I served 8 months. Should I still be considered a veteran with a honorable discharge?

38 USC 101 "The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable."

So if the shoe fits, wear it. BTW opinions are one thing, but always go to the source. Notice there's no time element in that definition. What benefits a veteran is entitled to varies from that point on.

Would a man with 20 years service and on terminal leave be a vet if he was put into civilian confinement (Not related to military)? Where do they draw the line?

I served eight years, have multiple deployments, and two CIBs... The answer is the same for both of us. Do you have a DD Form 214? If so, does it say "HONORABLE" in block 24? If the answer to both of those is "yes," you are not "entitled" to call yourself "a veteran with an honorable discharge", you are one.

Do you possess a certified DD-214? What does it indicate in Block 11a? That should provide your answer.

What's the rest of the story?

PVT Robert Humburg Yup your a VET. Served at least 6 months Active Duty, Yes you are!!!

HA! HA! That would be a slap in the face to ALL those who lost their lives in Combat! Who made the Ultimate Sacrifice of themselves to save a Comrade! You haven't SEEN anything in "8" Months!

Yeah as long as you served honorably. Not everyone gets a war.. Some get many lol

If you got an honorable discharge your definitely a veteran. I served 6 months and 4 days and I'm considered a veteran. As a good friend of mine has told me more than once about the duration of my service; it's not the length of time you served it's that you were willing to serve your country.

Considering the story behind your discharge, I'd have to say that you are not a veteran. In your replies below, I see that "your parents got you out". That doesn't just happen. Especially not to an adult. It sounds to me that you decided that you no longer wanted to be in the military and your parents helped get you out. If you are "entitled" to any benefits, I suggest that you refrain from using them, as they would be better served to injured and combat veterans. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear and I was hoping that you were someone in a similar situation as I was (injured during training). However, you asked the question and this is my answer. You should definitely describe your discharge status a little better in the future.