Veterans Information Page

A veteran is, first of all, a student of West Virginia University and as such all university policies, procedures, rules and regulations apply to the veteran. Guidelines for use of veterans educational benefits may be more restrictive than guidelines for the university academic policies.

Eligibility for most Veterans Educational Benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Persons serving in the Reserves also may be eligible for education benefits. Service in 28 organizations during special periods that include World Wars I and II has been certified as active military service by the Defense Department. Members of these groups may be eligible for Veterans Educational Benefits if Defense Departments certifies their service and issues a discharge under honorable conditions.

Dishonorable and bad-conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial prohibit receipt of Veterans Educational Benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees may be eligible for certain Veterans Educational Benefits as determined by Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition to eligibility for service members, dependents and widows may be eligible to receive Veterans Educational Benefits if the parent / spouse is 100% disabled as a result of a service connected disability. Refer to Summary of VA Educational Benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty Educational Assistance Program Chapter 30 Title 38 U.S. Code, VA Pamphlet 22-90-3; Chapter 32 of Title 38 U.S. Code and the Educational Assistance Pilot Program Section 903 of Public Law 96-342, VA Pamphlet 22-79-1; and Chapter 35 of Title 38 U.S. Code.