WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) received an update on the implementation of his Fairness for Veterans law during a Senate Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Joint Committee hearing focused on easing the transition from military service to civilian life. The law helps veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military by giving liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with a mental trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A less than honorable discharge is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments – behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. A servicemember’s discharge status impacts their eligibility for certain benefits, including Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and VA home loans.
“We can all agree that it's critical that our veterans have the support that they need as they transition into civilian life, which is why it's been a priority of mine to introduce legislation that was signed into law to help veterans who may have been wrongly given a less than honorable discharge from the military as a result of PTSD and TBI that was simply not diagnosed,” said Senator Peters, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “We know that whether a veteran is entitled to VA benefits depends largely on the discharge status that's assigned to them, and VA benefits play an absolutely critical role in the successful transition to civilian life. It remains a key priority of mine that the discharge review boards continue to take these types of metal mental traumas into account when they're reviewing these petitions.”
During the hearing, Peters asked Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Ashish Vazirani and Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs what their agencies are doing to ensure those leaving or having already left military service are aware of opportunities to petition a discharge review board for an upgraded discharge status. Acting Under Secretary Vazirani said the Department of Defense is working with each military department to ensure that servicemembers are aware of opportunities, including through websites with resources. Under Secretary Jacobs said the VA is working to actively increase outreach and to create regulations that may improve outcomes for veterans with less than honorable discharges.
To watch video of the hearing, click here or the image below.
Peters continues to be a strong advocate for Michigan’s servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation’s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for his work authoring and enacting the Fairness for Veterans Act. Peters also helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act – which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans – and their survivors – for the first time in our nation’s history. Peters additionally passed into law bipartisan legislation to strengthen transparency and communication for veterans and caregivers participating in the VA’s caregiver program. His bipartisan legislation to expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans and allow them to use their GI bill benefits to secure a registered apprenticeship was signed into law in 2020. Peters also fought for and helped secure a measure in the national defense bill to expand the Department of Veterans Affairs list of medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure to include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism.
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