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

Length of service doesn't determine that.

Veteran status is not that easily defined. People think that enlisting or commissioning as an officer into any branch and component makes you a Veteran. That may get you free meals on Veterans Day but that is not the sole criteria for being eligible for VA benefits. A service member in the reserve components that only does their weekend drills and annual training is not eligible for all VA benefits. Yet, most people will consider them a Veteran. If you only completed part of your enlistment and were injured or otherwise disabled on duty, you are considered a Veteran by the VA. If you left service after 8 months for any other reason, I would not trumpet the fact that you enlisted, especially to other service members because I would question why you served only 8 months. I you are interested in seeing what benefits for which you may be eligible, contact your county or state VA rep to find out. You can read more here:

http://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42324.pdf

You you have in your possession either a DD Form 214/215, or NGB 22/22A?

If so, then Congrats! Legally the VA considers you to be a Veteran.

What was the condition of your discharge? Some are beyond the control of the service member, these are usually related to health or injuries. Other types of discharge are related to your personal conduct and suitability for military service.

Edited to add: There is even among those who have served longer, a bit of contention about the "quality" of their service. I recommend ignoring that "one-up" stuff.

I would recommend, the same as a few other people have said, I'd keep quiet about it "if it was less than honorable," and the result of a personal action.

Remember not to "brag" or tell "grandiose stories." It can be easy to do, but once someone knows the entire truth your personal INTEGRITY will be questioned about everything else in your life. Keep it simple and the truth. You made the attempt and something happened. Be honest, you get into less trouble that way.

Why did you not finish your term?

Where is your papers stating honorable discharge?

What were the conditions of discharge? Why did you not finish your original agreement of enlistment? Why cut it short? This seems to be missing a lot of information to come to a conclusion as to whether entitlement of benefits are deserved. Are you asking to be considered a veteran or are you wanting VA benefits? Just because you served does not mean you get VA benefits. VA benefits are determined upon discharge based on your service connected injuries. Don't think you just get free healthcare and money because you ended your military career. That's not how it works. It's not SNAP, or weathcare

Do you have your DD214? You might want to read it.

It depends on why you got out.... Look at your DD-214. It will have you characterization of service. With only 8 months it is unlikely to be Honorable, and is more likely to be General, but as I said, it depends on the circumstances. There are 5 categories: Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, and Dishonorable.

Did they give you an Honorable Discharge?
If so, yes.
Otherwise much depends on why you were discharged and what dis charge the did give you.

Why were you discharged after only 8 months??