Pentagon Reaches Settlement with LGBTQ+ Veterans Discharged Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

The agreement aims to streamline record corrections and restore benefits for over 30,000 veterans impacted by discriminatory policies.

The settlement allows LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' or earlier policies to update their records to remove references to sexual orientation.
Veterans denied honorable discharges due to these policies can request expedited reviews to upgrade their discharge status.
The agreement simplifies the previously burdensome process, enabling affected veterans to access benefits such as healthcare, tuition assistance, and VA loans.
The lawsuit, filed in 2023, argued that the Pentagon's failure to correct these records violated constitutional rights and perpetuated discrimination.
The settlement, pending federal court approval, could take effect as early as summer 2025, marking a significant step toward addressing past injustices.