Military discharge is an act of relieving a service member’s responsibility to serve or fulfill their duties as an army personnel. Most of these discharge status falls under the category of either honorable, which signifies the service member’s fulfillments of their duty, or dishonorable, which are results of bad conduct or behavior.
Dishonorable discharge can lead to the disqualification of a service member in receiving their veterans claims assistance and benefits. Whereas honorable discharge is the qualifying discharge process to approve veterans compensation.
Military medical discharge is another discharge process that is the result of illness or injuries making military duties impossible to fulfill. One of the common misconceptions about medical discharge is it also disqualifies the service member of their benefits.
When you go to our VA claims page we conduct a thorough evidence review of your medical records, to which we explore military medical discharge benefits for veterans. In short, it is possible for you to claim your benefits if you are medically discharged, and rumors about it that claim you cannot receive any benefits from it are not true.
Understanding Medical Discharge from the Military: Reasons and Process
Military medical discharge reasons stem either from service-related injuries that you may have sustained during your active line of duty or some pre-existing medical conditions you have before joining the military after medical discharge.
The process for determining requires various evaluations and reviews. Here is its overview
Medical Evaluation
Medical professionals in the military field conduct these evaluations which includes the assessment of how severe and impactful the said medical condition or injury is on the service member’s capacity to perform their service duties.
Medical Board Review
Following the service member’s medical evaluation, the injury or medical condition is then submitted to the medical board that determines if the individual meets the standards to continue their service or if they should proceed with the medical discharge.
Determination of Fitness
The medical board then reviews the medical records of the service member. These records involve diagnostic tests, reports of treatments and assessments from healthcare providers. It is at this stage where they gauge the service member’s ability in continuing their military duties.
Discharge Decision
The medical board then makes a decision based on their findings. This decision will either retain the service member or proceed with a medical discharge.
Transition Assistance
Once the medical decision is finalized, the service member will undergo an Army Transition Assistance Program (TAP). It is an assistance for military discharge for veterans to help them navigate the process. They offer counseling, employment and educational workshops including seminars and access to healthcare.
Eligibility for Medical Discharge Benefits: Criteria and Requirements
Determining your eligibility for medical discharge benefits may vary depending on factors such as the nature of the medical injury and the length of your military service. The general criteria and requirements are as follows:
Medical Evaluation
Undergoing a thorough medical evaluation helps understand the impact of the medical ailment or injury on their capability to perform any military duties.
Suppose the medical evaluation confirms that the service member has an injury or illness that makes them unfit to continue their military service that cannot be resolved. In that case, they will proceed with evaluating military medical standards.
Military Medical Standards
To be eligible for the medical discharge benefits, the service member must fail to meet the medical standards required to continue their military service. These standards may include their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Documentation
These primarily involve medical records, diagnostic tests, treatment reports, and assessments from healthcare providers. Failure to provide proper documentation of their medical condition or injury may result in a disqualification since they have no records of their ailments.
Length of Service
Your time in service can impact your eligibility to receive your VA claims assistance.
Characterization of Discharge
Honorable and medical discharge are more favorable in terms of benefits than dishonorable discharge.
Types of Medical Discharge: Exploring the Various Categories
Basic eligibility for VA benefits is determined by the type of military service completed, the length of service, and the nature of release or separation.
The “character of discharge” is considered by VA when determining whether a person meets the necessary eligibility conditions for receiving VA benefits under Title 38 of the United States Code.
Any honorable discharge meets the character of discharge requirement for basic eligibility for VA benefits. Particular discharges preclude an individual from being eligible for primary VA benefits.
Other types of discharge necessitate a character of discharge determination by the VA to determine basic eligibility for VA benefits.
General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions
It is granted when the service member’s overall performance and conduct are within satisfactory performance but may not fulfill the high standards required for an actual honorable discharge. It allows access to certain benefits but may have limitations compared to an honorable discharge.
Other-Than-Honorable Discharge (OTH)
It is given when the service member has committed misconduct or has been found guilty of offenses that are not severe enough to warrant a dishonorable discharge but still reflect negatively on their service. An OTH discharge may result from drug abuse, repeated misconduct, or insubordination. It carries significant consequences and can limit access to benefits and employment opportunities.
Disability Discharge:
It is also known as medical retirement, which enables a service member to obtain compensation that receives injuries or medical ailments that renders them permanently unfit for military service.
Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL):
Service members with a medical condition expected to improve over time may be placed on the TDRL. It gives the service member medical treatment and benefits while undergoing evaluation and rehabilitation. After the specified period, the condition undergoes re-evaluation, determining their permanent retirement or return to active duty.
Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL):
It pertains to the medical condition or injury of a service member deemed permanent, which deters them from continuing their military service.
Here at J4V, we understand that there are some medical circumstances that may leave you with some disability that renders you unfit to undergo your military duties. And itshould not be a hindrance in receiving your VA benefits. You may visit our website or contact us at [email protected] or schedule a strategy call.
Read related article: Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)