dishonorable discharge effect on benefits

[damnclassybroad]

What is the name of your state? AZ I know someone who was in the military but was discharged for a dirty ua that was 30 years ago. Does he have medical VA benefits? He is sick.

 

[fozzy2]

First, did he actually get a "dishonorable" discharge, which is normally only give after a court martial? Or did he get some other type of discharge that was simply short of "honorable"?

Second, he should contact the VA at any rate. There are a lot of exceptions, and they are generally more permissive about health care than most other benefits. People can often qualify more than one way (for example, IIRC completing a prior enlistment with good character of service). The worst they can do is say "no".

 

[Help34Friend]

Fozzy's right, DCB

You should contact the Veterans Administration about your friend's possible benefits--regardless of his status.

Check out their Website: http://www.va.gov

When you go there, look for info on your local VA Regional Office; they should have an "800" number to call for info. They would need to be able to look up your friend's records via his Social Security number, so he should be present when you make the call--it's best that he give that info to them himself, thanks to the rise in Identity Theft cases.

Regardless of the outcome, it's definitely worth a shot--he may have benefits he never even knew existed.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Eligibility for most veterans’ health care benefits is based solely on active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during WW II), and discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty by a
Federal Executive Order may qualify for VA health care benefits. Returning service members, including Reservists and National Guard members who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations have special eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for two years following discharge from active duty.

Health Care eligibility is not just for those who served in combat. Other groups may be eligible for some health benefits. Veteran’s health care is not just for service-connected injuries or medical conditions.

Here is the link to get him started on eligibility.
http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/eligibility/determining_eligibility.asp