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Veteran Specific Resources 

Why We Created This Page

At Addiction Aid Network, we frequently encounter veterans who are struggling with homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or all three. Some served honorably and were discharged with full benefits. Others received Other Than Honorable (OTH), Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable discharges and often believe they have nowhere to turn for help.

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The reality is that many veterans face significant challenges after leaving military service. Untreated trauma, PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injuries, and substance use disorders can contribute to housing instability, unemployment, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

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We created this page to connect veterans and their families with emergency mental health resources, crisis services, treatment options, and information about discharge upgrades. We have also included a guide to help veterans determine whether they may have grounds to pursue a discharge upgrade. Many veterans who received less-than-honorable discharges were experiencing untreated mental health conditions, trauma, or substance use disorders at the time of their misconduct and may qualify for a review of their discharge status.

 

While not every discharge can be upgraded, many veterans are surprised to learn that they may have a stronger case than they realize. Our guide explains common eligibility factors, supporting evidence, and the steps involved in requesting a review.

 

No veteran should have to face a mental health crisis alone. Whether you are seeking treatment, housing assistance, crisis support, or information about your discharge status, we hope these resources help you take the next step forward.

Emergency Mental Health Services and Numbers

Veterans Crisis Line (24/7)
VA Mental Health Services​
Homeless Veteran Assistance Call: 877-424-3838
Emergency: Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if immediate safety is at risk.

Nonprofits That Help Veterans With Dishonorable Discharges

Common Ground USA
Veterans Healing Farm
The Mission Continues
Team Rubicon
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National Veteran Resource Directory

Military Veteran Project

Important Message for Veterans

A bad discharge does not define a veteran’s entire service.

 

Many veterans who now receive benefits, treatment, and housing assistance once had Other-Than-Honorable discharges that were later upgraded.

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Others have built stable lives through recovery programs, employment programs, and veteran nonprofits, even without VA eligibility.

 

Here are the “hidden” or lesser-known benefits and programs that some veterans with Other-Than-Honorable, Bad Conduct, or even certain Dishonorable discharges may still access. 

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1. Emergency VA Mental Health Treatment

Emergent Mental Health Care for Former Service Members​

 

2. Vet Center Counseling

Vet Centers

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3. HUD-Funded Homeless Veteran Programs

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4. State Veteran Assistance Programs

Virginia Department of Veterans Services

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5. Community Addiction Recovery Programs

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6. Nonprofit Service & Purpose Programs

 

7. VA Character of Discharge Review

VA Character of Discharge Determination

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Key Reality

Even with a less-than-honorable discharge, a veteran may still qualify for a variety of support services, including emergency mental health care, counseling through Vet Centers, housing and recovery programs, and nonprofit reintegration assistance.

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Military Discharge Upgrade Guide

Step 1: Obtain Your Records

Request the following:

  • DD Form 214 (DD214)

  • Military service records

  • Disciplinary records

Request records from:
https://www.archives.gov/veterans

 

Step 2: Determine Which Board Reviews Your Case

Discharge Review Board (DRB)

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Use if your discharge occurred within the last 15 years.

Required Form: DD Form 293

Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR)

Use if:

  • Your discharge is more than 15 years old

  • Your DRB request was denied

Required Form: DD Form 149

 

Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence

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Helpful evidence may include:

  • PTSD diagnosis

  • Depression or anxiety diagnosis

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) diagnosis

  • Substance Use Disorder diagnosis

  • VA medical records

  • Psychological evaluations

  • Buddy statements

  • Employment history

  • Character references

 

Step 4: Build Your Narrative

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A strong discharge upgrade request often follows this structure:

Military Service → Trauma → Untreated Mental Health Condition → Misconduct → Discharge

Then demonstrate:

Recovery → Stability → Rehabilitation

 

Step 5: Submit Your Application

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Include:

  • DD Form 293 or DD Form 149

  • Personal statement

  • Supporting evidence

  • Character references

 

Common Reasons Upgrades Are Approved

  • Untreated PTSD related to combat or trauma

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

  • Substance use as self-medication

  • Disproportionate punishment or command bias

 

Tips That Improve Success

  • Seek legal assistance

  • Obtain a psychological evaluation

  • Show evidence of rehabilitation

  • Provide a clear timeline of events

  • Acknowledge misconduct honestly

 

Quick Self-Assessment

Strong Upgrade Cases

You may have a strong case if you have:

  • Documented PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions

  • A documented TBI

  • Substance use connected to trauma or mental illness

  • Minor misconduct (short AWOL periods, behavioral issues, drug use without distribution)

  • Evidence of rehabilitation, such as:

    • Long-term sobriety

    • Steady employment

    • Education or training

    • Volunteer work

    • Ongoing treatment

 

Moderate Chance Cases

These cases often require stronger documentation:

  • Multiple AWOL incidents

  • Repeated disciplinary actions

  • Drug use combined with other misconduct

  • Discharge for a pattern of misconduct

 

Difficult Cases

Upgrades are less common for:

  • Drug distribution or trafficking

  • Violent assault

  • Weapons offenses

  • Serious criminal conduct

However, success is still possible when trauma is clearly documented or punishment was unusually harsh.

 

Cases Rarely Eligible for Upgrade

These cases generally require extraordinary circumstances:

  • Dishonorable discharge from a General Court-Martial

  • Murder or attempted murder convictions

  • Sexual assault convictions

  • Espionage or national security offenses

In these situations, veterans should focus on:

  • Recovery support

  • Employment programs

  • Community reintegration services

  • Nonprofit assistance

 

Signs You Should Apply Now

Consider filing immediately if:

  • Misconduct occurred after a traumatic deployment

  • Mental health symptoms were documented during service

  • You later received a VA diagnosis of PTSD or depression

  • You received an Other Than Honorable discharge related to drug use

 

Signs You Should Seek Legal Help First

Consider legal assistance before filing if:

  • There were multiple disciplinary incidents

  • The misconduct involved multiple violations

  • Your service record is complex

An experienced advocate can help frame your case and strengthen your application.

 

Important Reality

Review boards are not looking for perfect veterans.

They want evidence that:

  1. Something went wrong during military service.

  2. The misconduct had an underlying cause.

  3. The veteran has demonstrated growth and rehabilitation since discharge.

Many veterans discharged for misconduct were experiencing untreated trauma, PTSD, TBI, or other mental health conditions. Current Department of Defense guidance requires review boards to give liberal consideration to these factors, resulting in thousands of successful discharge upgrades.

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