It appears people are getting the terms "Credential" and proof of "Qualification" confused here.
LEOSA carry for Qualified Retired LEO is two elements:
1. A credential issued by your former agency certifying you are a qualified retired LEO...this certifies you had at least 10 years of service as a LEO.
I think you are confusing "10 years service" with "retirement".
There's separation and retirement. Does your military id state how many years of service you have?
Here's how my Fed agency does it.
Credentials.... Badge wallet and Identification card is not proof/verification of years of service. Police credentials are merely ceremonial. This says nothing about you having 10 years or more as an LEO.
My Federal Agency only issues "retirement" creds when someone retires after 20 years or medically retires after 18 months of service.
If someone quits after 10 years, there is no special credential for them. They get a LEOSA card only.
A LEOSA card issued from The agency is the official verification of your service time. When you fill out your id card application with your agency, them approving it is what says "Yeah. This guy has at least 10 years in good standing".
One does not need former police officer "credentials" along with a LEOSA card. I know of no agencies who issue credentials to employees who left after 10 years, but didn't "retire" at 20. Maybe some agencies issue creds to non retirees because they like the employee to carry something along with the card.
"Here you go Charlie. Here is your 13 year service credentials". Why someone would want to carry an extra badge and wallet that means nothing is beyond me.
Driver's license for ID + LEOSA card + Letter of yearly qualification (from usually an LEO agency) is all one needs to carry legally under LEOSA.