Various — service entirely outside named-conflict eras
Peacetime veterans (non-wartime service) are eligible for VA healthcare and home loan but face stricter pension eligibility. Most VA disability claims still apply for service-connected injuries even without combat exposure.
Era dates
Various — service entirely outside named-conflict eras
Cohort size
Cohort overlaps with Cold War + intervening years
Healthcare
No specific free-care window beyond standard Priority Group rules.
Operations + qualifying service
Routine garrison duty
Training assignments
Era-specific presumptive conditions
No era-specific presumptives. Service-connection still applies for any injury or illness traceable to military service.
GI Bill / education benefits
Eligibility depends on the specific years served. Most peacetime veterans have used or transferred their benefits.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Available regardless of era, character of service, or VA enrollment status.