Is there a difference between an administrative discharge, OTH discharge & an honorable discharge & do the different labels affect benefits?

2016-09-04T00:11:17-04:00

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Sep 4 at 2016 12:55 AM

2016-09-04T00:55:52-04:00

Quick answer is yes and yes.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 4 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-09-04T12:02:49-04:00

Yes. Depends on service branch but it is all based on the federal law. Recommend you look at AR635-200 Enlisted Separations. It cites the federal law in the opening paragraph. Each branch has its equivalent of AR635-200, so if it is not in reference to a soldier, look for enlisted separations for that branch. Officers are different all together because their establishment in the federal system is a different federal law. I directly quote AR635-200 Paragraph 3-6 based on your initial question below. Chapter three has probably what your looking for. Key terms: characterization of service; administrative separation; honorable; other than honorable (OTH); chapters following chapter 3 are the subject areas for specific "chapters" i.e. Separation vehicles for enlisted soldiers.

3–6. Separation as it affects the Soldier
a. Both honorable and general discharges entitle a Soldier to full Federal rights and benefits provided by law.
b. Discharge under other than honorable conditions may or may not deprive the Soldier of veterans’ benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs; a determination by that agency is required in each case.

There are unusual things called an uncharacterized discharges. All in that AR.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2016 1:36 AM

2016-09-06T01:36:22-04:00

One gets an Administrative Separation, not an Administrative Discharge. There is an Honorable Discharge, a General Discharge (usually called a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions), a Other Than Honorable Conditions Discharge, a Bad Conduct Discharge, and a Dishonorable Discharge. There is a final type of discharge referred to as an Entry Level Separation. This will occur only during the first six months of an enlistment. It is neither good nor bad, but is usually for medical reasons or some personal or personnel issue. Anything from a Other Than Honorable Conditions Discharge and after, and benefits, VA Eligibility, even owning or possessing a firearm are, depending upon the type of discharge, unavailable and not subject to reversal. Even the ELS is likely to result in no veterans' benefits since the separation took place writhin 180 days of entry into the military.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 25 at 2018 5:32 PM

2018-06-25T17:32:22-04:00

in one word-YES.