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LGBTQ+ Veterans Page

“All Veterans, all people, have a basic right to be identified as they define themselves. This is essential for their general well-being and overall health. Knowing the gender identity of our patients helps us better understand the population we serve.”—VA Secretary Denis McDonough

Welcome and thank you for your service! The Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families strives to provide all servicemembers and their families with an inclusive and safe environment to live their lives authentically and free from discriminatory policies and practices.

Restoration of Honor Act

👉Did you receive a less than honorable discharge under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or due to your sexual orientation or gender identity?

📢Did you know you can apply to upgrade your discharge status to restore both state & federal benefits?

Apply to Restore State of Maryland Veterans Benefits:

  • The Maryland Restoration of Honor Act authorizes the Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families (DVMF) to restore State Veterans Benefits to veterans who have an other-than-honorable (OTH), a General Under Honorable Conditions (GUH), or Uncharacterized (UC) character of service due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. 
  • Follow the instructions here to apply. 

Apply for Federal Upgrade of Discharge Characterization: 

Veterans who believe the characterization of their discharge from military service was unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade are encouraged to apply for a discharge upgrade or correction.

All branches of the military consider you to have a strong case for a discharge upgrade if you can show your discharge was connected to any of these categories:

  • Mental health conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Sexual assault or harassment during military service
  • Sexual orientation (including discharges under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy)

The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs jointly operate an online tool to facilitate your application process.  By answering a series of questions, you will receive customized instructions on how to apply, and to which board to apply, for a discharge upgrade or correction HERE.

  • If you need assistance with your VA or DOD upgrade applications, the DVMF has partnered with the University of Baltimore School of Law Bob Parsons Veterans Advocacy Clinic to provide FREE help. Email discharge.upgrade@maryland.gov to inquire about assistance with your federal upgrade discharge application. 

LGBTQ+ Veteran Resources

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