What is the War-Time Service Requirement for VA Pension Benefits?
Elder Law Minute
One of the eligibility requirements for VA pension benefits is known as the military service requirement. What is that requirement? It is that the Veteran had served at least 90 days on active duty, and at least one of those during a period of war (the VA defines those by specific dates) and that the veteran have any kind of discharge other than dishonorable, so honorable, general, medical all work. Let me talk about two things that are not requirements. I didn’t mention anything about being injured in the service; the VA has a separate program of benefits called service connected disability, that’s not this. I also didn’t say anything about being in active combat or even in the country where the fighting was taking place. For instance, if you were stationed in Germany during the Korean War, you are most certainly a war-time veteran.
