WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that veterans discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine may regain their GI Bill education benefits. This follows Executive Order 14184 by President Trump, which aims to reinstate service members affected by the military’s vaccine mandate.
More than 8,000 service members were discharged under the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate, with many receiving a discharge characterized as less than fully honorable. This status affected their eligibility for GI Bill benefits.
Recently, 899 veterans became eligible for these benefits, with more expected to follow. The VA has sent letters to those with upgraded discharges, encouraging them to apply for benefits.
VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the importance of this move, stating, “We are proud to help implement President Trump’s executive order and make these Veterans whole again.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also highlighted the significance of the executive order, saying, “We must also right the wrongs of the past in order to restore trust.”
Veterans seeking discharge upgrades should contact the Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military or Naval Records. For more information, visit the Military Department Review Boards website.
For details on VA education benefits, veterans can visit va.gov/education or call 888-GIBILL-1.
