VA Benefits Update: Court Fight for Trans Veterans Retirement Plays Out – newsweek.com

VA Benefits Update: Court Fight for Trans Veterans Retirement Plays Out  newsweek.com

The case was argued Tuesday and will decide whether the Air Force unlawfully canceled early retirement approvals. A group of 17 transgender veterans and service members is fighting in federal court to restore retirement benefits they say were improperly revoked under the Trump administration's military transgender policy. The case was argued Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and will decide whether the Air Force unlawfully canceled early retirement approvals granted to transgender troops with years of service after President Donald Trump's return-to-office executive order that restricted transgender military service. “The Air Force abruptly reversed that promise without cause — ripping away the financial support and benefits that these service members earned, and their families were counting on,” the plaintiffs said in a statement from their attorneys.

The lawsuit could determine whether affected service members receive military retirement pensions and health benefits they earned from their lengthy careers in the military. For veterans nearing retirement, the outcome will also likely carry significant financial consequences. Currently, the plaintiffs stand to lose substantial lifetime retirement income and health care benefits after serving for more than 15 years. The lawsuit, Ireland v. U.S.A., was brought by 17 transgender service members and veterans who served in the Air Force and Space Force. According to court filings, each had at least 15 years of