Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC Attorney James Fausone Applauds VA Policy Change Expanding GI Bill Benefits

Detroit, Michigan – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a major expansion of GI Bill benefits following a 2024 Supreme Court decision. Eligible veterans can now receive up to 12 additional months of education benefits. This policy shift removes previous limitations on those who served multiple periods of military service, granting some Veterans 48 months of GI Bill eligibility instead of the last 36-month cap.

Attorney James Fausone of Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC, calls this a significant victory for Veterans, stating, “This change finally gives Veterans the full education benefits they have earned through multiple periods of service. For years, many Veterans were unfairly restricted in how they could use their benefits, limiting their opportunities for higher education and job training. Expanding GI Bill eligibility is long overdue and will directly improve the lives of countless former service members.”

What This Change Means for Veterans

Under the previous system, Veterans who qualified for the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill were limited to 36 months of benefits. Now, those who served two qualifying periods of service can access up to 48 months of education funding.

This expansion is expected to impact as many as 1.04 million Veterans. The VA estimates that approximately 660,000 claims will be automatically adjusted without any action required by the Veterans. The VA will conduct targeted outreach for the remaining eligible individuals to ensure they receive their additional benefits.

Fausone urges all Veterans who believe they may qualify to confirm their eligibility as soon as possible, stating, “Many Veterans may not even realize they qualify for more benefits under this new policy. They must take advantage of this opportunity before deadlines pass.”

Extended Deadlines for Using GI Bill Benefits

As part of this new policy, some Veterans will also receive an extension on the time they have to use their benefits. Previously, those who switched from the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post-9/11 GI Bill lost access to any remaining Montgomery benefits. Under the new rule, Veterans regain any unused Montgomery GI Bill time plus an additional 90 days.

Veterans who believe they are eligible for an expiration date extension must submit an application by October 1, 2030.
“This additional time gives Veterans more flexibility,” Fausone said. “Education and job training don’t always happen on a strict schedule, and this extension helps Veterans make full use of the benefits they have earned.”

Why Veterans Should Take Action Now

While some claims will be automatically adjusted, many Veterans must file for additional benefits. Those who believe they qualify for extended GI Bill eligibility should:

Check their VA benefits status–log in to VA.gov or call the VA’s education hotline;
Confirm their eligibility for an additional 12 months of benefits—veterans with multiple periods of qualifying service should ensure they meet the criteria;
Apply if required—some Veterans will need to file a claim to receive their additional benefits.
Apply for an expiration date extension if applicable – Any Veteran who previously lost Montgomery GI Bill benefits due to switching to the Post-9/11 GI Bill may be eligible.
“Veterans should not assume the VA will automatically adjust their benefits,” Fausone said. “If you served multiple enlistments and previously hit the 36-month cap, now is the time to review your benefits and apply for what you are owed.”
Legal Assistance for Veterans Facing GI Bill Challenges
While this policy change is a positive step, Veterans often face delays, miscalculations, and benefit denials when dealing with the VA. Veterans who run into issues with their GI Bill benefits should not hesitate to seek legal assistance.
The Legal Help for Veterans PLLC team has extensive experience helping Veterans appeal VA decisions, correct benefit miscalculations, and fight unfair denials. If you struggle to receive the full education benefits you have earned, our attorneys can guide you through the process and ensure your claim is handled correctly.

“This expansion of GI Bill benefits is a step in the right direction,” Fausone said. “But it only helps if Veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to. If you have issues with your claim, don’t wait—seek legal help to protect your rights.”
Veterans interested in learning about how these recent changes may impact their military GI Benefits should reach out to an experienced veterans’ benefits lawyer for immediate assistance. Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC, is a Michigan-based veteran benefit law firm that concentrates only on legal issues affecting veterans, including eligibility for GI benefits and service-connected benefits.

The firm can be reached through its website at https://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/.