Can one claim "Veteran of the Vietnam War" status merely for wearing the uniform in Germany during the war?

I recently read an anti-gun editorial that argued the 2nd Amend. was passed to arm slavers hunting runaway slaves, and that the NRA was advancing racism/slavery. Now, I've read many editorials making similar inflammatory claims, and that is their right. But that is not the reason for my post. Curious about the credibility of the author, I noticed that he was a self-described "Veteran of the Vietnam war." However, googling him I read his bio for a local veterans' memorial that stated that he served as an artilleryman from 1970-1972 only in Germany--no mention of Vietnam. Having never served IN a war, I have served DURING wars, including Beirut, Granada and Panama. I have never claimed to be a "Veteran of Beirut" or otherwise. My question is, what are your thoughts on claiming "veteran of ___ war" status merely for putting on the uniform during that conflict? If I meet someone and they say "I'm a veteran of OIF" or "OEF", can I assume that they were involved in that conflict more than merely wearing the uniform in some unrelated geographic area? Of course I understand there are grey areas, such as airmen/sailors servicing and supporting aircraft headed to the combat zone, and other direct support positions. Or even drone operators stationed in Nevada. My question to Vietnam Vets (those who actually served in country) in particular, do you consider this a "stolen valor" situation?