Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 6/25/2011

Question
I served 20 months active duty from 91-92 and was discharged under a chapter 11.  In order to receive my GI bill you have to have served at least 36 months... In doing so i surrendered my GI bill and I was wondering do I still qualify for any VA benefits?... I served in Operation Desert Storm but yet I don't feel like I'm a US Veteran...Am I able to go to VA hospital, or receive any kind of benefits?

Answer
First, I need to understand that you got chaptered on a failure to adapt chapter? That's almost exclusively used for basic trainees that screw up or flunk out.  The discharge doesn't allow for much.  Even if it was a different chapter, your short period of service generally wouldn't qualify you for VA benefits.  Check with the VA and your service in Desert Storm may qualify you for something, particularly if you received a Purple Heart or other medal for valor, but I think you're out of luck on most things.  Also, your discharge characterization would play into it.  Anything less than Honorable would significantly lessen the chances of benefit receipt.