Is the last obstacle down? "VA will extend veterans benefits to same-sex couples"

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:54:07 -0400

In light of the recent supreme court decision, "the VA will extend benefits to same sex couples."

The repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" in 2011 started these wheels in motion, then in 2013 the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was struck down. But, some benefits were in limbo. It appears all the obstacles have been cleared.

So, What are your thoughts?

Not my cup, but I am happy for my brothers and and sisters nonetheless.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/veterans/2015/06/29/va-same-sex-couples/29471817/

VA will extend veterans benefits to same-sex couples

Following the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriages last week, the department is updating its benefits rules.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 10:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:59:53 -0400

It was only a matter of time. The military is catching up with our society's popular beliefs.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 11:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:00:33 -0400

Yes, it makes sense- and just like every other couple they deserve benefits. But I marked "Other" because I feel like until every veteran can get care and the benefits THEY need. First and Foremost, veterans need help first. Unless its a gold star member- then straight, same sex- I don't care- they earned their benefits with the loss of their loved one.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 11:00 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:00:40 -0400

In my opinion there will always be obstacles. If we should run out we will create new ones.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2015 11:08 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:08:09 -0400

While this move makes sense, there will still be other obstacles that they will come up with on the road to "total equality". The dust hasn't settled from the decision and yet multiple articles I've seen in the media since start with, "Well, this is just the beginning..." These things take time and potentially a few generations to sink in. Unfortunately same-sex couples being looked at as "nothing out of the ordinary" will not happen overnight, no matter how hard supporters want it to.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 30 at 2015 11:10 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:10:22 -0400

While I am happy, for lack of a better term, for my brothers and sisters in arms that are a part of same-sex couples, I am hopeful that this will eventually fade from sensory "overload" that it has caused over the last 4-5 years.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 30 at 2015 11:12 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:12:28 -0400

Makes sense to me.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 30 at 2015 11:14 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:14:00 -0400

COL Charles Williams If they are married under the Supreme Court ruling and they are veterans of this country then the benefits need to be extended to them as well. We all might not agree with the government getting involved in these types of decisions and there may be some they don't agree with it period, but it is what it is and we need to take care of veterans no matter what their preference is or what they do with their personal lives! Yes, they should be entitled to benefits.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jun 30 at 2015 9:23 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 21:23:40 -0400

Their lifestyle is not like mine but if they are Veterans then there is no question, they get any benefit that any veteran gets. I wish them all the luck in the world.

Thanks JP4,

Rick

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 19 at 2023 8:14 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:14:46 -0500

It seems to me that VA Benefits for Spouse/Family are pretty limited unless the sponsor is 100%. Am I missing something?