made the announcement as part of the observance of the 10th anniversary of the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” under which lesbian, gay, and bisexual troops had to be closeted.
It’s not a change in policy but a clarification, she and other VA officials said, and VA Secretary Denis McDonough has issued new guidance on determining benefits eligibility.Since DADT ended, veterans who were given a dishonorable or general discharge were eligible to apply for an upgrade to an honorable discharge in order to receive benefits.
But many LGBTQ+ veterans have not applied for an upgrade because they thought the process would be too difficult, Williams said.