Yes, just recently signed legislation allows you to call yourself a Veteran.
During the December 2016 transition period, President Obama signed H.R. 6416, a bill that says National Guard and Reserve retirees who had zero active duty time are now eligible to be referred to as Veterans.
The bill states:
Any person who is entitled under chapter 1223 of title 10, United States Code, to retired pay for Non-regular service or, but for age, would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for non-Regular service shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor.
Although the bill does not expand any benefits, it allows men and women who served in the Guard and Reserves to describe themselves as veterans.
Monica Quinn 2017-03-01T10:30:37-05:00 March 1st, 2017 | VetsFirst Q&A |Each VA Regional Office has Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) located within the facility.
To get answers to your questions about VA benefits and services. Please call or visit:
MyVA411 main information line
800-698-2411
Hours: 24/7
VA benefits hotline
800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET
GI Bill hotline
888-442-4551
Hours: Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
877-424-3838
Hours: 24/7
VA health benefits hotline
877-222-8387
Hours: Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
An extensive guide for veterans, their family members and those assisting them to successfully apply for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). … Read more