Answer to Question #186848 in English for Lindsay m Smith

Question

Getting a dishonorable discharge from the military is sort of akin to being convicted of a felony. It shows up on a background check and can disqualify someone from particular jobs as well. It also prevents the individual from accessing VA benefits.

 

Do you think there should be more options for men and women who have left the military under less-than-ideal circumstances to be able to clear their record and have a better chance to support themselves and their families?

Answer 1

VA regulations and policies ought to be reformed to ensure that veterans with a less-than-honorable discharge are entitled to fair consideration regarding VA benefits and employment by legally and morally looking at the circumstances behind their less-than-honorable discharges. Denying the individuals VA benefits besides disqualifying them from particular employment opportunities aggregates their underlying untreated mental and psychological issues due to the lack of access to such resources. As such, there are more predisposed to suffer from other adverse conditions like drug abuse, unemployment, homelessness and suicidal thoughts despite dedicating themselves to the service and withstanding all the stress that comes with their responsibilities.