Who is a Veteran
The primary factor in determining a veteran’s eligibility to receive VA health care benefits is, “veteran status.” “Veteran status” is established by active duty service in the military, naval, or air service and a discharge or release from military service under other than dishonorable conditions.
A veteran of a war is any veteran who served in active duty in the military, naval, or air service during a period of war. Listed below are the periods of war:
Indian War: 01/01/1817 – 12/31/1898
Spanish-American War: 04/21/1898 – 07/04/1902
Mexican Border Period: 05/09/1916 – 04/05/1917
World War I: 04/06/1917 – 11/11/1918
World War II: 12/07/1941 -12/31/1946
Korean Conflict: 06/27/1950 – 01/31/1955
Vietnam Era: 08/05/1964 – 05/07/1975
Persian Gulf: 08/02/1990 – current date
Character of Service
HON (Honorable)
DVA (Dishonorable for VA purposes)
GEN (General Discharge)
UHC (Under Honorable Conditions)
DH (Dishonorable)
In addition, the following veterans must have completed 24 continuous months of active military service:
Former enlisted persons whose first term of active duty began after September 7,1980, OR
Former enlisted persons who originally signed up under a delayed entry program on or before September 7, 1980, and who subsequently entered active duty after that date, OR
Former commissioned officers and warrant officers whose first term of active duty began after October 16, 1981, OR
Any other person (officers as well as enlisted) who entered on active duty after October 16, 1981, and who had not previously completed at least 24 months of continuous active duty service or had been discharged or released from active duty under section 1171 of title 10
Veterans Quality Of Life Access Network Inc. VQLAN