New VA Character of Discharge Regulation: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing a new regulation pertaining to character of discharge determinations that will allow more former service members to qualify for VA benefits regardless of discharge type. Generally, a former service member must have a discharge under honorable conditions. Though VA cannot change the status of a DOD military discharge, it will review less than honorable discharges for benefits eligibility. VA encourages former service members to whom it previously issued a negative character of discharge determination to reapply under the new regulation using a VA Form 21-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim. Contact an accredited service representative for more information.