Give Veterans Access to Quality Education and Training

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Give Veterans Access to Quality Education and Training

The U.S. Supreme Court has made an unprecedented decision to hear the case of Rudisill v. McDonough, focusing on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ handling of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits1. This landmark case could potentially provide additional education benefits to approximately 1.7 million veterans, offering them the opportunity they deserve to pursue quality education and training.

Meet James Rudisill, a former enlisted soldier and commissioned officer, who utilized 25 out of his 36 months of eligibility under the Montgomery GI Bill to complete his undergraduate degree2. With aspirations to pursue theological education at Yale Divinity School, James planned to rely on his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. He believed he had 23 months of additional education benefits available, under the Korean War-era law that allows veterans to combine benefits for a total of 48 months2.

However, the Department of Veterans Affairs determined that James was only eligible for nine additional months, reaching a total of 36 months – the maximum allowable for each program. This decision limited his entitlement to benefits from either the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11 GI Bill, disregarding the principle that veterans who have served in multiple qualified periods should be entitled to the benefits of each period, up to a total of 48 months3.

James Rudisill refused to accept this injustice and took his case to court. Initially, a federal district court ruled in his favor, but the Department of Veterans Affairs appealed the decision4. In 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned the ruling, potentially overlooking the comprehensive scope of the law4. Now, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear James’s case, providing a glimmer of hope for him and the millions of veterans facing similar situations.

The outcome of Rudisill v. McDonough will have far-reaching implications for approximately 1.7 million veterans who may be eligible for extended education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill5. It is a critical moment to rally together and support James Rudisill’s cause, ensuring that veterans receive the full range of benefits they have earned through their honorable service and sacrifices.

By signing the petition, you can make a difference. Join us in calling for justice and fairness for our veterans, urging the Supreme Court to uphold the core protections established by the GI bills6. Let’s stand united in our commitment to provide our veterans with the educational opportunities they deserve and ensure that they can transition successfully into civilian careers.

Sign the petition today to support James Rudisill and the millions of veterans who deserve access to quality education and training.

More on this issue:

  1. SCOTUS blog (June 2023), "Rudisill v. McDonough."
  2. Patricia Kime, Military.com (26 June 2023), "Supreme Court Accepts GI Bill Case That Could Affect 1.7 Million Veterans."
  3. Student Veterans of America (12 July 2021), "Court: Veterans with Multiple Periods of Service Entitled to Additional GI Bill Benefits."
  4. Hunton Andrew Kurth (12 July 2021), "United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Affirms Decision by Veterans Court Potentially Restoring Billions of Dollars in GI Bill Educational Benefits."
  5. Troutman Pepper (13 March 2023), "Important Policy Implications of Rudisill v. McDonough."
  6. Troutman Pepper (26 June 2023), "GI Bill Case Filed by Decorated Army Veteran James Rudisill to be Heard by the Supreme Court."

The Petition

To the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs,

I write to you today as a concerned citizen and advocate for the rights and well-being of our esteemed veterans, who have selflessly served our nation with honor and distinction. I am compelled to bring to your attention the urgent matter concerning the educational benefits that veterans like James Rudisill have fought for and so rightfully deserve.

James Rudisill's case, Rudisill v. McDonough, has garnered significant attention as it has made its way to the highest court of our land, the United States Supreme Court. This case has profound implications for the approximately 1.7 million veterans who could benefit from extended education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. As the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, your guidance and support are pivotal in ensuring that justice prevails and that our veterans receive the full range of benefits they have earned through their honorable service and sacrifices.

The crux of the matter lies in the interpretation and administration of the law that governs the GI Bill benefits. It is imperative that we uphold the intent of the law and provide our veterans with the opportunity to access quality education and training, which can profoundly impact their lives and empower them in their transition to civilian careers. Education not only enhances their personal growth but also equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the betterment of our society.

The case of James Rudisill is emblematic of the struggles faced by countless veterans who have diligently served our nation. Mr. Rudisill, a former enlisted soldier and commissioned officer, utilized 25 of his 36 months of eligibility under the Montgomery GI Bill to complete his undergraduate degree. Believing he had 23 months of additional education benefits, he aspired to pursue theological education at Yale Divinity School, intending to utilize his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Regrettably, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determined that Mr. Rudisill was eligible for only nine additional months of benefits, reaching the maximum allowable amount for each program. The VA's interpretation limited his entitlement to benefits from either the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11 GI Bill, disregarding the fundamental principle that veterans who have served in multiple qualified periods should be entitled to the benefits of each period up to a total of 48 months.

The Supreme Court's decision to hear Rudisill v. McDonough is a glimmer of hope for veterans like Mr. Rudisill and millions of others who deserve fair and equitable treatment.

Secretary, I implore you to take a strong and unequivocal stance in support of our veterans' educational benefits. As the custodian of the VA, you possess the power to influence policy and ensure that our veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Advocate for an interpretation of the law that upholds the core protections and intent of the GI Bill, allowing veterans to access the full range of benefits available to them.

Moreover, I urge you to work collaboratively with Congress and other relevant stakeholders to expand and enhance veterans' educational benefits. Our veterans deserve nothing less than the best opportunities for education and career advancement. By investing in their education, we are investing in the future of our nation.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I have faith in your leadership and fervently hope that you will use your influence to protect and expand the educational benefits our veterans so desperately need and deserve.

Sincerely,

DEV MODE ACTIVE. BRAND: gg