Resources
Getting Some Help for Veterans
A word about Veterans from the VA:
In an effort to clear up some of the confusion regarding VA qualifications, please consider the following when working with a veteran:
- A veteran with a DD214 indicating Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Other than Honorable (OTH), or Bad Conduct (BCD) can qualify. Any other discharges (Dishonorable, Dismissal, Clemency) disqualifies veteran for VA benefits.
- Veterans who enlisted after September 1980 must have served a minimum of 24 consecutive months in service to qualify.
National Guard/Reservists are eligible ONLY if activated under presidential order for MORE than 90 days in a combat theatre. - This information is by no means exhaustive and complete – the BEST way to determine if a veteran is eligible for VA medical services (or other services offered through VA) is to present at the Providence VA Medical Center or VBA (downtown Providence) with a DD214.
There are often exceptions to the rules and other qualifying factors that can be taken into consideration and are too complex for a person not specializing in this to determine.
The process for determining eligibility may take time, including gathering documentation needed/requested by VA to determine eligibility. Please advise the veteran of this so that they can plan accordingly to meet their needs.
Questions about this? Please go to or call VA (Providence 401-273-7100) or Veterans Benefits (800-827-1000).
