What does recently separated veteran mean?

A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran’s discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

What’s the difference between a veteran and a protected veteran?

A recently separated veteran is a protected veteran when they separate from the military/stop serving on active duty and for three years afterward. This three year period begins on the date of discharge/release from active duty.

Are there disability benefits for Vietnam War veterans?

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Thursday it will process claims for disability benefits from thousands of Vietnam War veterans who suffer from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism or …

Is it true that I was not a Vietnam veteran?

Recently an individual stated to me that I am not a Vietnam Veteran because I was never in country in Vietnam. This was very offensive to me. I have always considered my self a Vietnam veteran. I served with the 3BN11thREG1stMARDIV from 1970 to 1971.

What kind of diseases did Vietnam veterans get?

Many of them suffer from cancers and other life-threatening diseases linked to Agent Orange. Agent Orange was used during the war to clear vegetation. Some veterans who were exposed to it now have serious diseases, like cancer. Until recently, these veterans were denied compensation from the U.S. government.

Is the Vietnam Veterans of America the Vietnam veteran group?

The Vietnam Veterans of America group recognize, welcome and label anyone who served during the Vietnam era as a Vietnam veteran. Groups like VFW won’t accept us since we didn’t serve in a combat zone where most who were in country were subjected to the hazards of war.

What do you need to know about disability for Vietnam Veterans?

Criteria for Eligibility. In order for a Veteran who served in Vietnam to qualify for disability compensation benefits for a presumption based on exposure to Agent Orange, he or she should have: A qualifying medical diagnosis, and. Proof of service in Vietnam.

Are there any surviving veterans of the Vietnam War?

Approximately 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam. Today, less than 850,000 Vietnam veterans are still living. A surviving spouse may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit if the veteran served in Vietnam (boots on the ground) during the wartime period called the Vietnam Era,…

When did Vietnam Veterans qualify for aid and attendance?

To qualify for Aid and Attendance, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during an eligible period of war. As noted above, the eligible wartime period for Vietnam veterans (Vietnam Era) starts on February 28, 1961 and ends on May 7, 1975.

How are spouses of disabled veterans eligible for DIC?

Spouses of disabled veterans are typically eligible for DIC benefits if they were married to the veteran for a period of at least one year immediately prior to the veteran’s death. Some surviving spouses may be eligible for additional monthly DIC benefits in certain situations if any of the following criteria are met: