Periods of War

To be considered a War Time Veteran:

The Veteran needs to have served at least one day during a Period of War with the minimum service for that period.

Download our handy Periods of War pdf here.

Congress Expands Period of War for Vietnam Veterans

Congress has changed the beginning of Wartime Vietnam service for Veterans who served in Vietnam from February 28, 1961 to November 1, 1955.  As a result, Veterans who served in Vietnam any time from November 1, 1955 through August 4, 1964 may now be eligible for VA non-service-connected pension benefits. These non-taxable monetary benefits can help pay for home or facility care and other medical expenses and are paid in addition to social security. Survivors of these veterans may also be eligible.   To qualify for Pension using service from 11/1/1955 – 8/4/1964, the Vietnam Veteran must typically have served 90 days active duty, with at least one day in Vietnam and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. He or she must also have a total net worth less than $130,773 which includes the total value of all countable assets plus projected gross income for twelve months with the primary residence, family vehicle, and personal belongings used on a regular basis not countable towards this total net worth. In addition, all projected unreimbursed medical expenses are deducted from income before calculating the total net worth.   A single veteran may be eligible for up to $1,936 per month, while a veteran with a dependent may be eligible for up to $2,295 per month. A veteran married to a veteran, with both in need of personal assistance or a protective environment, may be eligible for up to $3,071 per month.

The Period of War for Vietnam Veterans who did not serve in Vietnam continues to be August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975.