Benefits for Gay Veterans?

Once the repeal of the discriminatory DADT policy is fully implemented, gay service personnel who were released because of DADT should be entitled to full veteran’s benefits (overseen by the Veterans Administration).  There are many such benefits, but they include full medical assistance for mental and physical ailments, especially those directly relate to service; education stipends meant to help prepare veterans for a productive return to civilian life; and many others.

Nearly all gay veterans caught in the web of DADT (usually through misapplication of the formal policy) served their country at least as well as their straight counterparts.  They were not released from service because of being unable or unwilling to perform their assigned duties.

Representative Gwen Moore (Dem., WI) is one government official who is leading the charge to make sure that gay, former military personnel are treated no differently because of their sexual orientation. 

Last week, Moore sent letters to Gates and Eric Shinseki, secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, co-signed by the four openly gay members of Congress, all members of the House – fellow Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin, Barney Frank (D-Mass.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and newly-elected David Cicilline (D-R.I.) – along with 28 other House Democrats.

The letters say that many soldiers dismissed under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell were not given “honorable” discharges – which qualify them for full benefits – but were given “other than honorable” discharges, which limit benefits. Veterans with such discharges can still apply for VA health benefits, but the VA can deny them or limit treatment to that for injuries they suffered during military service. They’re banned completely from receiving GI Bill funds for college. [Read more]

 If you agree with the premises of those of us who support all gay military people who served with dedication, please support Rep. Moore and the other members of congress mention in the above quote.  Ms. Moore, Ms. Baldwin and Mr. Frank have had the opportunity to be well known as long time supporters of gay rights and the LGBT community.