I joined in 1996. Basic was a breeze. Half way through AIT, They discharged me. EPTS, medical/Honorable. I have never called myself a veteran. Recently, I was looking at buying a house and they asked if I was a veteran. I have no clue. MY DD214 states medical honorable. I never considered myself a vet, but legally, I am unsure.

If anyone can help me with this, that would be great because resources online really give no clear definition.

Thanks.

You never saw active duty, so you are not a veteran.

In the US your veteran status for benefits starts with your discharge papers from what I have surmised so the best course of action is to get your lost papers replaced and status verified by the VA.

Military Forms | Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/records-and-forms/military-forms-and-veterans-forms.html)


Getting a Replacement DD-214 or Military Service Records
Loss of this all-important form is not the end of the world. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can get free copies of their DD Form 214 (http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty - through theeVetRecs website (http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/) or by mailing or faxing a completed Standard Form SF-180 (http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html) to the National Archives.

http://www.military.com/

Then you can determine your status and benefits you are entitled too.

I have my DD214. It will state on it? I just was questioned by it from a realtor, to see if a VA loan was a viable option. I have never claimed to be a veteran, even in my career. Just curious really.

You won't know until you check it out for yourself so call the VA. What could be easier than a phone call?

If your area has a VA clinic or office, the front desk clerk should be able to give you a definitive answer just by looking at the DD-214.

Thanks you all. I appreciate your time and effort. I will make the phone call tomorrow.