trying again.

A less-than-honorable discharge isn’t an automatic “no” for Chapter 31 benefits. You’ve got a shot if you apply, get your case reviewed, and get some help if you need it. The VA’s goal is to help vets get back to work, and they know that sometimes life gets complicated.

If you want help putting together an application or talking to a counselor, just ask. I’m here to help.