You must have a discharge from active military service under honorable conditions only in order to receive VA military benefits. Active service means you were full-time other than active duty for training. You must have been a member of the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard. You may also have been a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Facts
Dishonorable discharges issued by a general court martial may prevent a veteran from getting VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees must contact a VA regional office to determine whether they are eligible for VA benefits. Certain VA benefits require service during wartime.
Gepgraphy
Under the law, VA recognizes these war periods:
Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916 through April 5, 1917. Benefits are available for veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters.
World War 1: April 6, 1917, through Nov 11, 1918. Benefits are available for veterans who served in Russia from April 6, 1917 through April 1, 1920. Benefits are 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 11: 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. As of the writing of this article, this date has not been set.
Considerations
Bring a copy of your DD214 or DD215 when you register for VA benefits. If you served in World War II or earlier, bring in a document that states when and where you served and type of discharge you were given. You may also give your full name, military service number, and branch and dates of service. Always keep these records in a safe place so they are accessible to the next of kin or your designated representative.
Additional Documentation
Make sure you have these documents available to family or a representative in the event of your death: Marriage certificate for your spouse, death certificate if you die in other than a VA hospital and children's birth certificates or adoption papers for children's benefits. Have a birth certificate of yours on hand to determine parents' benefits.
Other Benefits
Veterans who have been diagnosed with a service connected health issue are eligible for disability benefits from the VA. All veterans, except those dishonorably discharged are also eligible for VA Housing Guarantees for home loans. Certain veterans are also eligible for government-sponsored college education.
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