As LGBTQ advocates acknowledged the 10th anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” the Department of Veterans Affairs announced those service members who were forced out under the homophobic policy can receive full benefits. https://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs/status/1440020444254511106 From HuffPost:
More than 14,000 service members were forced out of the military under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which was established in 1994 under former President Bill Clinton.
Each member who was forced out was given an other-than-honorable discharge and, as such, was unable to receive health care, guaranteed home loans or disability compensation, among other benefits.
“Under this newly-issued guidance, VA adjudicators shall find that all discharged service members whose separation was due to sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status are considered ‘Veterans’ who may be eligible for VA benefits,” wrote Kayla Williams, assistant secretary for public affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“LGBTQ+ Veterans are not any less worthy of the care and services that all Veterans earn through their service, and VA is committed to making sure that they have equal access to those services.”
Ten years after the end of Don't Ask Don't Tell, I'm reflecting on the courage of LGBTQ+ servicemembers who answered the call, both before and since it became possible to serve openly—as well as those who fought to ensure all could wear the uniform as their whole, full selves.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) September 20, 2021
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