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1. How do I know if I am a peace time veteran or a war time veteran?

Under current law, VA recognizes the following wartime periods to determine eligibility for VA Pension benefits:
Mexican Border Period (May 9, 1916 – April 5, 1917 for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or adjacent waters)
World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918)
World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)
Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)
Vietnam era (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)
Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation)
Additional conditions and or requirements may apply. Please see your local Veteran Service Officer for additional questions.

2. Am I Eligible for the Five Year Free Health Care Service?

Combat Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after January 28,
2003, are now eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for 5 years from the date of discharge
or release. NOTE: The 5-year enrollment period applicable to these veterans begins on the
discharge or separation date of the service member from active duty military service, or in the
case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date.

Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible if they
served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and have been
discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
Additional conditions and or requirements may apply. Please see your local Veteran Service Officer for additional questions.