Pentagon Completes Review, Upgrades Discharges for LGBTQ Veterans

More than 800 veterans receive honorable discharges after proactive review of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' separations.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that 851 cases were reviewed, resulting in over 800 veterans receiving honorable discharges.
The review was part of an effort to address the discrimination faced by LGBTQ service members under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which was repealed in 2011.
Approximately 96% of the 13,500 service members affected by the policy have now received honorable discharges, restoring their access to veteran benefits.
President Joe Biden issued pardons in June for service members convicted under repealed military policies, further addressing past injustices.
Veterans who believe their military records still contain errors or injustices are encouraged to apply for corrections through the Military Department Review Boards.