It is important to serve those who served our country. These individuals have honor, and our attorneys are taking steps to further recognize this. We won’t always win these cases, but the fact that we are standing by these veterans allows them to feel respected and validated.
A less-than-honorable discharge from the military can have consequences that last a lifetime. It can disqualify veterans from health care, a burial with military honors, and other important benefits.
In many instances, conduct that results in a negative discharge classification can be linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, or other mental health conditions related to combat or military sexual trauma. Discharge issues also may be related to the now-repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. The strong stigma against military personnel seeking mental health services can compound the issue.
MassMutual® volunteers from the Law and Compliance & Ethics Departments are working with several veterans from Massachusetts and Connecticut to help them achieve discharge upgrades. The official review process for discharge upgrade has been criticized by some veterans as daunting or difficult to understand. Having no-cost, professional legal assistance helps improve the likelihood of a positive outcome. It’s an important opportunity to serve those who have served.
One person being served by MassMutual pro bono counsel is a soldier who went to war whole, but returned a broken man. The resulting general discharge took away the one benefit he believes he earned and wants most: a burial with military honors. A discharge upgrade to Honorable would safeguard his right to such a burial.