Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon an Honorable Discharge from active military service. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Persons serving in the reserves also may be eligible for education benefits. Service in 28 organizations during special periods that includes World Wars I and II has been certified as active military service by the Defense Department. Members of these groups may be eligible for VA benefits if Defense certifies their service and issues a discharge under honorable conditions.

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. Refer to:

--    http://www.gibill.va.gov VA Educational Home Page

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