### Question
How does GENERAL BENEFITS define Vietnam veteran?


### Answer
Under *38 U.S.C. § 1801*, **Vietnam veteran** is defined as:

> an individual who performed active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, without regard to the characterization of the individual's service

#### Citation:
  - *38 U.S.C. § 1801*
  - Heading: **PART II-GENERAL BENEFITS > CHAPTER 18-BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS WHO ARE BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA**

