How does the VA define a 'veteran'?

The definition of a 'veteran' by the VA specifically includes those individuals who have served in active military service and were discharged under conditions that are not dishonorable. This means that their service must be recognized as honorable, which can encompass a range of circumstances, but excludes those whose service resulted in a dishonorable discharge, as this can impact eligibility for various benefits.

The core of this definition is to ensure that veterans who have sacrificed time and effort in military service, even if their service period was brief or their role was not in combat, are adequately recognized and supported. This criterion emphasizes that a service member needs to have completed active duty and must have received a discharge that acknowledges their service positively, thereby providing a clear pathway for these individuals to access veteran benefits, healthcare, education, and other related programs.

This distinction also helps maintain the integrity of the veteran community by ensuring that those who may not have fulfilled their duties can be identified separately. Thus, the definition serves both practical and principled purposes in serving and assisting veterans effectively.