Lesbian, Gay and Bi-Sexual (LGB) Servicemembers and Veterans

VA Benefits for Spouses and Beneficiaries of LGB Servicemembers

The Department of Veteran Affairs is dedicated to serving all eligible Servicemembers, Veterans and their families. It also recognizes the existing diversity within this population, including the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) community. As a result, VA is committed to providing outreach to diverse Service and Veteran populations.

Prior to repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT), it was estimated that more than 1 million LGB Veterans served in the military at one time and approximately 70,871 LGB Servicemembers are currently serving. Until recently, they served in silence and as a consequence, their same-sex partners often did not receive the military member's earned benefits. However, on December 22, 2010, President Barrack Obama signed legislation that repealed DADT and as of the repeal's effective date, September 20, 2011, LGB Americans can now openly serve in our nation's Armed Forces. However, a number of LGB Servicemembers continue serving silently and in the shadows due to social stigma, ongoing patterns of discrimination, and fear of harassment. As a result, they often fail to access information or avail themselves of earned benefits available to same sex spouses. In addition, the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Title 38 – Veterans' Benefits of the U.S. Code, which defines spouse as "a person of the opposite sex," presently prevents federal agencies from recognizing same-sex relationships. However, Servicemembers continue to have some benefits for which they may designate beneficiaries, regardless of sexual orientation.

VA Benefits

LGB Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.

Benefits that LGB Servicemembers May Designate a Beneficiary

The Defense Department, in their ongoing review of military benefits in connection with the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," identified the following VA benefits for which Servicemembers may designate beneficiaries of their choosing, regardless of sexual orientation:

In addition, there are other benefits for Servicemembers provided by DoD for which LGB Servicemembers may designate a beneficiary regardless of sexual orientation. Learn about those DoD programs on the Defense Department's DADT website.

How to Apply

The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.

Apply online using eBenefits, OR
Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.