You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge.

If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you generally must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless one of the following applies:

• You were discharged for a service-connected disability
• You were discharged due to hardship or early release
• You served prior to September 7, 1980

Members of the Reserves or National Guard must have been activated under federal orders and completed the full period of service. Active-duty training alone does not qualify for VA health care benefits.