Hate to disagree, but I received a medical retirement in 1970. My retirement orders state I was released from active duty because I was physically unfit for duty and placed on the retired list. I was issued a Retired ID card with an indefinite expiration date. My second child was born at Fairchild AFB hospital after my retirement and my family and I have had full use of the commissary and exchange facilities at every military facility in the state of Washington for over 40 years.
Unfortunately, I may be a statistical rarity. I remember being told when I asked about compensation for my wounds "to go to the VA". Instead I demanded a medical board after getting some advice from my Dad, who himself was retired. The army retired me at 60% disabled. The VA called me 70% so I opted for the VA payment. After the law changed several years ago I was able to apply for CRSC and now am able to draw my retired pay (a negligible amount as I was only in for 3 years) as well as my VA.
I don't know where people keep getting the idea that you must serve 20 years to be retired. I ran into the same mindset when I purchased our toad last year. The salesman insisted that I be retired for longevity before they gave me an additional $500 off. I was able to find Chryslers guideline for the $500 discount on the internet. All it said was retired. After showing them my ID card and retirement orders I received the discount.
I've posted this response to let those in my situation know that if they were retired for a physical disability and possess a blue ID card that says you are retired with an indefinite expiration date you are in fact as "retired" as those that served 20 years and entitled to the same benefits and privileges.