Most VA benefits are contingent upon meeting certain eligibility requirements. The specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of benefit. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for VA health care benefits:

• Service history: Most Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty. Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty also may be eligible for VA health care.

• Discharge status: Veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

• Income: Some Veterans are eligible for VA health care no matter their income. Others may qualify for free or reduced cost health care based on their income.

• Disability rating: Veterans with a service-connected disability may be eligible for VA health care benefits.

• Priority group: When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned one of eight priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon you can get health care benefits and how much (if anything) you’ll have to pay toward the cost of your care.

For VA disability benefits, eligibility requirements include having a service-connected condition and meeting certain service requirements. For more information on eligibility requirements for specific VA benefits, Veterans can visit the VA website or contact their local VA office.