Published Jul 31, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT
13 Things Every Veteran Should Do During Their First Year After Leaving the Military
From filing a VA claim to replacing health and life insurance, these 13 first-year moves can protect a veteran’s benefits, money and future.
Leaving the military comes with a new freedom and a surprising number of expiration dates. Some benefits disappear within months. A VA claim filed a few weeks too late can carry a later effective date. Health and life insurance require decisions, and the government-funded final move does not remain available forever. The first year after service is also when veterans must begin replacing the structures the military supplied automatically, including medical care, steady pay, professional identity and a built-in community. These 13 steps can protect earned benefits while making the landing into civilian life a little less abrupt.
A screenshot of a DD-214 blanket sold by the veteran apparel company American As F*ck. (Image via American As F*ck)
