Can I call myself a vet? I never completed training due to injuries during and before service.

2014-04-04T00:42:42-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 12:57 AM

2014-04-04T00:57:06-04:00

To answer if you are a veteran, I honestly don't know. Did you receive a DD214? If the answer to that is yes, then my guess is that you are a veteran, at least insofar as the U.S. government is concerned.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 6:51 PM

2014-04-04T18:51:45-04:00

A lot of Soldiers who were discharged during Basic training are given "uncharacterized discharge". In a way its saying: Entry Level Separation (ELS).  If the servicemember has less than 180 days of service, and is discharged, the commander can say "I didn't have enough time to adequately measure this person's conduct and performance," by characterizing the service as "Entry Level." That's all an ELS is. Instead of giving an Honorable, General, or UOTHC, the service is "uncharacterized." An ELS is not honorable, it's not general, it's not anything. It means that the commander didn't have enough time to make a fair decision as to the overall service characterization. The commander DOES NOT have to characterize the service as Entry Level, even if the member has less than 180 days of service. If the commander feels it's appropriate, and the commander feels he/she knows enough about the member's conduct and performance, he/she can characterize the service as honorable, general, or UOTHC, instead. This is often done in cases of misconduct, or failure to meet or maintain standards. Usually, someone with an ELS has not been in the military long enough to qualify for most veteran benefits.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 9:02 PM

2014-04-04T21:02:44-04:00

IMHO if you swore in and shipped off to training, but couldn't complete it due to injuries, than I would consider you a veteran. You like I, VOLUNTEERED to join the United States Military which is something a very low percentage of qualified individuals does. You I am sure received a DD-214 for the completion of your service, however short it may have been which in turn classifies you as a veteran of the armed forces.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 12:57 PM

2014-04-05T12:57:03-04:00

This is a tough question, and is often left to the individuals interpretation of a veteran. For example, some people think a veteran is only somebody who has deployed before. My personal opinion is if you have been in for 180, reported to a unit, then were later discharged for whatever reason; then yes you can consider yourself a veteran. Or at least completing Basic Training, since that is when your transformation from civilian to soldier is complete.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 3:52 PM

2014-04-05T15:52:36-04:00

There has to be way more to the story than the OP is giving here. You don't receive an OTH discharge for medical.

Couple of things from AR 635-200:

1–13. Reduction in grade

When a Soldier is to be discharged under other than honorable conditions, the separation authority will direct an immediate reduction to the lowest enlisted grade per AR 600–8–19, chapter 10.

3–6. Separation as it affects the Soldier

b. Discharge under other than honorable conditions may or may not deprive the Soldier of veterans’ benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs; a determination by that agency is required in each case.

3–7. Types of administrative discharges/character of service

c. Under other than honorable conditions discharge: A discharge under other than honorable conditions is an administrative separation from the Service under conditions other than honorable. It may be issued for misconduct, fraudulent entry, security reasons, or in lieu of trial by court martial in the following circumstances:

(1) When the reason for separation is based upon a pattern of behavior that constitutes a significant departure from the conduct expected of Soldiers of the Army.

(2) When the reason for separation is based upon one or more acts or omissions that constitutes a significant departure from the conduct expected of Soldiers of the Army.

Usually I wait for more information before giving an opinion, but based on the OTH discharge and a RE code of 3, a reasonable conclusion would be that you messed up somewhere and got booted out. If that is the case, no, I don't feel like you should call yourself a veteran. You failed to complete your initial training and were separated for something you did that was considered a "significant departure from the conduct expected of Soldiers of the Army."

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 1:38 AM

2014-04-07T01:38:43-04:00

To every member that responded thank you for your time and effort to help. And thank you for your service to everyone in uniform past and present. I give my support when I can and I've got your back always. I will stop calling myself a vet, but like I said I support everyone 100%. Gog bless.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 2:27 AM

2014-04-07T02:27:11-04:00

I have a somewhat harsher view of this than some. Ill liken this to trying out for the (insert sport) team. Basic training and ait are the tryouts for the army, as you are attempting to prove you have what it takes to get a spot on the team. If you go through training and blow out your knee halfway through, you didn't make the cut, whatever... Then you can't still tell people you were a player. The army is not much different.

I consider veterans as people who have served and contributed to the overall defense of this nation in a uniformed military service. In training, you are learning to fill that role, but if you don't finish training, and don't contribute to the force as a service member, that I would say you don't qualify to be referred to as a Veteran.

Response by Cpl Robert Clark made Apr 7 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-04-07T11:11:29-04:00

According to federal regs... a Veteran is considered to be anyone who has served 180 days or more on Active Duty outside of training purposes. Getting out of bootcamp alive and completion of initial MOS training does not make one a veteran. Once again, 180 days of service, outside of training puposes, is prerequisite for veteran status/consideration. 38 U.S.C. 4215(a) any questions feel free to contact me @ [login to see] x227

Response by SFC Stillman G. made Feb 7 at 2015 2:28 AM

2015-02-07T02:28:14-05:00

According to Reg-- NO. You also said "injuries before entering" This is what is called EPTS (Existed Prior To Service.) When I was a DS, we put trainees (not Soldiers till COMPLETED training) out all the time because of EPTS. This was due to either not being truthful on enlistment papers and at MEPS or the Recruiter telling individuals not to tell about sickness or injuries.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 3:36 AM

2015-02-07T03:36:34-05:00

I will give my opinion on how I feel about this. I am not basing my opinion on any regulation or law.

No. The title of veteran is too valuable to just hand out. It is not something you get for trying. It should not show be a dishonor if one was not able to attain such a status. But many have given far too much to earn that title.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 3:39 AM

2015-02-07T03:39:41-05:00

Technically, you need to serve 180 days on active duty for the VA to consider you a Veteran.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-08-27T09:09:47-04:00

No. You have to earn the title. Otherwise people would just join up with the intention of quitting just to get veterans benefits (not that there's a lot of them). As another poster already said, it would be like trying out for a sports team but not making the cut... you wouldn't then call yourself a Colt, or a Bronco or whatever. And then there's the regulations people have listed. As for your dd214, it's just a discharge paper, doesn't make you a veteran.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 28 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-09-28T13:16:44-04:00

I would say no. You did not meet the basic qualifications.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-03-12T17:44:34-05:00

I spent six months at Fort Benning and left with a back injury during airborne. I received an other than honorable discharge for injury existing prior to service. I do not consider myself a vet because I have not earned what vets have....I tried and failed so I would say unless you received a medical or honorable discharge you are not a vet

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2016 2:16 PM

2016-03-13T14:16:36-04:00

If you did not get through BCT and AIT then I can't consider you as a veteran. I worked hard to reenter the military after getting hurt during training. I got the waiver needed to get back in and can proudly consider myself a veteran.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Mar 13 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-03-13T21:55:24-04:00

No actually you CANNOT call yourself a vet! Back when I went in the first time right out of H.S. I decided around the end of tech school, the military was not for me. I was in for just under a year & I received a General under Honorable. I wasn't considered a vet nor did I have benefits. Thankfully I ended up going back in yrs later!

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Apr 29 at 2016 12:34 AM

2016-04-29T00:34:13-04:00

By statute, a veteran is defined as a “person who served in
the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under
conditions other than dishonorable.” 38 U.S.C. § 101(2)

If you received an uncharacterized discharge it is still considered other than dishonorable and you are still a veteran. Time in service requirements are in place for different benefits, but they don't change the definition of a veteran.

Response by SN Jessica Behrenwald made Jun 22 at 2016 9:06 AM

2016-06-22T09:06:44-04:00

I was given an honorable medically discharge during basic in 1996 and Ive always been ashamed to be a veteran if the fact comes up that I'm a veteran. I now have a life long condtion that I fight every day. I finally applied for benefits and was given them in 2011 15 years later when my job fired me after I spent an extended stay in the hospital because of my service connected disability. So the answer is yes you are a Veteran even if you don't finish basic. I don't feel right about telling people I am a Veteran an receive benefits because I didn't serve. People get jealous. The other problem is we live in a society that people want benefits they don't deserve. I was medivaced home and hospitalized for a few months and put myself through university and spent 15 years fighting my illiness. Providing my own medical care and medications.

So let me ask you, do you feel you deserve to call yourself a Veteran. For me its a tough call because we made the decision to give everything to our country and for me I did. Now I have lost my career that I fought to get and don't enjoy riding the disability train.

Its been interesting reading that other people wonder the same things I do. Thanks for the good read.

Response by TSgt Rick Dolak made Aug 24 at 2016 11:16 PM

2016-08-24T23:16:43-04:00

you swore the same oath as every other person on here. Also comparing military service to a sports team is just ridiculous. if you want to go that way though I have a buddy that tried out for the Ravens. He was let go during training camp but during the time he had the uniform on he was considered a Raven. SO in my opinion if you wore the uniform and gave it your all and didn't purposely try to ELS out like quite a few trainees do then veteran or not be proud of what you gave because so many people won't even stand up to volunteer for a higher calling.

Response by SFC Chris Crossley made Sep 12 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-09-12T10:40:44-04:00

When I worked for the VA, we provided a benefits briefing to every Soldier that was separating during OSUT, regardless of the reason for the separation. I would submit for benefits and let the VA decide. When I made my earlier lost I was quoting general VA guidance, so i would let them determine whether or not you are entitled to veteran status.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 8 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-11-08T12:29:52-05:00

Bottom line, there are several definitions of "Veteran" out there, some legal, some perceptual. The legal ones pretty much stipulate what, how long, exit pedigree, etc. primarily for the purpose of benefits determination. Others are perceptual; some not very polite. There are those who feel volunteer for one day, you're good to go. On the other end, if you don't qualify for joining VFW, you're not a real Vet. I might have been in your shoes if I didn't go ENL/OFF route in the Navy. I initially went to West Point and they tossed me at the end of Beast Barracks because they didn't like my eyes. Got a DD-214 and Cert for Honorable Discharge. So I'd presume I wouldn't be a Vet for the purposes of a benefit. I never needed to try and figure that one out because it was OBE.

Response by SFC Derrick Harris made Jan 18 at 2017 1:10 AM

2017-01-18T01:10:24-05:00

Let the VA make the call if you were injured are had pre existing conditions they will let you know because of your medical problem you had when you was in.

Response by CPL Anthony Slaughter made Feb 4 at 2017 12:38 PM

2017-02-04T12:38:04-05:00

I'm not sure how it is with other branches, but in the Army you are not technically a Soldier, let alone a Veteran, until you have passed BCT; you are a Civilian in BDU's/ACU's or whatever the uniform is now. That, along with the whole 180 days of service beyond training regulation means that the answer is no, you are not a Veteran.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 1:20 PM

2017-02-04T13:20:00-05:00

First of all thank you for taking that first step to sign on the line to give your life to this great nation. Not everyone is capable of doing that. Second of all, I am truly sorry you were injured when you were so close to finishing your AIT training. That would truly suck.

As for calling yourself a veteran, I would say yes, but I would think also it is whatever makes you feel comfortable about calling yourself too. You have your DD214, it shows your amount of time in service, it also states why you were discharged. You may or may not be able to get VA benefits, but that is up to them to decide, not any one else, and especially on this forum.

A lot of these service members and veterans are so gun ho on how this or that works or how this is the way it's supposed to be instead of the way it really is they cannot see the whole picture.

So, from me to you, and from what I read that a 1SGT and others as well have said......you are a VETERAN. Be Proud of that status.

Response by SGT Roger Bilderback made Feb 4 at 2017 4:08 PM

2017-02-04T16:08:43-05:00

Response by SGT Roger Bilderback made Feb 4 at 2017 4:09 PM

2017-02-04T16:09:52-05:00

wait wait FUCK NO

Response by Jerry Rivas made Feb 4 at 2017 9:33 PM

2017-02-04T21:33:13-05:00

According to the VA, I qualify for no benefits. I joined the Army in 1974 as a fresh faced 17 year old. I went to Basic Training in Ft. Polk La. 5 weeks in, I came down with pneumonia . When the docs found out I was a lifelong asthmatic, I was given a medical discharge so fast it made my head spin. I begged to stay in, but nothing doing. When I got back to my hometown, I walked into the local National Guard Armory and joined right up. 2 weeks later, I went through Basic Training and Armor AIT in Ft. Knox. My MOS was 19E M48/60 armor crewman. I eventually ended up as a 19E30 Commander. I got out 6 years later, and as a result of only doing training, I cannot legally call myself a veteran. I am Okay with that. I do not represent my self as anything. I was proud to go through the training. I was proud to have served in the Kansas National Guard.....This is why my profile says civilian......citizen soldier is a label I carry proudly.

Response by Joseph Cota made Feb 5 at 2017 4:34 AM

2017-02-05T04:34:18-05:00

As someone that was sent home from MCRD San Diego for injuries, I still feel the Esprit de Corps I am proud to have been there and the discipline it taught me allowed me to get my Associates degree and have a great civilian career. I would never want to call myself a veteran, I may have raised my hand and sworn an oath, but that is a far cry from the sacrifices that people who have served their enlistments or who have deployed and been injured. As such I don't believe that you have right to call yourself a veteran.

Response by CPO Roy Thornton made Feb 5 at 2017 3:02 PM

2017-02-05T15:02:25-05:00

I agree with the regulation but I'll throw respect your way since you gave what you had and just didn't get there.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 6 at 2017 8:35 PM

2017-02-06T20:35:06-05:00

If you never were, you ain't!

Response by SFC Dustin Schneider made Feb 17 at 2017 5:46 PM

2017-02-17T17:46:09-05:00

I do not have a Influence Score of at least 150 to start a discussion, so I am going to ask it on here. Are you allowed to call yourself retired from the military if you only did 3 years and got out on an medical discharge? I am asking this because I go to college now and this know it all former e3 from the cost guard calls herself retired. I am 100% disabled Combat Veteran and she sprained her ankle and they chaptered her fat A** out. I want to know can she say she is retired?

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Feb 17 at 2017 6:50 PM

2017-02-17T18:50:29-05:00

A Veteran of What? SMH

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Feb 17 at 2017 7:07 PM

2017-02-17T19:07:54-05:00

Do what you think is right, but don't get upset when an old veteran starts to doubt your reasons.

Response by SSG Shawn Ireland made Feb 23 at 2017 9:22 PM

2017-02-23T21:22:27-05:00

I am totally discussed with the attitude! I myself am a Disabled Veteran who served eight years in the Army,Infantry. I was a Staff Sergeant who broke my hip during a demonstration for our CORP CSM. We were a test bed for the miles gear when it came out. In fact we were I in Soldiers Magazine. I had taken my Squad down the course three times that day and on the last run I had to jump over barb wire and roll to land behind a 55 gal. Drum and pallet for cover so I would not get shot. In doing so I landed on my combat gear, my canteen cup broke my hip. It didn't hurt for a couple days and I felt like it was just the days events that made me sore. Two weeks later I finally got my first X-ray and that's when I was informed I had a break in my hip and a bone fragment in the hip socket the size of about a penny. I was overseas in Europe it was 1984. By the time they sent me to see an Orthopedic Surgeon two months had passed. I was in terrible pain and I was admitted into the hospital in Wurzberg, Germany. The surgeon only kept me in for one week and then told me that he wasn't going to do any surgery as he figured it would do more damage than good. So he gave me crutches and told me that I was to walk and crush the bone fragment but that when I got older I would have terrible problems! Long story short I fought with the Army and the VA to help me and they refused to treat me. After 30 years I could hardly walk and talked to my private insurance doctor and got a total hip replacement. I filed again with the VA, and was finally given a disability. They had given me 100% for the time prior to me getting the surgery and then reduced it to50% because they said it was fixed! This even though they did nothing. I am telling you this as I don't for the life of me believe that the VA gave you a house and all the rest you claim. They are very strict In giving out anything. I know this as a buddy who served with me on my first tour overseas in Bamberg, Germany, was crushed between two APC's and it took him about three years to receive his disability. He was more fortunate as he is in Georgia and was given 100%, but there is no surgery that they can do for him as his spine is out in five different locations and he must live with it. They did put him on pain medication but he ended up addicted and now is on methodone. But I have read everything you have wrote and all the replies and it doesn't sound to me that you are in any great pain, as your only concern is weather you can call yourself a veteran. When I was separated from the Army in 1985, they told me that I had crushed the bone fragment and the break had healed and the pain I was in they couldn't give a rating back then.so I was given a severance and an Honorable Discharge and sent on my way. I filed twice with the VA, and the second time they decided to look and found the damage that was caused by having to crush the bone fragment. In fact my Orthopedic Surgeon said my right hip needs to be replaced due to my limp that I ended up with. So I was given like I stated a 50% disability and had to pay back the severance which I got when I was discharged. My point to all this is it seems that you have found a way of getting services that you don't sound to need and there are real disabled veterans who can't get any help at all even though they are indeed veterans and most are wartime vets at that. If I was you I would not be making such an issue of being a vet as from all I have gathered you found some way to abuse the system while those in need are living on the streets without the help that they truly deserve and earned.If you have to ask if you are a veteran or not, I think you already know the answer. I don't know you but you have definitely turned some eyes your way and I hope you are indeed as you say you are because this matter is definitely going to be looked into. To take and abuse a system when there are veterans who are dying in the streets is not what I know a Marine would do. My grandfather and uncle were both Marines and my grandfather rest his soul was on Iwo! If you are indeed receiving medical assistance for a line of duty injury then by all means you are entitled to them, but the house is a first for me. Take all that those who have taken the time to reply and think on how your words have come across those who are truly in pain and suffering with what little help most get. To bost that you are receiving all these benefits as though you hit the jack pot is not becoming any branch of service.

Response by A1C Demetria Commings made Mar 2 at 2017 10:27 PM

2017-03-02T22:27:25-05:00

I have a question but I don't have the 150 characters in order to participate. But I am was a reservist in the AF from 1985-1993, My discharge is honorable, however, I do not have 180 days of active service, I do however have 160 days. These consist of basic training, Tech school and my reservist days of 2 day a month and 2 weeks a year. After 2 years of service, I got married, pregnant and was put on inactive duty due to my husband at the time who was active duty had orders overseas. Since there was not a reservist base at Misawa, Japan, I was inactive until returned to the states. During that time, Desert Storm begun and I was given order to go active duty and return to my assigned base, but the war ended before my order were activated. After returning back to the states, we were stationed at Ellsworth, SD. Again no reservist at the base with my AFAC and the closes base was Wyoming. This was a hardship as my spouse was active duty and I had two small children at home trying to get to a base that was a state away. So I was given an honorable discharge. I am 20 days shy of obtaining any benefits. Is there any thing that I qualify since I was in uniform and not all of my days are basic training and tech school. I did go to school during that time while overseas on the GI Bill.

Response by LTC Thomas Grant made Mar 27 at 2017 12:22 PM

2017-03-27T12:22:54-04:00

US Code speaks for all military services. 38 USC covers the definition, which basically states if you serve on AD and are discharged other than dishonorably, then you technically are a veteran. Many others on this chain are mixing in perception, motivation and emotion into the discussion.

Response by Capt Raymond Lewis made May 16 at 2017 10:14 PM

2017-05-16T22:14:36-04:00

Response by Alain Rios made May 31 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-05-31T13:13:22-04:00

What if you never completed Basic and AIT, but was Honorable Discharged and in the Army for more than 180 Days

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 15 at 2017 7:20 AM

2017-06-15T07:20:54-04:00

If you have to ask....

But no, Cpl Robert Clark gave the perfect answer..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2017 7:42 AM

2017-06-15T07:42:53-04:00

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. If NG Soldiers who complete Basic/AIT/OSUT serve and don't get veteran status, you definitely don't. Up until last year, NG Soldiers who retire after 20 years and didn't deploy or spend enough time on active status still didn't get veteran status.

That being said, you showed up and tried. Appreciate that and your continued support of the military. But don't call yourself a veteran.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2017 8:00 AM

2017-06-15T08:00:06-04:00

The way I see it, if I didn't get shot at and by and return fire to someone with whom my nation is at war, I'm not a veteran. Therefore, I'm not a veteran. I'm certainly not a VFW. Do I wish to be one? It's a fools errand to wish for war, but wise to be prepared. When Veterans Day comes around, I'll honor those who have seen combat and avoid seeking such glory I have not yet earned. There is no shame in serving and not seeing combat. For those who put on the uniform, ready to stand in the gap, but simply not called by their nation to do so, our honor is in our readiness. But I also cannot in good conscience assume the status or title of veteran. Marine, yes. Veteran, no. Semper Fi!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2017 9:46 AM

2017-06-15T09:46:44-04:00

hell no !!

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 15 at 2017 11:16 AM

2017-06-15T11:16:36-04:00

Anyone can call themselves a veteran - even if they aren't. You're only going to get in trouble if you benefit in any way by lying about that if you aren't a veteran.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 15 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-06-15T12:32:24-04:00

IMO, if you have a DD214 reflecting Honorable or General-Medical discharge then you're a veteran.

Response by PFC Tony Savarese made Jun 22 at 2017 1:28 PM

2017-06-22T13:28:20-04:00

I took the oath and shipped off to Parris Island. Training day 1, I cracked my right thigh bone. I hid it from my SDI for almost 2 weeks until med inspection and they saw the huge purple green bruise. It was x-rayed and I had an inch long crack in my right femur. I continued to train. I did the 3 mile runs, I even tested and passed my exit quals. On day 79 out of 91, they re-x-rayed it. The crack was now an inch and a half long. They discharged me due to the injury. I broke my F'n leg on Parris Island .. I appealed the discharge to my SDI, my Co. Commander, my BtN Commander (3rd Btn), and finally the base XO. They all told me the same thing. As far as I'm concerned, you are a Marine, but regs states that we have to send you home to heal... Come back and get your EGA... I trained with the best and passed all written and PT requirements. I trained for 79 days, thats 10 1/2 weeks out of the 13 to become a marine with a fractured thighbone.. My DD214 discharged me as PFC, not a Recruit... .. Am I a vet?

BTW, I still take that OATH seriously. To the end...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 9:03 AM

2017-07-03T09:03:56-04:00

Here's something you should ask yourself... Do you really feel like you deserve to be called a veteran when you did nothing?

Response by PV2 Dsfdsfds Dsfdsfs made Oct 22 at 2017 5:40 AM

2017-10-22T05:40:29-04:00

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 22 at 2017 4:53 PM

2017-10-22T16:53:40-04:00

...not until that soldier gets all that writing off of right arm! lol

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 8:06 PM

2017-11-06T20:06:13-05:00

Maybe not called a Veteran but possibly still get veteran benefits, particularly disability. If the member had not witheld any information during enlistment and especially if the military can be found liable for the injury. For example the military did not de-ice the walkway and on the first day of basic training a recruit stepped off the bus, slipped and injured his back such that he became disabled, should incur a VA disability.
Whether or not you want to call them a veteran or not depends on the context. It is interesting for broken recruits.

Response by MSgt Tim Meyer made Dec 5 at 2017 9:43 AM

2017-12-05T09:43:22-05:00

38 U.S. Code Part II, Chap 20, Sub Chap I $ 2002 - Definitions Para (b)
(b) Veteran Defined.—
(1) Notwithstanding section 101(2) of this title and except as provided in paragraph (2), for purposes of sections 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, and 2061 of this title, the term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, regardless of length of service, and who was discharged or released therefrom.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “veteran” excludes a person who—
(A) received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces; or
(B) was discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces by reason of the sentence of a general court-martial.
It should be noted this definition does not always apply nor does it necessarily relate to eligibility towards benefits a Veteran can receive. As a start, for VA benefits, I recommend you talk to your local Veterans Service Officer.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Mar 3 at 2018 8:50 AM

2018-03-03T08:50:14-05:00

you just answered your own Question you did not complete. Not that you done anything wrong per say, but completion Is part of the rule. If you Hired on as a heavy equipment operator and never passed your Trial period would that give you a State certified heavy equipment Certificate? I think not.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 3 at 2018 10:57 AM

2018-03-03T10:57:17-05:00

Served over 180 days, then you are a Vet.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Mar 4 at 2018 6:20 AM

2018-03-04T06:20:14-05:00

I find that a quite interesting question for a whole slew of reasons...however, specifically, a good friend of my wife and myself is a SUNY Maritime MARGRAE, who finished out USNR as N O-4, though he wasn't called up under activation at any point, he did it purely on drills. In another case, one of the senior assoc pastors of the Pentecostal church we go to, my wife is extremely devout, I kind of got drawn into their universe, all very nice people, was Army Natl Guard. In both instances, I've checked for both of them, and evidently, they get no VA benefits of any kind, I've gathered, not VA mortgage, not VA medical, nothing, zero, zip, nada, in the case of the pastor, that was because he was drilling under NY STTe, though he wore US Army, not NY State on his uniform, which, quite frankly, I found quite incredible. In digging into the whole thing somewhat more, I've been given to understand that the whole thing about Natl Guard drilling and actually given a DD214, yet not being deemed VA eligible, being as they were paid using state, and not Federal funds, has apparently been raised before, I just found the combination of both circumstances somewhat surprising to say the least...any thoughts, anyone? I'd be most eager to hear them, if anyone of you might have any notions...am I totally out to lunch in the whole topic? Am I in la la land thinking they should get all the usual routine vet benefits? I realize I might ne, weirder things have happened, I just was curious what all of you might think, I might send this in as a general question, I'd ne curious what he whole group on the app might think as well, really, I kmow I might ne wrong, I realize he whole thing might be statutory, I just thohght it kinda odd, you kmow? Many thanks....

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 10:29 AM

2018-03-04T10:29:47-05:00

Don't think so. Almost like being "partially pregnant". Kudos for trying though and good luck.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Apr 25 at 2018 12:19 AM

2018-04-25T00:19:11-04:00

You can call yourself the abominable snowman, but that doesn’t make you one. I appreciate the respect you’ve shown by asking and abiding by responses.

Response by SSG Matthew Dinkens made Apr 27 at 2018 3:23 PM

2018-04-27T15:23:25-04:00

Question. I know someone who "claims" to be a veteran. He has a veteran plate and an endorsement on his license. Not a military ID. He completed basic training to my knowledge and was sent to complete his AIT training but didnt complete it and was discharged honorably with a mental health condition (Bipolar) He is planning on going to the VA for services, I am truly offended as I served for many years and over seas twice for 12 months each time. I literally get pissed when he lies and tells people he served for 8 yrs (but can't explain why he only got to the E2 level) I hate that he asks for a military discount everywhere but can't produce a military ID.
Will VA provide him services or compensation? I think if they do I'll be done, as fighting for my 80% service connected has literally been a full time job!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 7:38 AM

2018-04-29T07:38:12-04:00

I know how you feel I was shot on the streets of my own town before I was to go to boot camp. I don't get

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 7:42 AM

2018-04-29T07:42:26-04:00

I'm no vet but once I swore in I became marine and I uphold the constitution. Not like these punks we vote into office. FUCK THE MONEY THEY HAVE NO MORAL!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 7:50 AM

2018-04-29T07:50:54-04:00

I'm one of the few few if you know what I mean I get no venues got work or trade for my own tools(weapons,ammo,food,shelter,etc,etc). But I do it legally no stealing no selling drugs or illegal guns or shit of any kind. I believe in karma, it can be a birch quick. So carry on brothers and sisters.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 29 at 2018 10:00 AM

2018-04-29T10:00:06-04:00

Depends upon venue. If you are entitled to post discharge medical care from the VA, in the government's eyes you're a vet. If you are in a conversation with a friend, new acquaintance or potential employer, your response should be I enlisted but was released from basic training due to medical issues. There is a big difference in the status you can claim legally and colloquially. In other than a strict VA sense if you are eligible by law, I would feel you would be misrepresenting yourself and fall outside the normal person's concept of a vet and would probably be subject to the ire of many who actually served outside the basic training environment.

Response by PO3 Jack Stalks made May 5 at 2018 9:28 PM

2018-05-05T21:28:02-04:00

I have a friend who joined the Marines. finished boot camp and some additional training. He was promised a duty station when he joined but upon his completion of training they were going to send him somewhere else than what they promised. He (somehow ) got out of the Marines and now calls himself a Marine. I'm not sure if this is a good place to post this but I would be interested in your comments.

Response by Shawn Cicero made May 29 at 2018 6:32 PM

2018-05-29T18:32:11-04:00

I know this wont be a great response, but I respect you signed up, did what you could, and if you went back medically is wasnt your fault.

Response by CDR Rixon Rafter made Jun 3 at 2018 7:12 PM

2018-06-03T19:12:45-04:00

Neither the Department of Defense ore the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes Cpl Clark's definition of a Veteran---neither does the citation he provided address the issue. Try 38 CFR 3.1(d)

Response by Jorge Diaz made Jun 7 at 2018 12:42 PM

2018-06-07T12:42:57-04:00

Hey, I was a former trainee that got hurt during BCT never got To go to AIT or anything of the sort. I was there 4 months total while my papers were processed. To be considered a vet you have to be in training for atleast 6 months. Before ur chapter papers can be processed You have to go do SFL (soldier for life) you get vet status,VA loans, and access to trucare

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jul 11 at 2018 12:16 AM

2018-07-11T00:16:55-04:00

If you took the oath and served honorably - you are a Veteran.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 5:48 PM

2018-07-13T17:48:15-04:00

I'm a chr

Need my washer back

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Sep 19 at 2018 12:00 PM

2018-09-19T12:00:29-04:00

You can tell people what the reg says all you want. But when you talk to an actual veteran, keep what you think you are to yourself. It may save you some embarrassment.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 24 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-11-24T12:43:22-05:00

There are multiple concepts of "veteran" but only a couple legal definitions. Those who have a day or more of active duty and are discharged with something other than dishonorable are the first. The second legal for VA purposes is the you've been trained and have been doing a real job for 180 days or more. The VA then has different thresholds depending how much burn time you have, but the first definition (Statute) governs the basic concept. Then there's the bell curve of MILs and exMILs on RP whose definition of a Vet is their opinion based on their experience or values of what counts and what doesn't. So you have the "You don't have a CAB so you're not a real Vet" types. You have the "You are a RE-4 and shouldn't have been in the first place, so you're not real" types. Some of the newer ones think the Cold War Era Vets aren't real Vets. Oh the list goes on. There's also the "You didn't go for the full ride and retire so you can just call yourself a lowercase vet and not a VET like I am." The official definition and the benefits based definition have been around for a long time. People argue it because they think it means something else more relevant to them. Funny thing. I spent several years going to war for summer vacations with no period exceeding 180 days. It wasn't until after college and the commission that I went over 180 days continuous and then obviously much more so the system didn't consider me a Vietnam Era Vet until then. However, I did have VA entitlement to medical for service connected as an ENL although I was still much too fresh to have any GI Bill benefit.

I think that the people who have their opinions on the relative aspect do so because they want to measure everyone else against themselves. I'll have to admit, a 32 year Vet like myself can get annoyed when a 3 day Vet starts talking way beyond (boasting) their 3 days worth. That becomes a statue vs Statute thing to many. I really don't need to ponder how much of a Vet I am. My body reminds me every day.

Response by SP5 Robert Hayhurst made Dec 19 at 2018 9:54 AM

2018-12-19T09:54:56-05:00

I read this but there are several.people.here who are considered veterans working for the army as civilians who were medically discharged right after completing basics.

Response by CPL David Whitener made Mar 5 at 2019 10:40 AM

2019-03-05T10:40:12-05:00

This is why the VA is clogged up with none Veterans. The Laws need to be redone. If u joined the military couldn't cut it and u get out in two years u shouldn't get anything because you didn't do anything. If your not a combat veteran your not a veteran. I mean did u get paid from the chow hall

Response by MSgt Chris Cox made Jun 12 at 2019 8:51 AM

2019-06-12T08:51:54-04:00

Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” While you are in basic training, you are considered active duty. There’s no gray area. Now, To qualify for some benefits, you need to have served for at least 180 days, but as long as your discharge was other than dishonorable, there is no gray area, according to the law. You may also be eligible for VA health care benefits as your injuries were a result if military service. Go check with your local VA medical center’s eligibility office.

Response by SSG James N. made Aug 2 at 2019 9:03 AM

2019-08-02T09:03:27-04:00

If the injury is such that the VA sees it as Service Connected, and offers treatment, you are a vet in their eyes. If you never served a day out of basic, then not so much to most other vets.

Response by CPO Clifford Henry made Jul 26 at 2020 6:08 PM

2020-07-26T18:08:14-04:00

No.....just no.

Response by SFC Ryan Hirschi made Jul 27 at 2020 10:16 AM

2020-07-27T10:16:49-04:00

The actual regulations are as follows. The Department of Education and the Department of Veterans Affairs stare a Veteran is any individual that serves at least one day of service and is Honorably discharged. Any other length of time is only considered for benefit amounts. Anyone can have an opinion but that is the regulation. I know this because I work for both agencies.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 1 at 2021 4:14 PM

2021-08-01T16:14:05-04:00

Simple: No.

Response by Capt Jessica Murray made Aug 1 at 2021 4:20 PM

2021-08-01T16:20:39-04:00

had a guy tell me was vet who served 8 years inactive reserve … I bet he plays Cop in The mirror too

Response by SSG Edward Joy made Aug 1 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-08-01T16:27:01-04:00

We had a guy that got drafted into the Army after he had taken a stroke, I have never seen a Army doctor so pissed in my life.

Response by SFC Allen Murphy made Aug 1 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-08-01T16:49:15-04:00

No.

Response by SFC James Himes made Aug 1 at 2021 4:53 PM

2021-08-01T16:53:47-04:00

We have this issue in the family. Six of seven boys entered the service. Myself and my two baby brothers completed our tours (I did 22+yrs active duty). My oldest brother did not make it through basic (flat feet and medical). A brother a year younger than me never made it through basic after being in the USAF for over 6 mos and was discharged on compatibility (poor reading skills). Another brother completed Navy basic but when assigned to fleet he lied that our parents had forced him to enlist and was discharged. The three who did not actually serve in the military beyond basic know I do not recognize them as veterans. The two youngest I do since they did over 9 and 6 yrs service. That is how it rolls in our family. I still love them all, the dysfunctional and the normal.
P.S. The irony of this whole mess is my brother a year older than me, the only one to not enlist, was the only one in our family who was shot, in a early morning robbery as he was headed to work.

Response by PO3 Alan Schweizer made Aug 1 at 2021 5:45 PM

2021-08-01T17:45:58-04:00

No way not a veteran.....VA says a person must complete a term of service in order to be eligible for most benefits u less they are injured and discharged for medical reasons.....

Response by SGT Bobby Ewing made Aug 5 at 2021 9:52 AM

2021-08-05T09:52:04-04:00

I wouldn't do it in front of any Vets that I know. But to answer your question, NO, you are not Veteran! You may receive some type of benefit from the VA, but you are not a Vet!