U.S. GAO - DOD Health: Actions Needed to Ensure Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Are Considered in Misc
PTSD and traumatic brain injury can affect the behavior of servicemembers in the Armed forces and may lead to separations for misconduct. We examined misconduct separations and found that servicemembers diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or certain other conditions can receive an “other than honorable” discharge—making them potentially ineligible for VA health benefits.
However, not all of the military services have consistent policies in place to address the impact of these disorders on misconduct separations. We recommended that DOD direct the military services to address inconsistencies in their separation policies.