EXCLUSIVE: A group of LGBTQ+ veterans — kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation — have sued the Pentagon. They don’t want money — they want their honor restored. For more: Watch CBS Mornings Wednesday.
The Pentagon has told CBS News that the military has an existing process consisting of a short two-page application for veterans seeking a change to their discharge. The department said"legal representation is not required to apply for a discharge review" and that the discharge review boards"continue to strive to finalize 90% of all cases within 10 months as required by statute.
Veterans aren't just asked for their DD-214 when accessing their VA benefits, but also when applying for a job, a loan or even an apartment. While the full scope of past discrimination against gay and lesbian service members remains unknown, Larkin believes the lawsuit could at least help some 35,000 veterans already identified by a Defense Department Freedom of Information Act request andThe figures revealed at least 35,000 service members from 1980 to 2011"received a discharge or separation because of real or perceived homosexuality, homosexual conduct, sexual perversion, or any other related reason.
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