Introduction
Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for
a broad range of programs and services provided by the federal
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in
Title 38 of the United States Code. For additional information,
visit the VA Web page at http://www.va.gov/.
General Eligibility
Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active
military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active
service means full-time service, other than active duty for training,
as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast
Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service,
Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and
Geodetic Survey. Generally, men and women veterans with similar
service may be entitled to the same VA benefits.
Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courtsmartial
may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees must
contact a VA regional office to determine eligibility. VA benefits will
not be provided to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding
felony warrant.
Wartime Service
Certain VA benefits require service during wartime. Under the law, VA
recognizes these war periods:
Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917, for
veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters.
World War I: April 6, 1917, through Nov. 11, 1918; for veterans who
served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended
through July 1, 1921, for veterans who had at least one day of service
between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918.
World War II: Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1946.
Korean War: June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955.
Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964 (Feb. 28, 1961, for veterans who served
“in country” before Aug. 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975.
Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law or Presidential
Proclamation.
Important Documents
To expedite benefits delivery, veterans seeking a VA benefit for
the first time must submit a copy of their service discharge form
(DD-214, DD-215, or for World War II veterans, a WD form), which
documents service dates and type of discharge, or give their full
name, military service number, and branch and dates of service. The
veteran’s service discharge form should be kept in a safe location accessible
to the veteran and next of kin or designated representative.
The following documents will be needed for claims processing related
to a veteran’s death:
1. Veteran’s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving spouse or
children.
2. Veteran’s death certificate if the veteran did not die in a VA
health care facility.
3. Children’s birth certificates or adoption papers to determine
children’s benefits.
4. Veteran’s birth certificate to determine parents’ benefits.