M21-1 Manual  /  Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A

Establishing Veteran Status

M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the following topics:
TopicTopic Name
1Determining Veteran Status
2Service in the Reserves or National Guard
3Duty Status and Eligibility of Reservists
4Duty Status and Eligibility of National Guard Members
5Requesting Pay Records

1. Determining Veteran Status

Introduction

This topic contains information on determining eligible Veteran status, including
  • definition of
    • a Veteran
    • active service, and
    • qualifying service
  • primary eligibility criteria for benefits
  • secondary eligibility criteria for benefits
  • deciding claims based on qualifying service
  • service department findings binding on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with respect to service, and
  • characterizing the service of academy and academy preparatory school attendees.

Change Date

September 25, 2024

III.i.1.A.1.a. Definition: Veteran

A Veteran is a person who
  • served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and
  • was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
References: For more information on
  • the definition of the term Veteran for purposes of compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and death pension, see
    • 38 CFR 3.1(d), and
    • Paulson v. Brown, 7 Vet.App. 466, 470 (1995), and
  • groups approved for Veteran status under Public Law 95-202 and 106-259, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.C.

III.i.1.A.1.b. Definition: Active Service

Active service (i.e., active military, naval, air, or space service) includes
  • active duty
  • any period of active duty for training (ADT) during which a person is disabled or dies from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or
  • any period of inactive duty for training (IADT) during which a person is disabled or dies from an injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or from any of the following conditions that occurred during training:
    • acute myocardial infarction
    • cardiac arrest, or
    • a cerebrovascular accident.
Notes:
  • According to VAOPGCPREC 8-2001, sexual assault constitutes an injury for the purposes of this block.
  • Time spent proceeding directly to and from ADT and IADT must be considered as part of the ADT or IADT, as specified in 38 CFR 3.6(e).
Reference: For more information on the regulatory and statutory definitions of active duty, ADT, IADT, and active service, see

III.i.1.A.1.c. Definition: Qualifying Service

Qualifying service is any type of service that qualifies or potentially qualifies a claimant for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Types of qualifying service are listed in 38 CFR 3.6 and 38 CFR 3.7 and include (but are not limited to)
  • active service
  • ADT when a claim for service connection (SC) is based on a disability or death resulting from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, and
  • IADT when a claim for SC is based on disability or death resulting from an injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or a cerebrovascular accident which occurred during such training.

III.i.1.A.1.d. Primary Eligibility Criteria for Benefits

The primary factor in determining basic eligibility to VA benefits is Veteran status.Eligibility for
  • live benefits is based on the claimant’s Veteran status, and
  • survivors benefits is based on the claimant’s status as the spouse, parent or child of a deceased Veteran.

Reference: For more information on the criteria for establishing Veteran status, see

III.i.1.A.1.e. Secondary Eligibility Criteria for Benefits

If initial review of the evidence available establishes potential Veteran status, consider the secondary eligibility criteria listed below.
  • Are the service dates and character of discharge (COD) verified, including
    • periods of active duty, and/or
    • periods of ADT or IADT upon which a claim is based?
  • If the evidence does not show a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, has VA made a determination of COD?
  • Have the benefit-specific eligibility criteria been met?
Note: As noted in M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 6.C.3.d, Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims are rated while the service member is still on active duty. Therefore, the current period of service will not be verified until after discharge. These claims must not be deferred for service verification.References: For more information on

III.i.1.A.1.f. Deciding Claims Based on Qualifying Service

Use the table below to determine the appropriate format for issuing a decision based on qualifying service.
If ...Then ...
  • deciding a claim for compensation or DIC, and
  • the claimant has not performed any type of qualifying service, including
    • active service
    • ADT, or
    • IADT, or
  • the claimed service cannot be verified
complete an administrative decision, as directed by M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.C for lack of qualifying service and administratively deny the claim.
deciding a claim for compensation or DIC based upon a period of verified qualifying service, including a period of ADT or IADTdecide the claim by completing a rating decision. Note: Even when SC cannot be established for a claim based on verified ADT or IADT service, completion of an administrative decision pertaining to qualifying service is not appropriate. The grant or denial of the claimed issue is based on whether the claimed condition or death is a result of incurrence or aggravation, as applicable, during the qualifying period of ADT or IADT service, which is a decision under the jurisdiction of the rating activity.
denying a Veterans and/or Survivors Pension claim for lack of qualifying service in the following situations:
  • qualifying service cannot be verified
  • the Veteran served pre-Gulf War and has less than 90 days of active duty
  • the Veteran served during the Gulf War period and has less than 24 consecutive months of active duty and did not fulfill the full period to which the individual was called, or
  • the Veteran has ADT or IADT only
issue a decision notification letter telling the claimant that they do not meet the service requirements for Veterans and/or Survivors Pension. Note: There is no requirement to complete an administrative decision in these cases.
References: For more information on

III.i.1.A.1.g. Service Department Findings Binding on VA With Respect to Service

Determinations as to certified dates of service made by the service department, including revisions of service dates, are binding on VA.References: For information on
  • COD and minimum active duty service requirements, see
  • revision of service dates via military correction board, see Spencer v. West, 13 Vet.App. 376 (2000).

III.i.1.A.1.h. Characterizing the Service of Academy and Academy Preparatory School Attendees

Service as a cadet at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, or as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy is characterized as active duty.Use the table below when determining the characterization of service for individuals who attended the
  • United States Military Academy Preparatory School
  • United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, or
  • United States Naval Academy Preparatory School.
If a(n) …Enters service … Then that service is characterized as …
member of the
  • National Guard, or
  • Reserves
for the sole purpose of attending the academyADT.Exception: If the service member continues on to active duty after the academy, consider the academy time as active duty.
civilianfor the sole purpose of attending the academyADT.Exception: If the service member continues on to active duty after the academy, consider the academy time as active duty.
active duty service memberwithout receiving a release from active dutyactive duty.
References: For more information on
  • characterizing the service of academy and academy preparatory school attendees, see 38 CFR 3.6(b)
  • determining the duty status of a member of the Reserves, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.3
  • determining the duty status of a member of the National Guard, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.4, and
  • characterizing service for military preparatory schools, see
    • VAOPGCREC 6-1995, and
    • VAOPGCREC 18-1994.

2. Service in the Reserves or National Guard

Introduction

This topic contains information on claims based on service in the Reserves and National Guard, including
  • initial duty of a reservist or National Guard member
  • ADT and IADT service in the Reserves and National Guard
  • other types of reserve or National Guard service
  • active duty support (ADS) service
  • service department records for verifying periods of ADT and IADT
  • deciding line of duty status for claims based on ADT or IADT
  • definition of injury for ADT and IADT purposes
  • presumption of soundness for ADT and IADT
  • considering presumptive SC based on ADT and IADT
  • considering aggravation in claims for SC based on ADT and IADT, and
  • adjudicating claims based on ADT and IADT.

Change Date

January 24, 2025

III.i.1.A.2.a. Initial Duty of a Reservist or National Guard Member

Generally, reserve and National Guard members without prior active service undergo a period of initial ADT. The training consists of basic training and specialized job-based skill training. This training may be taken in a single period or as two separate periods. When it is taken as two separate periods, this is referred to as split option training and is normally undertaken by members enrolled in school. Individuals with prior active service generally are not required to undergo these periods of initial training when joining the National Guard or Reserve, although there are situations when individuals transfer from one branch of active duty to another branch of National Guard or reserve service that initial training is required. References: For more information on
  • reserve service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.3, and
  • National Guard service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.4.

III.i.1.A.2.b. ADT and IADT Service in the Reserves and National Guard

Service as a traditional reservist or National Guard member is not active service and is not adequate service upon which to establish Veteran status as defined in 38 CFR 3.1(d). This service includes performing one period of weekend drill monthly and two weeks of annual training yearly. This service is referred to as
  • IADT, which includes traditional drill weekends, and
  • ADT, which includes the
    • initial period of basic training and specialized job skill training, and
    • two week (fifteen-day) annual training period.
Exception: For the purpose of establishing entitlement to VA benefits, Veteran status may be established based upon ADT or IADT under certain circumstances as discussed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.1.b and c. Reference: For more information on the criteria for establishing active service based on ADT or IADT, see 38 CFR 3.6.

III.i.1.A.2.c. Other Types of Reserve or National Guard Service

In addition to traditional ADT and IADT service, a reservist or National Guard member may perform other types of duty. Refer to the table below for additional information about other types of reserve or National Guard Service.
Type of ServiceHow/When Service Is PerformedCircumstances of Service
Federal active dutycalled to full time active duty under 10 U.S.C.(also referred to as Title 10 service)
  • This type of service
    • normally occurs as a result of a deployment, and
    • establishes Veteran status.
  • Review DD Form 214, Certificate of Uniformed Service, and other service personnel records for indication of service under 10 U.S.C.

Reference: For more information on activation of a Coast Guard Reservist under Title 14, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.3.c.

Active Guard Reserve (AGR)full time duty for operational support of the Reserve or National Guard
  • AGR service in the Reserves is performed under 10 U.S.C.
  • AGR service in the National Guard is performed under 32 U.S.C.
Reference: For more information on AGR service in the
  • Reserves, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.3.b and
  • National Guard, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.4.b.
Active duty support (ADS), previously known as active duty special work (ADSW)ordered to full-time but temporary duty for operational or support purposes for the Reserve or National Guard The period of service can vary but is generally less than 180 days. References: For more information regarding ADS for
  • reservists, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.3.b and
  • National Guard members, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.4.b.
dual status technicianemployment as a federal employee under 5 U.S.C. working for the Reserve or National Guard with employment contingent on continued membership in the Reserve or National Guard
  • Technicians wear the uniform of the Reserve or National Guard to perform weekly work duties.
  • Technician status will not be reflected in military records and is not a type of qualifying service.
  • Disease or injuries incurred during non-ADT or non-IADT Title 5 employment periods are not subject to VA benefits.
  • Technicians are also traditional members of the Reserve or National Guard performing monthly IADT drill weekends and fifteen-day ADT annual training, and other service periods as directed.
additional ADT trainingperiods of training in addition to the fifteen-day period of annual ADT trainingOften undertaken for additional types of military job skill or leadership training.
Important: Reservists and National Guard members may not receive concurrent pay for ADT or IADT and VA disability compensation or pension. References: For more information on the

III.i.1.A.2.d. ADS Service

Individuals on ADS orders must waive compensation for a period equal to the period for which they received pay. All ADS periods are generally initiated and recorded on an official order document in the service personnel records. A DD Form 214 is routinely issued, however, only for discharge from ADS periods of 90 days or more. Exception: In certain scenarios, a DD Form 214 will be issued for ADS service of less than 90 days, as discussed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.B.5.a. Note: All periods of ADS for the Reserves for operational support are considered active service regardless of length of service. Reference: For more information on handling ADS reported on VA Form 21-8951 and VA Form 21-8951-2, Notice of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension to Receive Military Pay and Allowances, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, 3.A.4.

III.i.1.A.2.e. Service Department Records for Verifying Periods of ADT and IADT

Verification of specific periods of ADT or IADT (other than the initial period of ADT for which a DD Form 214 is issued) is most easily accomplished via requesting the service personnel records and reviewing the detailed report of the member’s Retirement Points Annual Statement. Although the detailed report version of the Retirement Points Annual Statement is the most complete reflection of all periods of verified service for an individual, including periods of active duty, ADT, and IADT, consider all other evidence of record from the service records when attempting verification of individual periods of ADT and IADT.Other service records may be utilized to verify periods of ADT and IADT as long as the information provided
  • reflects the type of service
  • documents the dates of the period of service, and
  • does not otherwise conflict with the remaining evidence of record.
Examples of other records that may be used to verify ADT and IADT service include, but are not limited to:
  • a line of duty investigation documented on DD Form 261, Report of Investigation Line of Duty and Misconduct Status, as long as the form
    • is complete, and
    • bears the signature of the final approval authority
  • service treatment records documenting that a member was injured during a period of ADT or IADT
  • an official order directing the member to a period of annual training
  • a pay stub documenting the period of service, or
  • a Master Military Pay Account (MMPA) print.
Notes:
  • NGB Form 22, National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service, documents spans of service in the Army and Air National Guard. However, this document does not verify individual periods of ADT or IADT during the span of the member’s service.
  • There is no formal document issued at the time of a reservist’s separation or retirement.
  • ADT and IADT service is not characterized by the service department. Handle the characterization of service according to procedures at M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 1.B.2.l.
  • The MMPA may be requested by following the instructions in M21-1, Part IIII, Subpart i, 1.A.5.
Reference: For more information on the issuance of DD Form 214 for certain periods of ADT, full time training, or operational support duty, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.B.5.a.

III.i.1.A.2.f. Deciding Line of Duty Status for Claims Based on ADT or IADT

Formal line-of-duty investigations are documented on DD Form 261. However, not all injuries, diseases, or deaths incurred or aggravated in the line of duty will be documented on DD Form 261, and a formal line-of-duty investigation is not a requirement to establish that a disease, injury, or death was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during a period of ADT or IADT. Consider all evidence of record in determining whether the injury, disease, or death was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Note: “In the line of duty” does not always mean while the reservist or National Guard member was at work. Individuals with AGR service, including in the National Guard, are on continuous duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week just as are their active duty counterparts. They receive the same pay and are eligible for retirement with 20 years of service. If no intentional negligence or willful misconduct is noted, an injury or disease that occurs during AGR service is presumed to be in the line of duty. References: For more information on

III.i.1.A.2.g. Definition of Injury for ADT and IADT Purposes

VA Office of General Counsel has issued precedent opinions to assist in defining the definition of “injury” for the purposes of considering claims for SC based on ADT and IADT service.
  • VAOPGCPREC 8-2001 held that for the purposes of considering a claim for SC for posttraumatic stress disorder, a sexual assault that occurred during IADT is considered an injury.
  • VAOPGCPREC 4-2002 held that an individual who suffers from a disabling condition as a result of administration of an anthrax vaccination during IADT may be considered disabled by an “injury” incurred during such training. While VAOPGCPREC 4-2002 does not address disabling conditions resulting from administration of other vaccines during IADT, the same principle applies for other vaccines, such as the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine.
References: For more information on

III.i.1.A.2.h. Presumption of Soundness for ADT and IADT

The presumption of soundness does not automatically apply to all periods of ADT and IADT. Reference: For more information on applying the presumption of soundness to periods of ADT, see

III.i.1.A.2.i. Considering Presumptive SC Based on ADT and IADT

Presumptive SC has three applicability criteria, including
  • Veteran status
  • service in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and
  • service of
    • 90 continuous days or more before December 31, 1946, with at least one day occurring during a wartime period, or
    • any period of 90 days after December 31, 1946
As ADT and IADT is not considered active service and Veteran status is not achieved on the basis of ADT or IADT, presumptive provisions under 38 CFR 3.307 cannot apply to periods of ADT or IADT. Exceptions: Example: A Veteran establishes SC for bladder cancer as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during a period of ADT that extended for more than 90 days under 38 CFR 3.307(a)(7) and 38 CFR 3.309(f). The Veteran develops amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and claims SC for the disease. By virtue of the grant of SC for a disability associated with the period of ADT, the ADT is considered active service and the Veteran is now eligible for presumptive SC for ALS under 38 CFR 3.318.References: For more information on

III.i.1.A.2.j. Considering Aggravation in Claims for SC Based on ADT and IADT

The presumption of aggravation is triggered when a Veteran establishes that a preexisting condition, which was noted upon entry into service, worsens during service. When this presumption arises, the burden shifts to VA to show a lack of aggravation by establishing that the in-service increase in disability is due to the natural progress of the disease. Since ADT or IADT service does not satisfy the requirements for Veteran status and associated active service, the presumption of aggravation does not apply. For a period of ADT or IADT, the evidence must additionally show that the worsening was caused by the period of ADT or IADT. However, the presumption of aggravation will apply to periods of ADT and IADT when SC is first established for a disease or injury incurred during the period of service, as specified in 38 CFR 3.6(a). References: For more information on
  • adjudicating claims for SC based on aggravation of a preexisting disability, see
  • the requirements for establishing aggravation based on ADT or IADT service, see
    • M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 2.C.2.c
    • Hill v. McDonald, 28 Vet.App. 243 (2016)
    • Donellan v. Shinseki, 24 Vet.App. 167 (2010), and
    • Smith (Valerie Y.) v. Shinseki, 24 Vet.App. 40 (2010), and
  • considering the presumption of soundness in claims based on ADT and IADT, see

III.i.1.A.2.k. Adjudicating Claims Based on ADT and IADT

Follow the steps in the table below to verify service and adjudicate claims for SC based on active duty, ADT, or IADT service for reservists and National Guard members.
StepAction
1Develop for and review service personnel records, including the DD Form 214 to determine the type and status of the service.
  • If the service personnel records do not adequately identify whether the service was active service, ADT, or IADT, go to Step 2.
  • If the service personnel records do adequately identify that the service was either active service, ADT, or IADT, go to Step 4.
    • Reference: For more information on the criteria to establish active service based on ADT and IADT service, see
    • 38 CFR 3.6, and
    • M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.1.b.
2Conduct all follow-up procedures for requesting verification of service as directed at M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.B.3.Go to Step 3.
3Refer to table below for actions to take based on service department response to requests for information concerning type and status of service.
If the evidence ...Then ...
is sufficient to verify the type and status of servicego to Step 4.References: For more information on factors to consider in identifying the type and status of
  • reserve service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.3, and
  • National Guard service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.4.
is not sufficient to verify the type and status of service but all development is otherwise complete
  • complete a formal finding of unavailability of information needed to verify qualifying service
  • complete an administrative decision, and
  • administratively deny the claim due to lack of qualifying service.
No further action is needed following administrative denial of the claim.Reference: For more information on completing administrative decisions, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.C.
4After the claimed service has been verified, complete development of the claim as usual, including requesting examinations or medical opinions as warranted.When development of the claim is complete, go to Step 5.
5At all times when the type and nature of the service has been verified, rating action is required following complete development of the claim.Refer to the table below for action to take based upon the type and nature of the service that has been verified.
If ...Then ...
the evidence shows that the claimant’s service was active servicethe rating action will consider SC for injuries or conditions incurred in or aggravated during the entire period of service without regard to line of duty status.Following provision of decision notice, no further action is needed on the claim.Exception: When there is a specific need to make a line of duty determination for the injury or disease, as discussed in M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 1.C.6, then the rating action will consider this in connection with adjudication of the claim.
the evidence shows the claimant’s service was ADT or IADTthen the service does not qualify as active service. Pending claims must be developed and referred to the rating activity to determine SC for claimed disability or death based upon whether the disability or death is associated with the performance of duties during the period of ADT or IADT. Go to Step 6.
6Refer to the table below for additional considerations required as a part of rating activity for claims based on ADT and IADT service.
If ...Then ...
a disability or death results from disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during a period of ADT and SC is otherwise appropriately establishedthe period of ADT qualifies as active service. Update the period of ADT as verified active service in the Veterans Benefits Management (VBMS) Core prior to finalizing the rating decision.
a disability or death results from injury incurred in or aggravated or acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or a cerebrovascular accident that occurred during a period of IADT and SC is otherwise appropriately establishedthe period of IADT qualifies as active service. Update the period of IADT as verified active service in VBMS Core prior to finalizing the rating decision.
  • active service has been established based upon ADT or IADT as outlined in provisions within this table, and
  • a subsequent claim for SC for disability or death is received based on injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during this period of active service
  • any subsequent injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during that period of service, without regard to line of duty status, is subject to SC, and
  • presumptive SC under 38 CFR 3.309 may apply depending on whether the minimum length of service and other requirements have been met, as discussed in 38 CFR 3.307.
Following provision of decision notice, no further action is needed on the claim.Exception: When there is a specific need to make a line of duty determination for the injury or disease, as discussed in M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 1.C.6, then the rating action will consider this in connection with adjudication of the claim.
SC cannot be established based on a disability or death resulting from injury or disease claimed to have occurred in the line of duty during a period of ADT and IADTdeny the claim in a rating decision. The rating decision and associated decision notice must notify the claimant
  • that the evidence does not show that the claimed disability or death is a result of injury or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during the period of ADT, or
  • that the evidence does not show that the claimed disability or death is the result of injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or that a myocardial infarction, cardiovascular arrest, or cerebrovascular accident occurred during a period of IADT service, and
  • provide notice of the criteria necessary to establish SC for disability or death based on ADT or IADT service.
Note: There is no requirement to complete an administrative decision in these cases.Reference: For more information on when administrative decisions are necessary based on lack of qualifying service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.1.f.
Important: To ensure the rating Narrative and Codesheet accurately reflect the period(s) of ADT or IADT that now qualify as active service, refresh the VBMS Rating profile while drafting the rating decision (if necessary) after the military service updates are made in VBMS Core.
7When SC for disability or death has been established based on a period of ADT or IADT, the rating activity will identify this period as active service by using the SPECIAL NOTATIONS box on the rating Codesheet and including
  • the dates of service, and
  • an explanation of the reason for establishing this period as active service.
Example: Service in the Army National Guard from January 16-17, 2016, is now considered active service based on the grant of SC for right knee ACL injury that was incurred in the line of duty during this period of service.Note: If the period of ADT or IADT upon which the grant of SC is based is a single day of ADT or IADT (the claimant was only called to a one-day period of ADT or IADT), utilize the day following as the end date of service but clearly indicate in the SPECIAL NOTATIONS box (as directed in Step 7 above) that the service was actually only one single day of service. Go to Step 8.
8The authorization activity will complete adjudication of the claim as usual.
References: For more information on
  • special considerations applicable for claims for presumptive SC for COVID-19 associated with periods of ADT and IADT, see
  • updating military service in VA systems, see
  • considering claims for individual unemployability status for current members of the National Guard and Reserves, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 3.B.4.c, and
  • using the SPECIAL NOTATIONS box, see the VBMS Rating User Guide.

3. Duty Status and Eligibility of Reservists

Introduction

This topic contains information on duty status and eligibility for benefits for current or former members of the Reserves, including
  • eligibility of reservists for compensation and pension
  • reserve service programs that constitute active duty, and
  • qualifying Coast Guard Reserve service under 14 U.S.C.

Change Date

September 25, 2024

III.i.1.A.3.a. Eligibility of Reservists for Compensation and Pension

Traditional service in the Reserves consists of a period of ADT for initial military training and job skill training. A DD Form 214 will be issued documenting this period of initial ADT. Thereafter, a reservist will perform IADT, traditionally occurring one weekend monthly, as well as 15 days of ADT annually.A reservist may meet the criteria for establishing Veteran status for compensation and pension purposes if any of the criteria for active service are met.References: For more information on
  • what constitutes active service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.1.b
  • considering claims based on ADT and IADT, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.2, and
  • compensation and pension eligibility for National Guard service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.4.

III.i.1.A.3.b. Reserve Service Programs That Constitute Active Duty

Since 1955, members of the Reserve component have served in full time operational support positions characterized by the service departments as active duty under 10 U.S.C. Such programs include
  • ADS, and
  • AGR.
ADS and AGR service in the Reserves meets the definition of active duty if the facts of record establish that the service was
  • full-time, and
  • for operational or support purposes, as opposed to training.
Reference: For more information on full-time service in the Reserves, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.2.c and d.

III.i.1.A.3.c. Qualifying Coast Guard Reserve Service Under 14 U.S.C.

Activation of a Coast Guard Reservist under 14 U.S.C. qualifies as active service for VA purposes. Reference: For more information on activation of a Coast Guard Reservist, see

4. Duty Status and Eligibility of National Guard Members

Introduction

This topic contains information on the duty status and eligibility of current or former members of the National Guard, including
  • eligibility of National Guard personnel for compensation or pension
  • full-time National Guard service under 32 U.S.C.
  • qualifying National Guard service under 10 U.S.C., and
  • verification of full-time National Guard Service.

Change Date

May 23, 2025

III.i.1.A.4.a. Eligibility of National Guard Personnel for Compensation and Pension

Traditional service in the National Guard consists of a period of ADT for initial military training and job skill training. A DD Form 214 will be issued documenting this period of initial ADT. Thereafter, a National Guard member will perform IADT periods, traditionally occurring one weekend monthly, as well as 15 days of ADT annually. A National Guard member may meet the criteria for establishing Veteran status for compensation and pension purposes if any of the criteria for active service are met.Exception: For special provisions as to basic eligibility for Loan Guaranty benefits, see the Veterans Benefits Administration VA Homes Loans page.References: For more information on

III.i.1.A.4.b. Full-time National Guard Service Under 32 U.S.C.

Since 1964, there has been authority, under 32 U.S.C. 502(f), to assign to full-time operational duty National Guard members who provide full-time support to the Guard components, even though they are not activated. Full-time National Guard service is considered ADT under 38 U.S.C. 101(22)(C) if performed under 32 U.S.C. 316, or 32 U.S.C. 502, 503, 504, or 505. This is true regardless of whether the member is
  • performing operational duty, including
    • AGR, and
    • ADS, or
    • undergoing training.
    National Guard active duty for training does not meet the definition of active military, naval, air, or space service under 38 U.S.C. 101(24) unless the member or former member is disabled or dies due to injury or disease incurred or aggravated during service, as outlined in 38 U.S.C. 101(24)(B) or 38 U.S.C. 106(b)(3).Notes:
    • For purposes of handling termination and reinstatement of benefits due to a return to service that is non-training related, treat AGR and ADS service as active service and follow the provisions of M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 2.B. VA benefits are adjusted following the provisions of M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, 3 for periods determined to be training related.
    • When adjusting benefits involving AGR or ADS service and drill pay within the same fiscal year, follow the provisions of M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, 3.A.4.

III.i.1.A.4.c. Qualifying National Guard Service Under 10 U.S.C.

If a National Guard unit, or an individual member, is activated under the authority of 10 U.S.C., the members who report for active duty, which is characterized as Federal active duty, have qualifying service for 38 U.S.C. purposes until deactivated. If an individual’s orders specify activation to temporary duty under 10 U.S.C., further development regarding the purpose of the activation is not needed unless there is evidence in the claims folder showing that the purpose of the activation was to train the individual. The order to active duty must state that service is under 10 U.S.C. This fact is frequently reflected on the DD Form 214.Note: In some cases, a member may be ordered to ADT under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 12301(d). This does constitute ADT for 38 U.S.C. purposes, and when DD Form 214 indicates the activation was for training, do not consider the ADT period as active service.

III.i.1.A.4.d. Verification of Full-time National Guard Service

When a National Guard member completes a period of active service under 10 U.S.C. or a period of AGR service or other full-time service under 32 U.S.C., a DD Form 214 will be issued. The type of National Guard service should be identified on the DD Form 214. If the information is not indicated on the DD Form 214,develop with the appropriate component listed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.H.Note: If the DD Form 214, or the response to development with the service department, indicates that service was under both 10 U.S.C. and 32 U.S.C., consider the service to be under 10 U.S.C.



5. Requesting Military Pay Records

Introduction

This topic contains information on actions required to request military pay records, including
  • requesting pay records, and
  • adding a copy of the request to the claims folder.

Change Date

January 24, 2025

III.i.1.A.5.a. Requesting Pay Records

When pay records are required to verify periods of IADT and ADT, or make other determinations, submit the request through the AskDFAS Military Pay Request Portal.Exception: Contact the Compensation Service MilPay corporate mailbox for assistance obtaining Coast Guard pay records.Each branch has a specific set of selections claims processors must use beyond the default required information. Use the following table to determine which specific selections are necessary to properly request pay records for each branch of service.
Branch of ServiceSelections or Information to Provide
  • Army
  • Air Force/Space Force
CATEGORY: Military Pay Records RequestsSUBCATEGORY: Select appropriate request based on the date range of records.REASON FOR REQUEST (if required): VA Claims
Marine CorpsCATEGORY: Separation Pay VerificationSUBCATEGORY: USMC VA DSP/Seps Pay VerificationSPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: [Provide details about the records VA is requesting.]
NavyCATEGORY: Separation Pay VerificationSUBCATEGORY: Navy Member InformationSPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: [Provide details about the records VA is requesting.]
Important:
  • Save a copy of the submitted request for association with the claims folder, following instructions in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.5.b.
  • Attaching a copy of the DD Form 214, DD Form 256, Honorable Discharge Certificate, DD Form 257, General Discharge Certificate, or NGB Form 22, is required when submitting a request via the portal.
Reference: For more information about the AskDFAS Military Pay Request Portal, see the AskDFAS User Guide.

III.i.1.A.5.b. Adding a Copy of the Request to the Claims Folder

After the pay request is submitted, the AskDFAS Military Pay Request Portal will provide a confirmation page that contains a hyperlink to the records request, enabling a claims processor (with the passcode created during the submission process) to retrieve the requested records.Using the web browser’s PRINT function, save the page as a portable document format (PDF), as opposed to using a screen capture or snipping tool to create a photo of the confirmation page. This will maintain the hyperlink that can be used to quickly access the requested documents.Important: Ensure the passcode is visible on the confirmation page that is uploaded to the electronic claims folder (eFolder). If the passcode is not, identify the passcode using the annotation function in VBMS.References: For more information on

Source: VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A (U.S. government work, reproduced for reference). Browse all sections →