Question:
I was in the Wyoming National Guard for 8 years. During that time I was only activated once to help with a large forest fire. I did not actually fight the fire but I did provide logistical support which included moving large amounts of supplies to specific staging areas. While loading the truck I overestimated my strength and really messed up my back. I ignored it at first but it has gotten progressively worse over the years. Am I eligible for VA benefits?
Answer:
The threshold question for you is whether you were deployed under orders issued by your state for the benefit of Wyoming or were you ordered to deploy by the Department of Defense (DoD)? If you were activated by your states governor than you are not entitled to VA benefits for any injury you incurred while you were deployed.
If however you were activated by an order into Federal service then you would be entitled to VA benefits as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you were not activated into Federal service I would suggest you check to see what, if any, benefits you are entitled to from your state government.
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