Proof of Eligibility Process

Your veteran, spouse or widow will need to prove their eligibility by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation. Your application needs to include a copy of DD-214  or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, and medical expenses.

Some of the forms will require you to state net worth and income and these must be within stringent limits. Generally, you will not be able to get help from a VSO in order to find out where you stand in this regard, and if you are over any of the limits, you may find yourself barred for application for up to a year.

A DD-214 is issued to military members upon separation from active service. Most WW II vets got their honorable discharge and several copies of it. The term DD-214 was coined in the 1950's. The upshot of this is that the application requires solid proof of a veteran's honorable discharge from service and clear indication that the service satisfied not only the time periods required but that they were active during wartime.

If your veteran was discharged before January of 1950, you can use any of the following to begin the process of obtaining the required documentation:  WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, and the NAVCG 553 as discharge papers.