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Currently, those who opted for the new G.I. Bill forfeit their Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits. However, Jim Rudisill sued the VA over this policy. His argument is that the VA misread the law. Instead of giving up their Montgomery G.I. Bill, veterans keep it. The VA argues that this is “double dipping”. However, both benefits would not be used at the same time. When one benefit runs out, assuming three years worth of benefits were used, then the veteran would have one extra year of benefits under the other program (four years total).<\/p>\n
From The Military Times:<\/span><\/p>\n A final decision from the latest court is expected sometime in the next few months, possibly in time for students looking to enroll in college courses in fall 2021.<\/p>\n Either side will be able to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, but the standard for getting that case heard may be unrealistically high, especially if the courts rule against VA officials again. The Supreme Court declines the vast majority of cases seeking a hearing, allowing the lower court’s ruling to stand as law.<\/p>\n For Rudisill, the case represents a chance to get partial compensation for his current degree program at another theological school, coursework aimed at helping him follow a new goal of being a minister to veterans and first-responders.<\/p>\n But for an estimated 1.7 million veterans with some Montgomery GI Bill eligibility left, Rudisill’s lawyers argue, the courts’ rulings could be life changing.<\/p>\n “I’ve heard from a number of other veterans who this will help,” he said. “I’ve heard from Army buddies, through friends of friends, that this may affect them as well.”<\/p>\n Under the Post-9\/11 GI Bill education benefits program, eligible veterans receive 36 months of tuition payouts, housing stipends and other financial assistance.<\/p>\n The Montgomery GI Bill benefits program offers far less money, but still has several thousands of dollars annually to offer veterans for tuition costs if they paid into the program at the start of their military service.<\/p>\n For veterans like Rudisill, that’s the difference between being able to afford the costs of a graduate degree program or dropping their education goals.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Military Times has the full article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"