Short Veterans Benefits Video, "We're On Your Side"

These websites reference various sources in the assistance of providing mental and physical welfare for veterans returning from theaters of operations. 

General Information and assistance for all veterans (scroll down for definition of “veteran”):

Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page

California Department of Veterans Affairs

For information on local California services and activities for veterans, click on the link below:

http://www.cdva.ca.gov/

The Vet Center website provides specific resources to honor and assist returning veterans.  Click on the link below to access this site:

Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Service          California Vet Center Directory   

In general, Guardsman called to active service by federal executive order, and who completed the term for which they were called, and who were granted an other than dishonorable discharge, are defined as veterans.  For additional guardsmen meeting the definition of a veteran, read the entire definition provided.

What is a Veteran?  [from Department of Veterans Affairs home page—first link available above]

The primary factor in determining a veteran's eligibility to receive VA health care benefits, is "veteran status."  "Veteran status" is established by active duty service in the military, naval, or air service and a discharge or release from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.  In addition, the following veterans must have completed 24 continuous months of active military service:

• Former enlisted persons whose first term of active duty began after September 7, 1980, OR 

• Former enlisted persons who originally signed up under a delayed entry program on or before September 7, 1980, and who subsequently entered active duty after that date, OR 

• Former commissioned officers and warrant officers whose first term of active duty began after October 16, 1981, OR 

• Any other person (officers as well as enlisted) who entered on active duty after October 16, 1981, and who had not previously completed at least 24 months of continuous active duty service or had been discharged or released from active duty under section 1171 of title 10.

Exceptions to the 24-month Active Duty Rule

The 24 continuous months of active duty service requirement does not apply to: 

• Reservists who were called to Active Duty and who completed the term for which they were called, and who were granted an other than dishonorable discharge, OR 

• National Guard members who were called to Active Duty by federal executive order, and who completed the term for which they were called, and who were granted an other than dishonorable discharge, OR 

• Veterans requesting a benefit for or in connection with a service-connected condition or disability; OR 

• Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty under section 1171 or 1173 of title 10; OR  

• Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty; OR 

• Veterans who have been determined by VA to have compensable service-connected conditions 

• Veterans for treatment and/or counseling of sexual trauma that occurred while on active military service, for treatment of conditions related to ionizing radiation or for head or neck cancer related to nose or throat radium treatment while in the military.