Requirements for VA Benefits

By Steve Gross

The programs provided by the Veteran's Administration (VA) represent the primary benefit provided by the United States to the men and women who have served (or are serving) in its armed forces. VA services range from hospitals located across the country to financial aid, vocational rehabilitation, work for disabled veterans, guaranteed financing (and refinancing) of no-down-payment home loans and financial assistance of veterans seeking further education. If you're a veteran, or simply want to know more about the VA, this will serve as a good place for you to start.

Specific VA program eligibility requirements vary by program. Some programs are needs based, some require you to apply before a time limit expires and others require that your service resulted in partial or total disability.
Available VA programs include compensation, pension, health care, vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loans (mortgage guarantees) and education and training.

If, because of your military service, you are at least 10 percent disabled, you are eligible for monthly compensation from the VA.
If you are a wartime veteran (see VA Loan Eligibility) with limited income and are disabled--or at least 65 years old--you can receive a monthly pension from the VA.

The VA bases its health care eligibility on household income. On June 15, 2009, the administration reopened its health care program to veterans with household incomes up to 10 percent greater than current VA income thresholds. If you would like to determine whether you meet the income test, visit the VA health care website (see References).

You must have had wartime service of at least 90 days between September 16, 1940, and July 25, 1947 (WWII), from June 27, 1950, to January 21,1955 (Korea) or from August 5,1964, to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam). You must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
Peacetime service eligibility requires 181 days of active service between July 16, 1947, and June 26, 1950; February 1, 1955, and August 4, 1964; or May 8, 1975, and September 7, 1980 (enlisted); or May 8, 1975, and October 16, 1981 (officer). You must not have received a dishonorable discharge.

The VA helps support eligible veterans, reservists and active duty service members who are enrolled in an approved education or training program. Veterans have 10 years from their release date to use this benefit.

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