- World War I: April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918 (If a veteran served with the United States military forces in Russia, the ending date is April 1, 1920.)
- World War II: December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
- Korea: June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
- Vietnam: August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
- Persian Gulf: August 2, 1990 to date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation
Benefits also are offered to those who received an expeditionary medal for service in:
- Lebanon: June 1, 1983 - December 1, 1987
- Grenada: October 23, 1983 - November 21, 1983
- Panama: December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990