Origin of VERB
What is the Veterans Equality Review Board?
The Veterans Equality Review Board is a five-member board appointed by the Governor and Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services. Members serve for a five year team and a majority of the board must be made up of veterans. The board reviews applications from veterans who received an ‘other than honorable discharge’ to determine if they should be eligible for state-based veterans benefits.
Why was this created?
The Board was created to ensure that veterans who received an ‘other than honorable discharge’ due to the policy known as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, or due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, are eligible for state benefits.
Who is in charge?
After the Governor and Secretary of Veterans Services appoint the members, the members elect a chair of the Board who determines when the Board shall meet to review each application.
What is the process?
Veterans who believe they received an ‘other than honorable discharge’ due to the policy known as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, or due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, may fill out the application to be considered by the Board. The Board must complete a review of each application no later than thirty days after they receive the application and then must provide a written recommendation to the Secretary of Veterans Services no later than thirty days after review of the application. Once the Secretary of Veterans Services receives the recommendation from the Board, the Secretary has ten days to issue a written decision to the applicant. Applicants can expect to receive a determination from the Secretary of Veterans Services between thirty to seventy days from the date they submit their application.
Application Process
How do I know if I qualify?
If you are a veteran and believe you received an ‘other than honorable’ discharge due to the policy of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, then you should apply with supporting documentation and evidence for the Board to consider.
How do I apply?
You may apply here.
Application Status
I was approved, now what?
You are now eligible for state-based Veterans' benefits and should contact your community’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you and your family access benefits. Find your VSO here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-veterans-service-officer-near-you
If I’m approved, will my discharge be upgraded?
No, approval will only grant the applicant eligibility for state-based veterans benefits. To upgrade your discharge, you must apply directly with your branch of the military. For more information go here: https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/. The Veterans Legal Clinic at Harvard Legal Services Center provides assistance to veterans seeking help: https://www.legalservicescenter.org/get-legal-help/the-veterans-law-unit/
Why was I denied for state-based Veterans’ benefits after being approved by the Board and Secretary?
The Executive Office of Veterans Services offers financial assistance to veterans based on their income, disability status, and their veteran status. If you were denied for state-based benefits, then your determination letter will have instructions to appeal, and you may also contact your VSO or the Executive Office of Veterans Services directly for further help/instructions.
What if I am denied after applying?
If you are denied by the Board, you will have thirty days from the date you received the decision from the Secretary of Veterans Services to file a request for reconsideration. The determination letter will have further instructions on how to make this request.