Certain VA benefits require wartime service. Under the law, VA recognizes these war periods:
- Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917, for veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters.
- World War I: April 6, 1917, through Nov. 11, 1918; for veterans who served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended through July 1, 1921, for veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918.
- World War II: Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1946.
- Korean War: June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955.
- Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964 (Feb. 28, 1961, for veterans who served "in country" before Aug. 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975.
- Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation.