(Photo: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Foster)
Thousands of Veterans discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine during the Biden administration may now regain access to GI Bill education benefits. The VA confirmed the change on Monday, following a major policy shift tied to a January executive order from President Donald Trump.
Trump’s order, Executive Order 14184, directed federal agencies to identify former Service Members who were removed from the ranks because they declined the vaccine and to take steps to restore opportunities lost because of their discharge status. The directive followed years of controversy over the military’s pandemic-era requirements, which took effect in August 2021 under then Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The mandate was officially rescinded in January 2023.
The VA and DOD have been reviewing records of those affected. More than 8,000 Service Members were separated after refusing the vaccine during the Biden administration. Over half received discharges classified as less than fully honorable, which can limit a Veteran’s access to education programs under the GI Bill.
After initial reviews, Defense officials reported that 899 Veterans now meet eligibility requirements for GI Bill benefits due to upgraded discharge statuses. The number is expected to grow as more Veterans request reviews through their service branch’s Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military or Naval Records.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the department is working to carry out the order and restore benefits to those affected. Collins described the earlier mandate as a policy that disrupted the lives and careers of Service Members who chose not to take the vaccine. He said the department is committed to helping Veterans regain opportunities that were limited by those separations.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the executive order aims to correct what Trump views as improper dismissals. Kelly said the president wants Veterans who did not reenlist to have access to the GI Bill benefits that help many transition to civilian careers.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also directed the military departments to make it easier for former Service Members to pursue discharge upgrades. Hegseth called the earlier separations an attack on troops who were otherwise healthy and willing to serve. He said restoring benefits will rebuild trust among those affected by the mandate.
The VA began notifying some Veterans in September that they may now qualify for education benefits if their discharges were already upgraded. The department is encouraging all former Service Members who were discharged for refusing the vaccine to apply for a review. Veterans who receive an upgrade may then apply for GI Bill assistance.
Those seeking an upgrade within 15 years of discharge are instructed to complete DD Form 293 and send it to their branch’s Discharge Review Board. Requests to correct service records require DD Form 149. Copies of service records can strengthen an applicant’s case.
Information about VA education benefits is available at va.gov/education or by calling 800 GI BILL.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
