Can you be a doctor with a dishonorable discharge?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 01, 2026
Did you receive an honorable discharge or a discharge under honorable circumstances? Note that a dishonorable or general discharge under other than honorable conditions will not necessarily disqualify you for acceptance or admission.
What can you not do with a dishonorable discharge?
When members of the military are dishonorably discharged, Vet Verify explains, they lose all veterans' benefits, and are forbidden from owning a firearm, working for the government and taking out bank loans. Often, they also lose the right to vote and accept federal assistance as a civilian.Does a dishonorable discharge affect you?
The consequences from a dishonorable discharge include:Lose VA benefits, Lose civilian rights, such as the right to bear arms, Disqualified from federal employment, May not qualify for civilian government benefits (unemployment, federal student loans, etc.).
Will a dishonorable discharge show?
Second, your Dishonorable Discharge will show up on any background checks that potential employers run on you. This may not disqualify you from finding employment, but many employers look at a Dishonorable Discharge in the same way that they look at a felony conviction.Can you join the military with a dishonorable discharge?
There are several types of discharges that can keep you from re-enlisting in the service, including a bad conduct discharge, an "other than honorable discharge" and a dishonorable discharge. On the other hand, if you received a general or honorable discharge, you may qualify for re-enlistment.Types of Army discharges
Is it hard to get a job with a dishonorable discharge?
While being dishonorably discharged may affect the chances of employment, it does not mean that one cannot gain employment. It may not be easy to find a job with a dishonorable discharge, veteran job finders can prevail.Can a dishonorable discharge be reversed?
Although a positive post-service history is not necessary to succeed, it's important if you're trying to upgrade a punitive discharge—a Bad Conduct, Dishonorable, or other discharge imposed after a court-martial. The only basis for upgrading a punitive discharge is clemency.What is worse than a dishonorable discharge?
Other Than Honorable (OTH) DischargeAn other-than-honorable discharge is the most-severe administrative discharge a service member can receive. Security violations, trouble with civilian authorities, assault, drug use or possession and other problems can motivate an OTH discharge.