Review the Published Discharge and Service Requirements
Read how 38 U.S.C. 1110, 1131, 5303 and 38 CFR 3.12 describe the service and discharge requirements.
Identify Your Potential Filing Pathway
VA determines eligibility under Title 38 of the United States Code. Select the service timing option that matches your current military or veteran status to review applicable filing routes.
Character of Discharge Educational Guide
Title 38 U.S.C. § 101(2) generally requires service under conditions other than dishonorable. Discharge status selections below are educational and remain ephemeral in your browser tab. They are not saved to persistent storage.
Step 1 Action Checklist:
Review these statutory service requirements before beginning your formal application. Selections remain ephemeral in this browser session.
Verify you served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training with a documented in-service medical event.
Service must generally be under conditions other than dishonorable for compensation entitlement under 38 U.S.C. § 101(2). Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharges may qualify through a VA Character of Discharge review under 38 CFR § 3.12 or a military service department upgrade.
Compensation requires a current physical or mental disability or functional impairment, supported by appropriate medical or lay evidence depending on the claim, resulting from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during military service.
Non-Decisional Educational Analysis
This roadmap provides educational analysis based on published Title 38 CFR regulations. RatingScope does not adjudicate claims, assign disability ratings, or guarantee benefits. Official disability ratings and decisions are determined exclusively by the Department of Veterans Affairs.