DEAR SUN SPOTS: Having just celebrated our veterans, it has come to my attention that not all veterans are getting the discounts that stores offer them.

Some stores offer a discount on a few select holidays during the year or all year long. You must show a VA card to receive one. That to me is unfair. Not all veterans are enrolled in the VA system and so do not have one of their ID cards. Why should they not be entitled to a discount?

As one woman at the VA put it: “We don’t issue an ID card just so you can get a discount.”

It was my understanding that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles would put on your license that you are a veteran (by showing them your discharge papers) and that would then serve as an ID.

However, the stores have not gotten that message, if it is true, as a veteran was turned down for his discount at Lowe’s when he showed his license.

Could Mrs. Sun Spots finally put this to rest by finding out how all our veterans that served and were honorably discharged can benefit from the discounts that are offered? Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: This question is not something for which Sun Spots can provide a definite answer. Discounts are voluntary. The government can’t require stores or restaurants or other businesses to give veterans discounts, even though many do. 

Since Sun Spots isn’t a veteran, she asked two of her colleagues who are to comment on your question.

The first response is from reporter Doug McIntire:

“First, it’s up to stores how they set up discounts and the procedures surrounding them. Most businesses that honor military discounts honor only active or active reserves. If they indicate veteran discounts, usually an ID, DD-214 (discharge papers), picture of you in the service or dog tags suffice. My old service cap and dog tags bagged me meals, coffee and something called a Tonion at the LongHorn Steakhouse, along with a genuine smile and thanks for my service.

“As for a VA card, I would even venture to say it’s inappropriate for business to ask for one to be shown, as it could be a violation of HIPPA (medical privacy laws) as it identifies the bearer as a patient or client of the VA.

“Again, most stores that offer discounts do so quite willingly and with minimal proof of service. When in doubt or if turned down for insufficient proof, ask to speak with a manager. The person who rejected your discount may not be sufficiently aware of store policy.”

The second response is from Scott Thistle, state politics editor:

“Even when you apply for a VA-backed (i.e., insured home loan) you need to show your proof of service in the proverbial DD-Form 214. This document is actually more important than the “honorable discharge” paperwork, which is much prettier looking.

“The DD-214 shows your service status, awards, medals, tours of duty, qualification and time in service — it is the go-to document for most veteran-related benefits.

“As to the store discounts, I do not often seek those out. Lowe’s and Home Depot offer a discount for veterans at 10 percent on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. (From Lowe’s website: http://pllqt.it/7houV0.) 

“Home Depot has very similar policies. There are also a lot of local businesses — Lee Auto, for example — that offer various benefits to veterans.

“Retired military — those who served 20 to 30 years and retired — are also afforded access to most military base shopping facilities, base exchanges and so forth.

“I hope that helps a little, but no, you can’t just walk in and say you are a veteran and get a discount. There are already people who pose as veterans just to get free food or drinks or admission to certain events. These people go so far as to dress up like veterans just to get in free at WWF events or so forth.

“So as an actual vet who has the papers to prove it, I personally have no problem in showing people my credentials when I’m asking for a discount. It helps prevent abuse.

“The state will also put a special background on your license — a field of stars, I believe — if you ask for it when you renew your license and present a copy of DD214.”

Scott is right about the driver’s license. Sun Spots called the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles and was told that the background is blue with big white stars. There is no charge for this service if you are renewing your license ($5 if it’s a duplicate license request), but you must present your DD-214.

Sun Spots also checked online for more details about Lowe’s and Home Depot. Both require a military ID, DD214 or other proof (the websites aren’t specific; managers probably have some discretion).

A California veteran who was denied the discount at Home Depot took his complaint up the corporate ladder (and posted it online). It turned out he “gave away” his DD-214, but he did have a military driver’s license. Home Depot later apologized for the denial of his discount and sent him a gift card. 

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