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veterans benefits

Inside the military’s LGBTQ+ witch hunts

Trump’s return to the White House is resurfacing questions over who is fit to serve. Two veterans — from opposite sides — reveal the lasting harm of our discriminatory past.

Judge: Denial of Equal Veterans' Benefits Unconstitutional

A California judge rules in the case of a lesbian veteran whose marriage was not recognized by the VA; it may lead to equal benefits for all same-sex couples.

Senate Blocks Benefits for Veterans in Same-Sex Marriages

Eight Senate Republicans supported the effort, but the amendment fell short of receiving the 60 votes needed to pass.

Massachusetts governor seeks IVF coverage for veterans in same-sex relationships

Maura Healey, one of the first out lesbian governors in the nation, wants to equalize coverage of assisted reproduction and provide other new benefits to Massachusetts veterans.

New Law Would Benefit Gays Discharged Under DADT

Gay and lesbian military veterans discharged under the federal ban on openly LGBT service members may receive benefits through the state under a bill being considered by the Massachusetts state senate.

Many LGBTQ+ Vets Still Having Trouble Getting Benefits, Suit Says

Some are seeing barriers because of the type of discharge they received, even after the government announced a simplified process.

Op-ed: Our Veterans Are Still Waiting for Their Rights

Even with the a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act deemed unconstitutional, our nation's bravest citizens still wait for equality.

No Spousal Benefits for Gay Veterans

A letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirms gay and lesbian veterans will continue to be denied spousal benefits.

New York Grants State Benefits to LGBTQ Veterans

Rhode Island passed a similar law last week.

House Committee Won't Extend Spousal Benefits to Gay Vets

The legislation would have allowed veterans' same-sex spouses access to benefits, even if they do not live in a marriage equality state.

More LGBTQ+ Spouses to Receive Survivors' Benefits, VA Announces

The Department of Veteran Affairs changed its policy due to previous anti-marriage equality laws.

Mass. Senate Passes Bill Benefiting Victims of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

"For far too long, thousands of courageous individuals have been told that they are not worthy of the same benefits that their comrades and counterparts earned," Velis said.

Dem. Candidate: I'll Restore Benefits to Gay Vets Discharged by DADT

Many vets received less-than-honorable discharges under the policy, affecting their eligibility for benefits. Rep. Seth Moulton unveils a plan to upgrade them.

Married Gay Veterans to Receive Benefits

Just a week after doubling down on a section of U.S. law that kept the military and Department of Defense from offering spousal benefits to veterans in same-sex marriages, the Department of Justice announced today it will stop enforcing Title 38.

Rhode Island Will Restore Benefits for LGBTQ Veterans

Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation into law on Friday.

Many LGBT Troops Don't Get Veterans Benefits

Veterans in Chicago are calling on the government to keep its promise to those who served, regardless of sexual orientation or discharge status.

VA Refuses to Recognize Veteran’s Wife and Child

The Department of Veterans Affairs has frozen the disabled veteran’s benefits until she pays back the full amount the VA mistakenly awarded for her wife and child.

Feds: We've Extended All Possible Benefits to Same-Sex Couples

But federal laws make some married same-sex couples ineligible for certain Social Security and veterans' benefits, explains a new report.

Senate Takes Stand for Same-Sex Couples

Some couples are losing out on Social Security and Veterans' benefits because they live in a state that doesn't recognize their union; a Senate vote, while not binding, marks an attempt to right that wrong.

VA Eases the Path to Benefits for LGBTQ+ and HIV-Positive Vets

Those kicked out under "don't ask, don't tell" or other discriminatory policies no longer have to apply to have their discharges upgraded.