A coalition of 52 attorneys general, led by Virginia’s Jason Miyares, has filed an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in support of two military veterans and their families who were unjustly denied full G.I. Bill education benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The case centers around U.S. Army veteran Lieutenant Colonel Paul Yoon and U.S. Air Force veteran Colonel Toby Doran, both of whom were denied benefits they earned under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 G.I. Bills.
The amicus brief, signed by the attorneys general from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Northern Mariana Islands, highlights the refusal of the VA to honor the promises made to veterans, despite a clear ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Rudisill v. McDonough (2024). In that case, the Court confirmed that veterans who qualify under both versions of the G.I. Bill are entitled to a full 48 months of education benefits.
Despite the ruling, the VA has continued to restrict benefits, arguing a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s decision. This restrictive stance has denied veterans, like Yoon and Doran, the educational opportunities they are rightfully entitled to.
Miyares expressed strong concern over the VA’s refusal to comply with the top court’s ruling, calling it a violation of the law.
“For generations, our service members have defended the freedoms we hold dear, and in return, our nation made them a promise—education benefits to help them and their families build a successful civilian life,” Miyares said. “The VA’s refusal to honor that promise defies the law and dishonors their service.”
The bipartisan unity displayed by the 52 attorneys general is particularly notable, with officials from both major political parties coming together to challenge the VA’s actions. The broad coalition underscores the importance of honoring the nation’s obligations to veterans, transcending party lines.
Anti-establishment progressive New Jersey Democrat Lisa McCormick criticized the Trump administration’s treatment of veterans, as well as the government’s priorities.
“The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must ensure that the heroic Americans who defended our nation receive the benefits they earned in full, instead of treating them like ‘suckers’ to save money that can be funneled back to billionaires and corporations as part of a giant tax cut for unworthy, greedy rich people,” McCormick said. “The fact that every state has signed onto this case is a strong demonstration of the recognition across the country of the critical importance of meeting our obligations to those who bravely served our country.”
McCormick also tied the case to broader dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s policies. She pointed to the dismantling of critical government agencies, including Social Security, under the influence of wealthy figures like Elon Musk.
“A flood of cuts led by Elon Musk has sent the Social Security administration into chaos,” said McCormick. “In such a lawless, dictatorial administration, why would anyone be surprised that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a top-secret discussion and shared sensitive war plans in a group text that included a news reporter?”
For McCormick, the battle over veterans’ benefits represents a larger issue with the current administration’s disregard for government accountability.
“This could be the beginning of a unified response to the lawless Trump administration, which is dismantling government agencies established by law without the consent of Congress,” McCormick said. “In the face of existential global threats, from nuclear proliferation to climate change, we are losing our ability to respond effectively due to incompetence at the highest levels.”
The amicus brief, which includes signatures from the attorneys general of every state plus two territories, underscores the bipartisan concern over the future of veterans’ benefits and highlights the widespread frustration with current government policies. The case stands as a testament to the importance of upholding commitments made to the nation’s veterans, regardless of political affiliation.
Miyares, along with other members of the coalition, continues to push for full benefits for veterans, reinforcing the critical need for the federal government to meet its obligations to those who served in uniform.