March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day — a day set aside to honor the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served during one of America’s most defining conflicts. At Patriot Angels, we pause to recognize their service and remind Vietnam veterans and their families that help may still be available to them today.
What Is National Vietnam War Veterans Day?
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed each year on March 29. The date was chosen to mark the day in 1973 when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam, and when Hanoi released the final group of acknowledged American prisoners of war.
The road to making this an official national observance was a long one. President Barack Obama first proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in 2012, asking Americans to observe the day in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. It wasn’t until 2017 that the day was formally enshrined in law. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, which amended the U.S. Code to designate March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and authorize the display of the American flag on that date.
Did You Know? The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on February 3, 2017 — the same day it was introduced — and was signed into law on March 28, 2017.
A Generation That Answered the Call
The Vietnam War lasted from November 1955 until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Approximately 9 million U.S. military personnel were on active duty during the Vietnam era. Of the roughly 2.7 million service members who actually set foot in Vietnam, fewer than 850,000 are estimated to still be living today.
These veterans — now in their 70s, 80s, and beyond — gave years of their lives in service to this country. Many returned home to a difficult reception, without the parades and recognition afforded to veterans of other wars. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is an opportunity for all Americans to say, clearly and without reservation: Welcome home. Thank you for your service.
A VA Benefit Vietnam Veterans May Be Missing
As Vietnam veterans age and begin to need assistance with daily activities, many are unaware that a VA benefit may help cover the cost of that care. The benefit is called Aid and Attendance, and it is one of the most underutilized VA pension benefits available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses.
Aid and Attendance is a tax-free monthly benefit that can be used to help pay for home care, assisted living, memory care, board and care, or skilled nursing facility costs. The 2026 maximum monthly benefit amounts are:
2026 Aid & Attendance Maximum Monthly Benefit Rates:
Surviving Spouse: $1,558/month
Single Veteran: $2,424/month
Married Veteran: $2,874/month
Two Veterans Married to Each Other: $3,845/month
For a full breakdown of how rates are determined and what factors affect benefit amounts, visit our 2026 Aid and Attendance benefit rates page.
Do Vietnam Veterans Qualify?
Many Vietnam veterans — and their surviving spouses — may be eligible for Aid and Attendance. Here is a summary of the core requirements.
Wartime Service
The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day falling within the Vietnam Era wartime period as defined by Congress:
- February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 — for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam (boots on the ground or on a vessel in Vietnamese coastal waters)
- August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 — for veterans who served anywhere in the world during this period
Important: A veteran does not need to have served in a combat zone. Stateside service during the eligible wartime period qualifies under the August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 date range above.
Discharge Status
The veteran must have received an honorable discharge or a discharge characterized as anything other than dishonorable. Only a dishonorable discharge disqualifies a veteran from this benefit.
Need for Care
The veteran or surviving spouse must need regular help with at least some of the activities of daily living — such as bathing, dressing, mobility, toileting, or eating. The need for care does not have to be related to a service-connected condition. A physician must document the care needs as part of the application.
Income and Net Worth
There are VA income and net worth guidelines that factor into eligibility. The current net worth limit is $163,699. Monthly care expenses — including home care, assisted living, and similar costs — are subtracted from gross income when the VA evaluates the financial picture, which often makes the benefit accessible to families who might not consider themselves low-income.
Aid and Attendance Overview: For a full breakdown of how this benefit works, who qualifies, and what the application process involves, visit our Aid and Attendance Fact Sheet.
What About Surviving Spouses?
The widow of a Vietnam veteran may also qualify for Aid and Attendance independently. The surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran at the time of his passing and must not have remarried. There is no age requirement for a surviving spouse.
At $1,558 per month in 2026, the surviving spouse benefit can provide meaningful relief for a widow who needs help with home care or has moved into an assisted living community. For a detailed look at surviving spouse eligibility, including the wartime service rules that apply, see our article on Aid and Attendance for Surviving Spouses.
How to Find Out If You May Qualify
The Aid and Attendance benefit involves a number of eligibility factors, and the rules can be complex. Many veterans and families who could qualify have never applied — simply because they did not know the benefit existed or assumed they wouldn’t be eligible.
Patriot Angels has helped more than 30,000 veterans and surviving spouses navigate the Aid and Attendance benefit since 2012. Our Benefit Specialists work under the guidance of our VA-accredited attorney to evaluate your eligibility, gather the right documentation, and help you put your best case forward.
There is no cost to find out if you qualify. Call us at (844) 757-3047 or click here to start a free eligibility consultation.
If you or a loved one served our country, let us help you secure
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about National Vietnam War Veterans Day and the VA Aid and Attendance benefit for Vietnam veterans and their surviving spouses.
When is National Vietnam War Veterans Day?
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed on March 29 each year. The date marks the day in 1973 when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. It became an official national observance in 2017 when President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act.
Do Vietnam veterans qualify for Aid and Attendance?
Vietnam veterans who need help with activities of daily living may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during the Vietnam Era wartime period. The veteran does not need to have been injured or served in a combat zone to qualify.
Can the widow of a Vietnam veteran receive Aid and Attendance?
Yes. The surviving spouse of a qualifying Vietnam veteran may be eligible for Aid and Attendance if she was married to the veteran at the time of his passing, has not remarried, and needs help with activities of daily living. The 2026 benefit rate for a surviving spouse is $1,558 per month, tax-free.
Does a Vietnam veteran have to have served in a combat zone to qualify?
No. Serving in a combat zone is not a requirement. Any veteran who served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during the eligible Vietnam Era wartime period may qualify — regardless of whether they were deployed to Vietnam or served stateside during that period.
How do I find out if a Vietnam veteran may qualify for Aid and Attendance?
Patriot Angels offers free pre-qualification consultations with Benefit Specialists working under the guidance of our VA-accredited attorney. Call (844) 757-3047 or visit our website to start a free eligibility evaluation.
