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U.S. Veterans Benefits Laws — Chronological History

Betsy Ross flag, thirteen colonies.Colonies1636–1691 · 5 laws & documentsVeterans benefits in the American colonies.George Washington.Revolution1776–1828 · 23 laws & documentsPensions and land bounties of the Revolutionary era.President Abraham Lincoln.Civil War1832–1919 · 55 laws & documentsThe general pension system and its expansion.President Franklin D. Roosevelt.Pre-Modern1917–1978 · 88 laws & documentsFrom the Spanish-American War to the eve of the VA.President Ronald Reagan.Modern1980–2019 · 44 laws & documentsThe Veterans Administration through the present day.

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VA Handbook

A citation-first reference for the laws affecting American veterans, from the colonies to the present. Sources link to the official text wherever one is published.

© 2026 VA HandbookThis site is a reference, not legal advice.