The Vermont Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to U.S. veterans from Vermont who served in a combat theater. The medal was established in 1999, but is retroactively available to veterans of prior military service. The Vermont Distinguished Service Medal is a state award, presented by the Vermont Department of Veterans Affairs. U.S. military active duty regulations allow their members to accept but not wear state awards. In addition, activated National Guard members may not wear their state awards while serving in Title 10 (federal) status.