Have you, or someone you know, been looked down on for having a "General (honorable conditions)" discharge instead of a "Honorable" one?

2023-02-12T10:39:40-05:00

OK, I did re-up, then suffered what would be, today, from PTSD. In 1979, the only American Psychiatric Association had a gap from "Combat-Fatigue" to codifying PTSD, so Army psychiatrists only had "depression" to work with.
The US Army or agents of it, effectively caused the issue, no matter what label is hung on it, but of more shame should be that the VA doesn't easily review those diagnoses, shortchanging many individuals, because there are differences, especially as civilians look at "UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS", even such Veterans that have become elected Officials. (I was denied a "service medal ,"from Governor Rick Scott, because the Marion County Human Resources Director was so well educated that she said that mine was not the same as "HONORABLE".
More importantly, I appear to have been "dissed" by Senator Rick Scott (FL's Jr. Sen.), when I brought up this disrespectful treatment and his people (or he did) ignored my request(s) for many missed honors.
BTW, I have to thank Senator Marco Rubio for asking the VA to better review my Army stressor-caused "depression".
I detest that anyone's better than "GENERAL" discharge is, "Uh-h-h...'ed", when we, ourselves didn't cause the problems anymore than any PTSD sufferer did with theirs.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 12 at 2023 10:42 AM

2023-02-12T10:42:07-05:00

There is still a lot of prejudice out there, to me, anyone who served during Vietnam and completed that service properly deserves a medal...so many ducked and ran for cover up north...

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 12 at 2023 10:51 AM

2023-02-12T10:51:46-05:00

First thing on the VA, if you served an enlistment that would be considered Honorable, the VA should be considering you Honorably discharged. The only thing that should be effected today is GI Bill, which had different rules back then anyway.
Have you considered applying for a discharge upgrade. I would think that would be an easy fix if you can produce a diagnosis of PTSD, even if it is from a civilian doctor.

Response by COL Randall C. made Feb 12 at 2023 11:00 AM

2023-02-12T11:00:16-05:00

PFC Edgar Mosier, I'm sorry for the difficulties you're facing.

DoD recognized the situation you are describing back in 2014 and the SECDEF issued guidance to all the Military Department Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NR). He instructed them to give a 'very liberal' determination to those veterans applying for an upgrade whose characterization of discharge and who assert that they suffered PTSD and/or sexual assault or sexual harassment trauma that they believe mitigated the misconduct that led to the discharge.

Specific to you, you can apply though an easy interface on the VA's website* (instead of going though the Army Board for Correction of Military Records).

Additionally, if you need legal representation regarding the upgrade, DAV sponsors the Veterans Consortium* that provides free legal representation to Other Than Honorable discharges that fall into this category. I don't know if they would handle a General upgrade that is in the category, but you can always contact them to find out more information.
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* SECDEF Policy Memo (2014) - https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/documents/SECDEF%20Guidance%20to%20BCMRs%20re%20Vets%20Claiming%20PTSD.pdf
* VA Discharge Upgrade website - https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/
* Veterans Consortium - https://www.vetsprobono.org/helpavet/item.9816-Discharge_Upgrade_Program_Sponsored_by_DAV_Charitable_Service_Trust

SECDEF%2520Guidance%2520to%2520BCMRs%2520re%2520Vets%2520Claiming%2520PTSD.pdf

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2023 11:12 AM

2023-02-12T11:12:10-05:00

Personally, I look at the reason why the person got a General instead of an Honorable.

Response by PFC Joshua Padilla made Oct 18 at 2023 7:24 PM

2023-10-18T19:24:32-04:00

Yes, I get it all the time. I don't much care for others comments tho