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By: FEDweek StaffVeterans who received bad conduct discharges because of homosexuality could soon qualify for full benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to modify existing regulations regarding discharges for “willful and persistent misconduct,” “moral turpitude,” and “homosexual acts involving aggravating circumstances or other factors affecting the performance of duty.”
VA published its intentions in the Federal Register in August, adding that the department also seeks to “extend a ‘compelling circumstances’ exception to certain regulatory bars to benefits in order to ensure fair character of all discharge determinations in light of all pertinent factors.”
The change would affect veterans who were discharged for homosexuality or certain mental disabilities.
