Can Civilian Workers for the Military Be Considered Veterans and/or Receive Benefits?

In the United States, civilian workers who assist the military are typically not classified as veterans and do not qualify for veterans benefits. Veterans are specifically defined as individuals who have served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. However, there are specific circumstances under which civilians can be considered veterans and have access to certain benefits. Let's explore these nuances in detail.

Understanding Veteran Status and Benefits

Veteran Status: Only individuals who have served in the military, meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and are discharged under conditions other than dishonorable can be classified as veterans. This includes those who have served in active duty reserves or the National Guard under certain conditions. The legal definition and criteria for veterans are outlined in the United States Code, 38 U.S.C. § 101(2).

Benefits for Civilians: Civilian employees or contractors get their benefits from their employers. While civilians themselves do not receive veterans benefits, they may have access to other types of employment benefits, such as health insurance, paid leave, and pensions, depending on their employment status and the terms of their contract.

Special Programs and Eligibility for Certain Civilians

There are specific groups of civilians recognized as "statutory veterans" under US law and regulation. These individuals have been deemed to have performed active military service and are eligible for certain veterans benefits. This recognition has been granted through various acts of Congress.

Eligible Civilian Groups

The following are examples of groups of civilians deemed to have performed active military service and can be eligible for veterans benefits:

Aerial transportation of mail, including compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation if the injury or death occurred in the line of duty. Contract surgeons, including compensation if the injury or death was a result of duty during a war period. Philippine Scouts and others, including those serving with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Training camp members, including those from specific training camps during World War I. Russian Railway Service Corps, service during World War I certified by the Secretary of the Army. Womens Air Forces Service Pilots (WASP), Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators, Engineer Field Clerks, and other special service units during World War I and WWII. Union personnel and others serving in specific capacities during times of war, such as civilian flight crew and ground support employees of various airline companies. African American service members, including members of the American Volunteer Group Flying Tigers and civilian members of the American Field Service AFS. Members of the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II.

These groups were included in legislation passed by Congress to extend both eligibility as "veterans" and "veterans benefits" based upon their statutory veteran status. For the most part, before 1977, these groups did not qualify as veterans. Advocates, particularly for the US Merchant Marine, were instrumental in convincing Congress to provide such recognition.

Conclusion and Prospects

The "standard" civilian employee of the US military or US government today is not eligible for any of these special designations. However, a civil servant who meets the eligibility criteria can join the US uniformed services, perform their duties, and qualify as a veteran with accompanying benefits. This dual path allows for comprehensive support for both civilian and military service.

It is crucial to understand the intricate details of US veterans law and the eligibility criteria to ensure proper recognition and benefits for both veterans and eligible civilians. For more information, individuals should consult the Department of Veterans Affairs or seek legal advice.