heard of someone who dropped out one semester into the AC year.. receives veteran benefits

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2024candidate

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I just heard a story about someone who dropped out after his first semester at USNA and apparently has veteran benefits for the rest of his life..

This is of course not my plan, but I was just curious if that is even possible?? Seems like a waste of taxpayer dollars!
 
There are the Fed veterans’ benefits from the VA, which would likely not apply in this case for short duration of service in a training/initial intake situation. Individual state veterans’ agency benefit programs vary widely in how they define “veteran,” so conceivably there could be some state benefits.

If a mid is disenrolled for medical reasons, there may be some medical benefits.

Sounds like a well-distorted street rumor to me.

“Veteran benefits for the rest of his life” is a sweeping statement. Veteran benefits cover a wide range of programs such as medical care, education, job training, home assistance, etc. Many criteria are applied to determine which vets are eligible for which benefits. I think it highly unlikely someone who left after 1 semester would be entitled.

If that mid were prior enlisted with some documented disability, that could be plausible.

From the primary source, using google search string “basic eligibility for VA benefits”:

www.va.gov

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
www.va.gov www.va.gov
 
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Service Academy attendees are considered active duty and "veterans" per 38 US Code (Veterans Benefits), sec 101 (para 21), and entitled to some VA benefits. Different benefits require different service times. A few only require 1 day, but others, like the VA loan require 24 months. However, their time at a service academy does not qualify them for education benefits under the GI Bill. Medical benefits would depend on whether or not they had a medical issue caused from their service at the service academy and they have gone through the steps to have a rated disability by the VA (VA determined it was a service connected disability.)
 
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"Dropping Out" after one semester would likely result in ADSEP and NOT Discharge. To obtain VA benefits you need either a DD-214 showing time and character of service, or become Disabled to a compensable degree while on Active Duty as determined by a MEB and PEB, or obtain a "Hardship" discharge.


§ 3.12a Minimum active-duty service requirement.

(a) Definitions.

(1) The term minimum period of active duty means, for the purposes of this section, the shorter of the following periods.

(i) Twenty-four months of continuous active duty. Non-duty periods that are excludable in determining the Department of Veterans Affairs benefit entitlement (e.g., see § 3.15) are not considered as a break in service for continuity purposes but are to be subtracted from total time served.

(ii) The full period for which a person was called or ordered to active duty.

(2) The term benefit includes a right or privilege but does not include a refund of a participant's contributions under 38 U.S.C. Ch. 32.

(b) Effect on Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, a person listed in paragraph (c) of this section who does not complete a minimum period of active duty is not eligible for any benefit under title 38, United States Code or under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs based on that period of active service.

Para d exempts those individuals who are released on a "Hardship" or Disability" discharge and issued a DD-214. Para c defines inclusive those persons who may be eligible for VA benefits (24 months, or delayed entry and 24 months of AD)

As @Capt MJ stated, every State has differing inclusions, requirements, and benefits, so while not eligible for Federal VA benefits, they very may be eligible for various State administered benefits.
 
2024candidate said:
I just heard a story about someone who dropped out after his first semester at USNA and apparently has veteran benefits for the rest of his life..

This is of course not my plan, but I was just curious if that is even possible?? Seems like a waste of taxpayer dollars!
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The question is what type of Veteran benefits? Medical benefits related to an injury incurred while at USNA? Possible. I don't think it's a waste of taxpayer dollars if an injury occurred while at the Naval Academy that prevents a commission and requires medical care at some point in the future.

I know an AROTC cadet injured during an FTX on Inactive Duty Training (IADT) that required orthopedic surgery. Line of Duty (LOD) investigation was completed and medical coverage was processed through Federal Workers Compensation. The cadet was notified of VA Medical eligibility for ongoing care related to the injury if necessary. A US Code was cited. The cadet was later determined to be 'fit for AD' and did commission but if 'released' from AD without other VA benefits from time on AD, will still be eligible for VA medical care related to the ROTC injury. I think that's reasonable.
 
2024candidate said:
I just heard a story about someone who dropped out after his first semester at USNA and apparently has veteran benefits for the rest of his life..

This is of course not my plan, but I was just curious if that is even possible?? Seems like a waste of taxpayer dollars!
Click to expand...

Veterans benefits for life to include Free lunch on 11 NOV at Applebee’s .
 
2024candidate said:
I just heard a story about someone who dropped out after his first semester at USNA and apparently has veteran benefits for the rest of his life..

This is of course not my plan, but I was just curious if that is even possible?? Seems like a waste of taxpayer dollars!
Click to expand...

This old canard surfaces from time to time. My guess is it should be filed under “If it sounds too good to be true ...”. Other than the legitimate variations discussed, I’m sure the US Govt is aware that there are those who would seek to game the system.
 
My new favorite veterans benefits are the 10% discount at Lowe's (only recently signed up for that after years of forgetting to bring in my DD-214), and the convenient parking spots next to the "Expectant Mothers" at the grocery store. Would have never bothered with either 10 years ago, but as you get older these benny's seem like big wins.

The VA mortgage is the all-time winner, however. Allowed us to buy our first (and only) house.
 
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