August 18, 2025

Virginia Leads Coalition to Secure GI Bill Benefits for Veterans

News Summary

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has successfully led a coalition of 51 attorneys general to secure full GI Bill benefits for Army veteran Lt. Col. (Ret.) Paul Yoon. This follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming veterans are entitled to 48 months of education benefits under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills. Miyares has pushed for permanent comprehensive benefits from the VA, highlighting ongoing issues with the agency’s handling of veterans’ claims. This case underscores the struggles many veterans face in accessing their entitled benefits.

Virginia – Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, leading a coalition of 51 other attorneys general, successfully secured full GI Bill benefits for Army veteran Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Paul Yoon. This outcome follows a significant ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that affirmed veterans qualifying under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills are entitled to a combined total of 48 months of education benefits. Yoon received his benefits in July 2025, marking a crucial victory for both the veteran and the coalition advocating for veterans’ rights.

Miyares expressed his pride in spearheading the bipartisan initiative to fulfill the promise of educational support for Yoon, acknowledging the importance of honoring those who have served the nation. The coalition acted following two claims filed in 2025, specifically in March and June, to support Yoon’s pursuit of full benefits.

In addition to representing Yoon, Miyares has urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recognize every veteran’s service by permanently granting them comprehensive benefits. The lawsuit argues that veterans entitled to benefits under the GI Bills should receive their full entitlement without undue obstruction. This case is part of a broader pattern in which the VA has been accused of maintaining policies that unlawfully deny many veterans the educational benefits they have earned.

The landmark Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for Yoon’s benefits was decided in 2024, in favor of James Rudisill, another veteran who similarly challenged the VA’s policies regarding full benefits. Despite the ruling, there remain allegations that the VA has continued to deny these entitlements to numerous veterans, prompting Miyares to take legal action against the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The lawsuit claims that the VA is misinterpreting the provisions of the GI Bills, unlawfully withholding educational funds from those who qualify.

Specific cases cited in the lawsuit highlight veterans, including those with extensive military service, who have faced challenges in receiving their full GI Bill benefits. These cases underline the struggles that many veterans encounter when dealing with bureaucratic systems and policies that seemingly do not honor their sacrifices. The lawsuit has garnered support from veterans’ organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, as well as individual veterans advocating for their rights.

The plaintiffs argue that the VA’s current policies not only undermine veterans but also impose additional burdens on state initiatives aimed at supporting veterans and their families. Miyares emphasized that the laws require the VA to adhere to their commitments regarding veterans’ educational benefits, asserting that it is essential for the agency to embrace its responsibility fully.

This recent success stands as a notable instance of legal and political efforts converging to safeguard veterans’ entitlements. The coalition led by Virginia’s attorney general reflects a unified stance across the nation, showcasing a commitment to ensuring the rights of those who have served. Moving forward, the outcome of this lawsuit may play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of veterans’ benefits and in compelling the VA to reevaluate and potentially reform its approach to granting educational support to qualifying veterans.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that many veterans face in accessing benefits that are rightfully theirs, as well as the concerted efforts being made by both legal representatives and advocacy groups to uphold the integrity of the GI Bills. As the situation unfolds, it remains critical to monitor the VA’s responsiveness in honoring the educational commitments owed to veterans across the country.

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Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER

WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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