Supreme Court Expands GI Bill Benefits for Veterans with Multiple Service Periods

Veterans who have served multiple periods of qualifying service can now access expanded GI Bill benefits thanks to a landmark Supreme Court decision in the Rudisill case. This ruling significantly enhances education opportunities for veterans who qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, granting them up to 48 months of combined benefits.

What Changed?

Previously, veterans had to waive their Montgomery GI Bill benefits to access the Post-9/11 GI Bill, leaving unused MGIB benefits on the table. Now, the Rudisill decision changes that:

No more waivers: Veterans no longer need to forfeit MGIB benefits to utilize the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Reclaim benefits: Veterans who previously waived their MGIB benefits may now revoke those waivers and reclaim unused benefits.
Extended benefits: Veterans with qualifying service periods can access up to 48 months of combined benefits between the two programs, giving them more time and flexibility to achieve educational and career goals.

How to Access Additional Benefits

Eligible veterans can take the following steps to unlock these expanded benefits:

Submit VA Form 22-1995: Indicate that you are requesting a “Rudisill review.”
Follow up with the VA: Ensure your application is processed and your benefits recalculated.

The deadline to apply for recalculated benefits is October 1, 2030, but veterans are encouraged to act quickly to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Why This Matters

This decision is a game-changer for veterans who have served multiple periods of qualifying service. With up to 48 months of education benefits now available, veterans have more resources to pursue degrees, certifications, or training programs that can propel them toward their career aspirations.