An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge is a serious administrative separation from the U.S. military issued when a service member’s conduct or performance falls significantly below the standards expected by their branch of service.
This type of discharge falls between a General Discharge and a Dishonorable Discharge in terms of severity.
While it is not a punitive discharge issued by court-martial, it can still have major long-term consequences for veterans.
Not sure how this discharge compares to others? See our full guide to types of military discharge to understand every classification and how they affect benefits and civilian opportunities.
Below we explain what an Other Than Honorable discharge means, the most common reasons service members receive one, and how it can affect VA benefits, employment opportunities, and life after military service.
1. What is an Other Than Honorable Discharge?
An Other Than Honorable Discharge (OTH) falls into the category of an undesirable discharge.
This sort of discharge is considered an administrative discharge initiated by your command.
Often, an OTH is referred to as a ‘bad paper’, and this category of discharge has a lasting impact on a service member.
Typically, this character of discharge is an indication of behavior problems while in service that is not compatible with the military.
Also, this pattern of behavior proved to persist even after redirection from a superior.
2. Other Than Honorable vs. Honorable Discharge
An Honorable discharge means you fulfilled your contract, or obligation, to the service, and you may go back into the civilian world with all the benefits afforded veterans.
An Honorable discharge is the most common discharge.
On the other hand, an Other Than Honorable discharge means your behavior got in the way of fulfilling your obligation to the Armed Forces. In this case, there is no recognition of your service.
3. Reasons for an Other Than Honorable Discharge
Often, a service member receives an OTH discharge because of a conviction in a civilian court that concludes with prison confinement.
Another possibility is the members are found guilty of adultery in a civilian court. In this case, it will not lead to prison time, but it could lead to an OTH discharge.
Also, security violations in the military are one reason for a discharge, as is the use of violence.
Often, a service member accepts the discharge instead of facing a court-martial or other punitive consequence for behavior that poorly reflects the military and its values.
4. OTH Discharge Consequences
An Other Than Honorable discharge can have significant long-term consequences for veterans.
Because the discharge reflects serious misconduct or failure to meet military standards, many benefits normally available to veterans may be restricted.
In many cases, veterans with an OTH discharge lose eligibility for most Department of Veterans Affairs programs, including education benefits under the GI Bill and many healthcare services.
However, the VA may still review individual cases to determine whether certain benefits can be granted based on the circumstances of the service.
An OTH discharge may also affect employment opportunities.
Some government positions, security-related jobs, and law enforcement roles require applicants to provide a copy of their DD-214 discharge paperwork.
Employers may review the discharge characterization as part of the hiring process.
In addition, enlistment bonuses, reenlistment eligibility, and certain military retirement benefits may be forfeited depending on the reason for separation.
5. Can an Other Than Honorable Discharge Be Upgraded?
In some cases, veterans who receive an Other Than Honorable discharge may apply to have their discharge upgraded.
This process usually involves submitting a request to a military Discharge Review Board or a Board for Correction of Military Records.
To qualify for an upgrade, the applicant must typically demonstrate that the discharge was either improper or inequitable.
This often requires supporting documentation such as service records, character references, medical records, or evidence that mitigating circumstances existed during the period of service.
For example, some veterans successfully pursue upgrades after showing that untreated mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries, contributed to the behavior that led to their discharge.
While upgrades are possible, approval rates are relatively low and the review boards require strong evidence.
Veterans considering this option often seek assistance from veterans’ advocacy organizations or legal professionals who specialize in military discharge review cases.
Related Article – Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)
What People Get Wrong About Other Than Honorable Discharge
Many service members believe an Other Than Honorable discharge is basically the same as a General discharge. In reality it is significantly worse.
It carries the stigma of misconduct and makes you ineligible for most VA benefits including healthcare, GI Bill, and disability compensation.
A General discharge usually preserves those benefits while an OTH does not.
Another widespread myth is that an OTH only happens after a court martial. Most OTH discharges are administrative separations for patterns of misconduct, drug use, or repeated minor offenses.
You do not have to be convicted at court martial to receive one.
Some veterans assume they can easily upgrade an OTH discharge later. In practice upgrades are difficult and success rates are low.
You must show the discharge was unjust or the punishment was too harsh, and the boards are very strict.
Many people think that once you receive an OTH you lose all military benefits immediately.
You do keep some things such as earned retirement points and certain education benefits earned before the discharge.
However the vast majority of VA programs become unavailable.
A frequent error is believing that an OTH will not show up on background checks. It does appear on most employment and security clearance checks and can seriously limit job opportunities, especially in law enforcement, government, and security related fields.
Finally some service members think that fighting an OTH is pointless.
In many cases submitting a strong package with supporting statements and evidence to the Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records can result in an upgrade or at least a change in the narrative reason.
Understanding these realities helps service members avoid actions that lead to an OTH and gives those who receive one the best chance to mitigate the long term damage in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Other Than Honorable Discharge
We address commonly asked questions below.
6. How Bad Is an OTH Discharge?
An Other Than Honorable Discharge is referred to as ‘bad paper,’ and having the OTH discharge listed on your DD 214 has a lasting impression on the service member’s life.
The OTH is not as bad as a punitive discharge, but service members note life-long challenges based on the distinction.
7. Can You Get a Government Job with an OTH Discharge?
Federal jobs require an Honorable discharge to qualify for employment.
Therefore, an OTH will bar you from federal employment.
8. Are There Any Benefits to an OTH Discharge?
Not only is there no upside to having an OTH discharge on your service record, but you also lose your VA benefits, as well.
9. Can an OTH Discharge Be Upgraded?
Yes, service members can apply for consideration for an upgrade with the Discharge Review Board.
If the Discharge Review Board agrees there are compelling reasons to explain the discharge, the board will upgrade the discharge.
Also, there is another avenue to receive some, but not all, benefits through the VA without going through a review board.
This avenue does not change the discharges status, though.
The VA determines benefits on a case-by-case basis and may agree a service member deserves some benefits even with a OTH discharge.
10. Does an OTH Discharge Show up on a Background Check?
A OTH discharge will not show up on a regular background check.
However, if you try to return to the military, seek out federal employment, or need to apply for a security clearance, you will have your OTH discharge show up on a check.
10. Can I Get a VA Loan with an OTH Discharge?
Yes and No. If the Other Than Honorable discharge didn’t occur during your first term, then you were once honorably discharged and could qualify for a VA loan. However, if the OTH discharge in fact DID occur during your first term, than you would not be eligible.
11. Can You Reenlist After an Other Than Honorable Discharge?
Reenlistment after receiving an Other Than Honorable discharge is extremely difficult and rarely approved.
In most cases, the reenlistment code listed on the veteran’s DD-214 will prevent returning to military service.
Some applicants may attempt to reenlist with a waiver, but approval is uncommon and depends heavily on the circumstances of the original separation.
Related Article – General Discharge: 10 Things You (probably) Didn’t Know
Other Types of Military Discharge
- Honorable Discharge
- General Discharge
- Bad Conduct Discharge
- Dishonorable Discharge
- Hardship Discharge
Conclusion
When a service member separates from the service, they receive paperwork that indicates the character of their discharge.
In some cases, a service member receives an Other Than Honorable Discharge.
Often, the OTH discharge follows a conviction in a civilian court, especially if that conviction leads to time incarcerated.
Also, security violations and repeated episodes of violence lead to an OTH discharge.
In many cases, veterans with an OTH discharge lose eligibility for most VA benefits, although the Department of Veterans Affairs may review certain cases individually to determine whether limited benefits can still be granted.
There are other long term consequences, as well.
For instance, rejoining the military or obtaining a job with a security clearance is impossible.
References:
See Also:
Honorable Discharge: 8 Things You Might Not Know
How To Check If Someone Was In The Military
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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Your information is inaccurate. If the OTH discharge didn’t occur during your first term. Then you were once honorably discharged and therefore can qualify for a VA loan.
Got it fixed, thanks Jon.
Got an OTH discharge from the NAVY over a failed drug test in 1993. I was young and dumb as we all once were and popped on a drug test after leaving Panama. Got sent home and I put it all behind me and got married had kids and worked my ass off taking care of them. Tried a few years ago to have it changed to honorable and they said I wait to long to apply. Don’t drank or use drugs anymore I am a God fearing man, active member of society, beautiful family great job but got a OTH on my record. I guess life sometimes is not fair but God always is.