Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/18/2009

Question
I was in the army in 1999. When I was in basic training they said that I had exercised induced asthma. And within 3 days i was at home. Somehow i lost my dd214. So how can I tell if I was dishonorable or honorably discharged. All I know is that is was a chapter 3.

Answer
Dear Julie --

There is no "Chapter 3" discharge that I know of.

You probably received an uncharacterized initial entry discharge, if the only reason you were discharged was your asthmatic condition.  This a a Chapter 5 discharge under Section III for "failure to meet procurement medical requirements." You never completed your training, so your period of service was insufficient for characterization.  However, you probably received a negative re-entry code since your medical condition is incompatible with military service.

You may request a copy of your DD 214 at this site:  http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.ht...

Good luck to you.