38 CFR 21.5134: Restrictions on paying benefits to servicepersons.

The Department of Veterans Affairs may not pay benefits to a serviceperson (other than one enrolled in a course, courses or a program of education leading to a secondary school diploma or an equivalency certificate) unless he or she:

(a) Has completed 3 months of contributions to the fund or has made a lump-sum payment which is the equivalent of at least 3 months of contributions to the fund;

(b) Has agreed either to have a monthly deduction from his or her military pay, or has made a lump-sum contribution to the fund, or both, so that the 12 months participation requirement of § 21.5052(a) of this part will be met; and

(c) Is serving on active duty in an enlistment period subsequent to the initial period of active duty defined in § 21.5040(b)(3) of this part.