Can a soldier who receives a bad conduct discharge claim Veteran status?

SSG Gordon Hill — Sat, 04 May 2019 20:09:55 -0400

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 5 at 2019 11:53 AM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sun, 05 May 2019 11:53:29 -0400

Sure, but doesn't mean they are right, or meet the legal definition established by the VA

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made May 5 at 2019 12:22 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sun, 05 May 2019 12:22:49 -0400

Yes, unfit to serve with some VA benifits.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2019 6:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 May 2019 18:13:07 -0400

IMHO, no. Legally, yes on a technical basis. Based on the VA standards....that is a case by case basis. But a BCD involves criminal activity/charges and a conviction at court martial. So, again, IMHO, someone with a BCD should not be allowed to claim the status of Veteran.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 7 at 2019 10:13 AM

1SG Eddie Smith — Tue, 07 May 2019 10:13:49 -0400

What exactly do you mean by claiming Veteran status? If you are discharged from military service, then you are now a Veteran of the U.S. Military. How would your type of discharge change that fact.

If you are referring to eligibility for VA Benefits, then the type of discharge is a factor. Most VA Benefits requires a type of discharge of other than dishonorable. Education benefit is the only VA benefit that requires an honorable discharge, Veterans Preference requires an honorable or general under honorable conditions type of discharge, all other VA Benefits and Services requires an other than dishonorable type of discharge.

Response by Sgt David E. Daviston made May 9 at 2019 12:45 AM

Sgt David E. Daviston — Thu, 09 May 2019 00:45:02 -0400

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