section b. statutory barto benefitsand characterof（b部分法定barto benefitsand总结）（39页）.docVIP

Statutory Bar to Benefits and Character of Discharge (COD) Overview In this Section This section contains the following topics: Topic Topic Name See Page 5 Character of Discharge (COD) Determinations 1-B-2 6 Statutory Bar to Benefits 1-B-12 7 Discharges Considered to be Issued Under Other Than Honorable (OTH) Conditions 1-B-15 8 COD Determinations and Healthcare 1-B-17 9 Conditional Discharges and Uncharacterized Discharges 1-B-20 10 Clemency, Upgraded, and Discharge Review Board (DRB) Discharges 1-B-29 11 Processing DRB Decisions 1-B-35 5. Character of Discharge (COD) Determinations Introduction This topic contains general information on character of discharge determinations, including character of discharge (COD) requirement for benefit eligibility when COD is binding on VA formal findings required for other than honorable discharges when it is not necessary to make a COD determination responsibility for development of evidence responsibility for COD determinations overview of COD determination process requesting facts and circumstances sufficient facts and circumstances for a COD determination insufficient facts and circumstances for a COD determination, and COD determination template Change Date February 27, 2012 a. COD Requirement for Benefit Eligibility A Veteran’s character of discharge (COD) must be under other than dishonorable conditions to establish eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits based on that individual’s military service. A dishonorable discharge or a statutory bar deprives a claimant of all VA benefits. Exception: A dishonorable discharge or statutory bar is not binding on VA if it is determined that the individual was insane when committing the acts which resulted in the discharge. Note: A COD under other than honorable (OTH) conditions is not the same as dishonorable and does not deprive the claimant of all benefits. References: For more information on conditions o