Home » Blog » What qualifies as a veteran?

What qualifies as a veteran?

What Qualifies as a Veteran? Understanding the Eligibility Criteria

The term "veteran" is often bandied about, but many people are unsure what constitutes a veteran. The answer lies in understanding the eligibility criteria set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the United States. This article will delve into what qualifies as a veteran and provide a comprehensive overview of the eligibility criteria.

Who is Eligible?

Bulk Ammo for Sale at Lucky Gunner

To be considered a veteran, an individual must meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes:

Time in Service: The veteran must have served in the active military, naval, or air service, as defined by 38 C.F.R. §3.1(d). Active duty includes:

  • Full-time duty in the Armed Forces
  • Full-time duty in the Public Health Service or Reserve Corps
  • Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service
  • Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Type of Separation: The veteran must have been separated from their military service with an Honorable Discharge, also known as a Type 1 or Type 2 Discharge (see Table 1):

Type of DischargeDescription
Honorable (Type 1)No negative disposition or characterization of service, and no pending administrative, disciplinary, or court actions
General (Type 2)Separation under honorable conditions; may have minor negative personnel actions or a few discrepancies

Service after September 7, 1980: To receive VA benefits, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of continuous active duty, with either:

  • 180 days of continuous active duty during the Gulf War (August 2, 1990, to April 6, 1991)
  • 24 months of consecutive active duty (no gaps) between September 7, 1980, and June 20, 1985, or between July 8, 1985, and September 7, 1980

Elapsed TimeService Connected
≥ 90 daysService connected on or after 9/7/1980 and before 10/5/1982
≥ 180 daysService connected on or after 10/5/1982
≥ 24 monthsSeparation on or after June 20, 1985

When Does Service Not Count?**

Not all military service counts towards eligibility for veterans’ benefits. The VA does not consider the following as qualifying military service:

• **Involuntarily separated** (reduced in grade, assigned to a non-commissioned officer rank, etc.)
• **Service resulting from a draft** or **Selective Service Act
• **Training and readiness exercises** (such as TDY or drill status National Guard)
• **Inactive duty** (except in certain circumstances, such as the National Guard or reserve components)
• **Citizen Soldiers** ( Reserve Officers’ Training Corps – ROTC, National Cadet Corps, etc.) unless they are called to active duty

What Happens after Separation?

Once a service member leaves the military, they have a few options to apply for veterans’ benefits, including:

• **Timely Filing**: Separating service members must have their DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) processed and issued within the first 90 days following separation. Failure to submit the form on time can result in delayed or refused benefits.
• **Conversion to Reserve**: Some National Guard or reserve components might be converted to active-duty status, making them eligible for veterans’ benefits if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• **Application through the VA**: Service members can apply for veterans’ benefits through the VA Claims Intake Center (online or by phone) using their DD Form 214 and other required documents (e.g., identification and proof of military service).
• **Delayed Compensation for Delayed Filing**: In some cases, late filers may still be entitled to benefits if they had a valid claim pending that was denied due to timing issues.

The Importance of Understanding Eligibility Criteria

Awareness of the eligibility criteria is crucial for service members, veterans, and those seeking to understand what it means to be a veteran. By understanding the basics, individuals can:

• **Plan ahead**: Servicemembers can research and prepare for the military-to-civilian transition, ensuring a smoother readjustment process.
• **Access benefits**: Properly documented service can be the key to accessing necessary benefits, such as disability compensation, education assistance, and healthcare.
• **Maintain accuracy**: Accuracy in documentation and application increases the likelihood of a prompt and successful claim process, reducing the risk of rejection or delayed benefits.

To summarize, what qualifies as a veteran in the United States is a service member who has served in active military, naval, or air service, has had an Honorable Discharge, and meets specific length-of-service requirements. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria, such as those separated due to civilian employment or non-mission-related reasons, are generally not considered veterans. Knowing the eligibility criteria is crucial for service members, veterans, and those seeking veterans’ benefits to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and potential benefits.

Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories


Leave a Comment