For example Robert E Lee who fought in the Spanish-American war. Was he still able to pull a US military pension after the US civil war for his previous 32 years of service to the US military? Since he resigned before the war he would have had what is the equivalent to an honorable discharge correct? I know federal pensions were rewarded much later for CSA veterans but there is still debate around that legally making CSA soldiers official veterans. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Edit: Mexican-American war...oops
I cant speak to the legal aspects but considering pensions are the gold standard of being a us soldier I can add this.
It wasn't until 1930's that confederate soldiers received US pensions. The oldest Confederate Pensioner died at 109 years old so he collected for quite awhile.
Before being eligible for US pensions confederate pensioners could ask for a state pension. One of my relatives left a lengthy paper trail for this effort so it must have been a bitch in Alabama?
So yes and no is my best answer. look here for more reading.