To receive the benefits from this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• A Veteran with a combined service-connected disability (SCD) rating of at least 20 percent or higher and meets the criteria for an employment handicap
• A Veteran with a combined SCD rating of 10 percent and meets the criteria for a serious employment handicap
• A Servicemember who is awaiting discharge due to a medical condition resulting from a serious injury or illness from active duty. (Automatic entitlement is based on documentation from military service and not based on a VA disability rating or memorandum rating.)
• A Servicemember who is awaiting discharge, has obtained a VA memorandum rating of 20 percent or more, and expects to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty

Note:  A Veteran’s character of discharge must be other than dishonorable discharge or release. Other than dishonorable discharge include general discharge, honorable discharge, and under honorable conditions.

Reservists and National Guard members who are activated for Federal service or who are disabled while on training status are considered Veterans.

Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members, and Veterans, once discharged.