The Department of Veterans Affairs (Photo: Jason Kuffer)
On October 1, the VA proposed a new grant program designed to expand access to VA programs and benefits.
This program would provide funding to entities that offer legal assistance to Veterans and former Service Members, helping them access VA services, improve their military discharge status, or seek a review of their records by military or naval correction boards.
The goal of this program is to increase access to VA services such as pension, compensation, health care, education, national cemetery matters, loans, and VA character of discharge determinations.
The VA and the Biden-Harris Administration remain dedicated to ensuring that all Veterans receive the benefits, care and representation they deserve. This commitment aligns with President Biden’s Unity Agenda. Earlier this year, the VA revised its rules on character of discharge determinations to extend services to more former Service Members, including those who survived sexual assault, experienced discrimination, or faced physical or mental health challenges during their service. These changes allow previously ineligible former Service Members to reapply for VA care and benefits.
“While VA cannot change your discharge status, we are committed to providing any health care or benefits available to you and will work with you throughout the process,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough encouraging former Service Members with Other Than Honorable discharges to apply for care and benefits.
Related Article: RAND Research: Challenges Faced by Veterans with Other Than Honorable Discharges
He added that legal support can make navigating review boards and discharge determinations more manageable, and this new grant program aims to address that need.
The program is part of the VA’s ongoing efforts to support former Service Members with Other Than Honorable or bad conduct discharge statuses. In recent years, the VA has significantly increased outreach to these individuals, resulting in 75% of those applying for VA services being granted eligibility over the past decade, benefiting more than 57,000 individuals.
In certain cases, individuals with an Other Than Honorable discharge can qualify for VA services if they receive a favorable outcome from a discharge review board, correction board, or VA character of discharge determination. A key element of this proposed program is providing legal assistance to help former Service Members navigate these processes.
The VA recognizes that legal aid is essential in removing barriers to VA services. For example, the VA’s Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grant Program recently awarded $11.5 million in grants to 79 public and nonprofit organizations in fiscal year 2024.
The proposed rule is available for public inspection in the Federal Register and will be open for comment starting October 2. VA plans to publish a notice of funding opportunity after the final rule is issued. Information on legal services currently available to Veterans can be found on the VA’s website.
The VA encourages Veterans with Other Than Honorable or bad conduct discharges (from a special court-martial) to apply for VA care and benefits today.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
