For the VBA benefits, if the veteran has a disability they can access it up to 12 years from when they exit the military, but that can even be extended to longer if their disabilities are severe. For the Department of Labor programs, as long as they are a veteran, they continue to be eligible, so from the moment they are transitioning and for the rest of their life they're eligible for the Department of Labor benefit as well.
On March 27th, 2012. See this statement in context.