How does the VA determine my eligibility for benefits?

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.

Does combat duty have different benefits?

Certain VA Benefits Require Wartime Service. For information on eligible wartime periods please visit http:// www.benefits.va.gov/pension/wartimeperiod.asp. 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

What documents should I have before filing a benefits claim?

In order 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 provides full name, military service number, and branch and dates of service.

A Veteran’s service discharge form should be kept in a safe location, accessible to the Veteran and next of kin or representative. The following documents will be needed for claims processing related to a Veteran’s death: Veteran’s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving spouse or children; Veteran’s death certificate if the Veteran did not die in a VA health care facility; children’s birth certificates or adoption papers to determine children’s benefits; or Veteran’s birth certificate to determine parents’ benefits.

Do I qualify for VA health care?

A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members.

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24-continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans discharged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.