Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Completion of at least six years of honorable service in the Selected Reserves also provides for home-loan benefits for those not otherwise eligible. Persons serving in the reserves also can receive education benefits. Men and women veterans with similar service are entitled to the same VA benefits. Service in 28 organizations during special periods that include World Wars I and II has been certified as active military service by the Defense Department. Members of these groups, found in the VA Handbook at VA's Internet site www.va.gov (click here) , may be eligible for VA benefits if Defense certifies their service and issues a discharge under honorable conditions.  Call Veteran Services at (252) 728-8440 for further information.

Honorable and general discharges qualify a veteran for most VA benefits. Dishonorable and bad-conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees may be eligible for certain VA benefits. VA regional offices can clarify eligibility of prisoners and parolees.

Wartime Service. Certain VA benefits and medical care require wartime service.   Under the law, VA recognizes these war periods for recently discharged veterans:

Korean Conflict — June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955.

Vietnam Era — 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 by law or Presidential Proclamation.

If you are not sure whether your service is considered wartime service, call Veterans Services @ (252) 728-8440

Filing Claims. Those seeking a VA benefit for the first time must submit a copy of their service discharge form DD 214, which documents service dates and type of discharge, or give their full name, military service number, branch of service and dates of service. The claim number assigned by VA to the initial claim should be referred to in subsequent correspondence.  Call Veterans Services @ (252) 728-8440 for assistance in claim development and filing.

Important Documents. The veteran's DD 214 form should be kept in a safe, convenient location accessible to the veteran and next of kin or designated representative.   Other important documents include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and birth certificates, adoption certificates, or guardianship papers.