2007-07-24 08:31:01 · 9 answers · asked by mgrmethis 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A veteran is one who has served in the armed forces and has an honorable discharge; a common misconception is that one had to have either been in combat and/or has retired from active duty to be called a veteran.
VA Eligibility Statement for Reserve and National Guard Personnel
The primary factor in determining basic eligibility to VA benefits is “veteran status,” which is established by active military, naval, or air service and a discharge or release from active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
Reservists who served on active duty establish veteran status and may therefore be eligible for VA benefits, depending on the length of active military service and the character of discharge or release. In addition, reservists who are never called to active duty may qualify for some VA benefits.
National Guard members can establish eligibility for VA benefits only if the President activated them for Federal duty.
Check out the 2 links I've included. There's more information about what you're entitled to. If you have been in the Reserves for 26 years, you've still served your country. while you're not eligible for full VA benefits, there are still some perks available to you.
2007-07-24 12:48:19 · answer #1 · answered by crimsonshedemon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those benefits were not designed for you, the inactive reservist. There had to be a cut off some where and 180 days of active service is it.
If this bothers you, volunteer for some active duty time my friend. They can certainly use you.
2007-07-24 16:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In order to qualify for VA benefits while a reservist you would have had to have 180 consecutive days on active duty not including training time or have at least one day in a combat zone. If you do not have those things you do not qualify as a veteran and therefore are not qualified for veterans benefits. Simply put non veterans are not authorized veterans benefits.
2007-07-24 15:34:56 · answer #3 · answered by dave n 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
How can you have 26 years and not 180 days of active duty? Most all retired reservists I have ever met had that much active duty time.
2007-07-24 15:40:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because you need at least 180 days of continuous active duty to qualify.
To be a veteran you do not have to have any time in a combat zone.
2007-07-24 15:35:38 · answer #5 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dave N nailed it.
See the VA link below.
2007-07-24 15:43:19 · answer #6 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
VA is for veterns of war...were you ever deployed? Plus you prolly have to have been active for certain amount of time.
2007-07-24 15:44:26 · answer #7 · answered by amanda t 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Because your not a veteran.
2007-07-24 18:13:28 · answer #8 · answered by Morgan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have been inactive!
2007-07-24 15:41:21 · answer #9 · answered by Sami V 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋