Daines Works to Ensure Due Process for Veterans Erroneously Discharged

Senator Steve Daines announced recently he has helped introduce two measures to ensure due process for veterans who suffer from mental health illnesses who may have been erroneously given an administrative discharge, rather than an honorable discharge.

“Anything less than a full, honorable discharge can jeopardize Montana veterans’ access to the services they need and deserve,” Daines stated. “It’s deeply concerning that some of our service members are being erroneously discharged as a side effect of challenges related to their mental health. This legislation helps ensure these veterans receive the due process they deserve.”

Daines’ bill creates a presumption in favor of the veteran when petitioning the Secretary of Defense for an upgrade in discharge status based on medical evidence certified by the VA. Individuals who are given an administrative discharge make them ineligible for certain benefits, including G.I. benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans.