Title 38 — Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-73not60
§5303B Character of Service Determinations
Title 38 › Part IV— GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS › Chapter 53— SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO BENEFITS › § 5303B
Summary
The Secretary must create a process so a person who served in the Armed Forces and was discharged or dismissed can ask whether that discharge stops them from getting benefits tied to that period of service. If the Secretary finds the discharge does block benefits, the Secretary must give the person information on how to challenge or fix it, including options under section 5303 and chapter 79 of title 10.
Full Legal Text
Title 38, §5303B
Veterans' Benefits — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)The Secretary shall establish a process by which an individual who served in the Armed Forces and was discharged or dismissed therefrom may seek a determination from the Secretary with respect to whether such discharge or release was under a condition that bars the right of such individual to a benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary based upon the period of service from which discharged or dismissed.
(b)If the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that an individual is barred to a benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall provide to such individual information regarding the ability of the individual to address such condition, including pursuant to section 5303 of this title and chapter 79 of title 10.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
38 U.S.C. § 5303B
Title 38 — Veterans' Benefits
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60