Find out if you may qualify for VA benefits — and which path fits your situation.
Question 1 of 10
Your answers stay on your device unless you choose to share them.
Question 1 of 10
What type of discharge do you have?
Check your DD-214, Box 24 (Character of Service).
✅
Good news — your discharge doesn't limit your VA benefits.
With an Honorable discharge, you have access to the full range of VA benefits including disability compensation, healthcare, the GI Bill, and home loan eligibility. Our main claim tool can help you figure out what you're owed and file for it.
Most VA benefits are barred — but limited paths may exist.
A Dishonorable discharge bars most VA benefits under federal law. This is the most restrictive category. However, limited exceptions exist in specific circumstances.
Possible limited paths:
VA emergency healthcare for service-connected conditions
Mental health treatment (certain crisis services)
Discharge upgrade via DoD Discharge Review Board (long process, but possible)
If your discharge resulted from PTSD, TBI, or MST, you may have grounds for an upgrade
A free case review with a VA-accredited attorney can tell you whether any path applies to your specific circumstances.
⚠️ Not legal advice. Consult a VA-accredited attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
📄
You can request your DD-214 for free — here's how.
Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the key document for everything that follows. You can request it for free through the National Archives.
How to get your DD-214:
Go to milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil (fastest, online)
Or submit SF-180 to the National Personnel Records Center
Or call 1-866-272-6272 (NPRC)
Online requests typically arrive within 1–3 business days. Mail requests: 10–30 days.
Once you have it, come back and continue the quiz. Or — if you already know your discharge is less than Honorable — you can continue now.
Question 2 of 10
When were you discharged from the military?
Approximate era is fine if you don't remember the exact year.
Question 3 of 10
What was the stated reason for your discharge?
Select all that apply
Question 4 of 10
Were you ever diagnosed with any of the following — during service or after?
Select all that apply
Question 5 of 10
Did you experience any of the following during your service?
Confidential — used only for eligibility logic. Your answers don't leave this page.
Select all that apply
Question 6 of 10
Have you ever applied for VA benefits before?
Question 7 of 10
Have you ever requested a discharge upgrade or Character of Discharge review?
Question 8 of 10
How long has it been since your discharge?
This determines which DoD upgrade form applies to your situation.
Question 9 of 10
What's most important to you right now?
Question 10 of 10
What state do you currently live in?
Used to match you with local legal clinics and state-specific veteran benefits.
⚠️ Not legal advice. This quiz provides general information only and does not constitute legal counsel. For advice specific to your situation, consult a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent. Eligibility determinations are made solely by the VA on a case-by-case basis.