In 1917, the federal government began providing United States veterans with a full spectrum of benefits, including disability benefits, pension benefits, home loan guarantees, life insurance, burial benefits, and health care benefits. Female veterans also receive certain preventative care services, including contraceptive services and mammography. The Department of Veterans Affairs, often known as the "VA," administers the benefits.

How Is Basic Eligibility Determined?

A successful applicant for veterans' benefits must either have been discharged other than dishonorably from active military service or must have provided specific services related to the military. To qualify as "active military service," a service member must have provided full-time service to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, or he or she must have served as a commissioned officer of certain federal agencies. Examples of applicants who would qualify as having provided military-related services include Women Airforce Service Pilots. Additional eligibility requirements exist for certain veterans' benefits.

How Do I Apply?

An applicant must complete a specific form that details his or her military service the first time he or she seeks benefits. Depending on the type of benefits sought, birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage certificates may also be required.

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