The way a veteran’s service is characterized through the formal military discharge process can significantly impact their life. Most are discharged as “honorable,” which entitles them to veterans benefits and services due to their satisfactory service to the country.

Yet in the past two decades, those leaving service with an “other than honorable” (OTH) designation is rising. These veterans have limited to no access to veterans benefits in the years following their service. Many who receive OTH issuances are from minority groups. Some sustain service-related injuries and are prone to mental health challenges and substance use problems. They are also at increased risk of homelessness and suicide.

A panel of experts will discuss what we know about veterans who leave military service under OTH conditions and offer recommendations to improve the process of discharge characterization. They will discuss what this type of discharge means for veterans and their families, why and in what context veterans leave the military with an OTH discharge, and considerations for policy changes that would expand benefits for certain veterans in this group.

This webinar is part of a series of events organized by the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute to explore pressing policy challenges affecting veterans, their families, and their communities.

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