Posted on Jun 30, 2015
COL Charles Williams
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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/
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 9
SPC Human Resources   Labor/Employee Relations
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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.
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PV2 Senior Web Designer, Web Team Lead
PV2 (Join to see)
>1 y
Well said!
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SGT George Crutcher III
SGT George Crutcher III
>1 y
agreed!!
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COL Charles Williams
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SSG Donald Bramley
SSG Donald Bramley
11 mo
PV2 (Join to see) - I am a Widower of a same sex marriage Veteran. We had a ceramonial wedding exactly 1 month after it became leagle in Oregon, July 14, 2014. I now live in the Oregon Veterans Home which is a RIGHT of a surviving spouce. I do not get any other VA benefit. I have to pay the full Cost of Care $2,000 every month. The U.S. Army does not concider any of my 8yrs + as AD because they say it was for TRAINING not AD. The U.S. Army says my spouce did not get his enjory in combat, Agent Orange advanced to Dieabetes Mellitus, he was a resident of OVH until he deceased, 17 June 2018. So, as Col Charles Williams ask: "Is the last obstical down?"
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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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.
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COL Charles Williams
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SSG Donald Bramley
SSG Donald Bramley
11 mo
I am a Veteran and a Widower of a same sex Veteran. The ONLY benifit I get is the right to be a Resident of the Oregon Veterans Home, which I am now in my second year, but it cost $3,000 monthly for the Cost of Care. I had to enroll in Medicaid to reduce the amount to $2,000, my share. I get NO benifit for my 8yrs in the U.S. Army Reserve which include 6 months of FULL Active Duty. After my spouce did 2 years in the Regular Army, he served 2 tours in Vietnam. The injury he received was Lung Cancer caused from the Agent Orange sprayed. However, the VA does NOt concider that a Combat Injury. There NO benifits for me. COL Charles Williams asked: "Is this the last obstical down?" Sir, I certainly hope it really happens. I will take this up with the VSO in my county, soon.
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Capt Retired
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In my opinion there will always be obstacles. If we should run out we will create new ones.
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
>1 y
Hooah, I suspect you are correct Capt (Join to see)
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