HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Dave Sunday, along with Attorneys General from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories, has filed an amicus brief in support of two military veterans who were denied their full G.I. Bill education benefits. The brief was submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, challenging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) interpretation of education benefit eligibility.
The case involves two veterans, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Paul Yoon and U.S. Air Force Colonel Toby Doran, who were denied access to the full 48 months of combined education benefits guaranteed by the Montgomery and Post-9/11 G.I. Bills. According to the brief, the VA in Virginia misapplied a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Rudisill v. McDonough, which upheld veterans’ rights to these benefits. The coalition of Attorneys General argues that the VA’s restrictive interpretation unlawfully deprives veterans and their families of education opportunities.
“This bipartisan coalition of every state Attorney General in the country is a proclamation that veterans will not be cheated out of what they are owed,” stated Attorney General Sunday. “As a proud veteran myself, my service and the benefits I received under the G.I. Bill enabled me to pursue an education, find a satisfying career, and provide for my family. The least we can do for veterans who sacrifice so much is make sure they receive that same access to education.”
The brief underscores the importance of the G.I. Bill in supporting veterans’ transition to civilian life and argues that restricting access to its full benefits contravenes established legal precedent. The coalition emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding education rights for those who have served the country.
This united effort demonstrates widespread, bipartisan support for ensuring veterans receive the benefits they have earned under federal law. The case remains under review by the appeals court.
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