What is the legal definition of a veteran?

Full question:

Please define who is legally a veteran.

  • Category: Courts
  • Subcategory: Legal Definitions
  • Date:
  • State: New Hampshire

Answer:

The definition of a veteran can vary based on context. To qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a veteran is defined as a person who has served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This also includes commissioned officers of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Science Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as their predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey. Generally, men and women veterans with similar service are entitled to the same VA benefits.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

To qualify as a veteran, an individual must have served in one of the branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This includes those who served as commissioned officers in certain public health and environmental agencies. Eligibility for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) typically requires an honorable discharge.