Once enrolled, a veteran is eligible to receive services without further processing. Details of the enrollment program are discussed in the Health-Care Benefits section of this publication. Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Completion of at least six years of honorable service in the Selected Reserves also provides home-loan benefits for those not otherwise eligible.
Persons serving in the reserves also can receive education benefits.
Men and women veterans with similar service are entitled to the same VA benefits. I and II has been certified as active military service by the Defense Department. Members of these groups, listed on pages 54 - 56, may be eligible for VA benefits if the Defense Department certifies their service and issues a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. Honorable and general discharges qualify a veteran for most VA benefits. Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial bar VA benefits.