The United States Code (U.S.C.) § 101, unfairly categorizes servicemembers and veterans by dates of service and/or theater of operations. As a result, veterans from different eras and theaters of operations are receiving different levels of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits based solely on their dates and locations of service, rather than their honorable service. For example, the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 recently passed by both chambers of Congress created two distinct caregiver support programs, providing a stipend to caregivers of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans, but not to caregivers of veterans from previous eras.

Hence, the National Guard associations should advocate for the principle of equal benefits for equal service by urging Congress to direct the VA to provide the same level of benefits for any veteran, regardless of the dates or theater of operations during their military service; and, that Congress review current legislation and public laws to ensure veterans benefits are provided equitably and consistently for all veterans from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as those veterans from previous eras and conflicts.