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General Eligibility

Eligibility for most federal and state benefits is based upon discharge from military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Most benefits require active service.  This means that the service member was in an active-duty status as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, Reserves, 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.

 

Potential Disqualifiers 

 

  • Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits.  
  • Veterans in prison must contact VA to determine eligibility.
  • VA benefits will not be provided to any Veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant.

 

VA Benefits Requiring Wartime Service

 

Some VA benefits require proof of war time service. Under the law, the VA recognizes these periods of war:

  • 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.

What I Am Eligible For?

Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of benefits and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and their state Offices of Veterans Affairs. Some of these benefits may be utilized while on active duty. These benefits are codified in Title 38 of the United States Code.

 

Federal Benefits Book for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers - 2025 Edition

Important Documents for Claiming Benefits

Federal (VA) benefits: 

 

Veterans, claiming federal VA benefits 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 provides full name, military service number, and branch and dates of service. 

 

State Benefits

 

State benefits will also require a copy of the Veterans service discharge form (DD-214, DD-215, or for World War II Veterans, a WD form, NGB-22), which documents service dates and type of discharge, or provides 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.

 

 Claims 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.