A message from the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
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The Importance of LGBT Veterans Applying for Discharge Upgrades
For veterans in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, there is an immense sense of pride that comes from serving their country. Unfortunately for some, they were involuntarily separated from the military due to their sexual orientation, making them ineligible for many VA benefits earned by Veterans by their military service. Between the end of World War II and the repeal of the 2011, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, it is estimated that over 100,000 veterans were involuntarily discharged from service due to their sexual orientation. While many of those veterans affected by this policy would likely qualify for a discharge upgrade, few have completed the process.
The DD-214 form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), is a United States Department of Defense document. It is issued upon a military service member's retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. It is the most important discharge document a veteran receives because it proves they served in the U.S. Military. It is also required to prove entitlement to various veterans’ benefits (health, housing, home loans, and education benefits), and critical for employment purposes. Eligibility for various Veteran's benefits is linked to the type of discharge from service listed on the DD-214. This is sometimes also referred to as the "character of discharge."
Due to the character of discharge listed on the DD-214's for Veterans separated due to sexual orientation, many were unable to claim full veterans’ benefits, had difficulty receiving their G.I. Bill benefits, and had problems finding employment. Even under the, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, some LGBT service members that received honorable discharges were noted as, "Ineligible to reenlist" on their DD-214, which negatively affected their job prospects when asked to explain their circumstances.
One may ask, “What is the significance of a military discharge and why does it matter now?" A discharge terminates the contract to serve in the military. Only enlisted personnel are discharged, and officers resign their commission. Discharges are considered either administrative or punitive. Characterizations of discharge include: Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions (General), Other Than Honorable (OTH) Bad Conduct (BCD) or Dishonorable (the latter two are recognized as punitive only).
Who Changes or Corrects Military Records?
A. LGBT service members discharged for homosexual conduct under “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” have been able to apply for a discharge review to the review board that pertains to their branch of service.
What constitutes a basis for correction?
A. Genuine Error, Failure to Counsel, Regulatory Violations, Any Circumstance that Creates an Injustice, Changing Standards/Law, and Clemency.
How can I get help with the discharge upgrade process?
A. Any Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you fill out a DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Records). At the time of your appointment, you will explain what happened and why your discharged was deemed an injustice. The form will then be submitted to the proper military board for review.
B. MBVS has seven field offices located throughout Maine, including: Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Machias, Portland, Springvale, and at Togus. See our website for contact information - https://www.maine.gov/veterans/.
Are there other services available for LGBT Veterans?
A. Yes, The Department of Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) LGBT Health Program is committed to providing quality care to all Veterans including LGBT Veterans. For more information about the program check the website at https://www.maine.va.gov/MAINE/services/lgbt/index.asp.
B. For questions about LGBT care services for Veterans at VA Maine, contact David Strong, LICSW (VA Maine LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator) at 207-616-8990, or email David.Strong@va.gov.
C. For questions about general VA LGBT policies and information, contact Andrea Mooney, LCSW (Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator and Chair of the LGBT EEO Committee, VA Maine Healthcare System) at 207-623-8411 ext. 7221, or email Andrea.Mooney@va.gov.
To find the Veterans’ Services Office nearest to you, please visit maine.gov/veterans/veterans-services-offices. You can also call the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-430-6035 or visit their website www.maine.gov/veterans to learn more about available resources.
The MBVS is available to assist and advocate for all service members and their families. To those veterans in the LGBT community we are here for you and thank you for your service.
MBVS - FREE Service for Maine Veterans
The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services is a State Agency with a mission of serving those who served their country in the United States Military.
Our services are FREE and available to any veteran who would like to contact one of our many offices.
Specifically, our veteran service officers can assist with obtaining access to a number of benefits, including enrollment in the VA system for healthcare services and VA benefits, filing a claim with the VA, obtaining a copy of DD 214 military discharge records, and applying for complimentary park passes and hunting and fishing licenses.
We invite veterans and military families to visit their nearest Veterans’ Services Office for assistance in receiving benefits or simply to ensure they are receiving all the benefits they deserve. Our highly-trained Veteran Service Officers are available to help you – for free – enroll in the VA system and to help you access your earned benefits.
To find the Veterans’ Services Office nearest to you, please visit maine.gov/veterans/veterans-services-offices. You can also call the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-430-6035 or visit their website www.maine.gov/veterans to learn more about available resources.
Updates to TRICARE Select Group A
Starting on January 1, 2021, TRICARE Select Group A retired beneficiaries must pay monthly enrollment fees in order to maintain their TRICARE health coverage. This is a change, and the first time this beneficiary group will pay enrollment fees.
What are the 2021 enrollment fees for TRICARE Select Group A retirees?
Individual plan: $12.50 per month
Family plan: $25 per month
For more information, please visit the TRICARE Website.
Veterans Experience Office to Host Online Q/A
On Tuesday, June 30th the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Experience Office and RallyPoint will be hosting two Q/A sessions focused on Women Veterans.
From 2:00 - 2:30 PM ET panelists will discuss Women Veteran issues, resource recommendations, moments that matter, impact in the community, and how to overcome challenges.
To join the 2:00 PM session, please visit the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs/posts/10157698094333178
The second session will begin at 3:00 PM here.
Maine Veteran Lifetime State Park Pass
Have you received your FREE State Park & Museum Pass?
All veterans who are residents of the State of Maine, and received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions are eligible for a free Lifetime Veteran State Park & Museum Pass. Passes do not expire and are valid for the lifetime of the holder!
School vacation is right around the corner, so why not visit a few of Maine's 48 State Parks and Historic Sites this summer?
Apply for your Lifetime Veteran State Park & Museum Pass by visiting our website:
https://www.maine.gov/veterans/benefits/recreational-licenses/lifetime-park-pass.html
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