Rudisill v. McDonough Update Part 2

01/16/2025

On January 3, 2025, at the Student Veterans of America’s 17th Annual National Conference, VA Secretary Denis McDonough announced the release of new guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs on how the Rudisill v. McDonough Supreme Court decision affects veterans.

Beneficiaries who paid into and qualified for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB, Chapter 30) and met the requirements for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) through separate periods of service, may now use benefits under both programs for a total combined period of 48 months. Previously, eligible veterans who served at least two periods of service were limited to a maximum total of 36 months of GI Bill benefits, between the MGIB and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The VA has provided several resources to help student veterans navigate these updates including (1) a dedicated website regarding the Rudisill Update; and (2) a Decision Tree to determine your recommended action.

If you are ready to apply for additional benefits under the Rudisill decision, complete VA Form 22-1995 and select that you are requesting a Rudisill review on page two of the online application. Once VA has received and evaluated your claim, you will receive an official decision.

SVA’s Involvement

In August 2023, SVA submitted an Amicus Brief supporting the veteran before the Supreme Court proceedings later that year. The letter stating why SVA supported the case can be found here.

Additionally, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and SVA co-authored two letters last year to the Secretary for updates and guidance based on the impact of the Rudisill v. McDonough case.

See SVA’s previous blog regarding the Rudisill Decision for more information!

Northrop Grumman, Scholarships

Student Veterans of America and the Northrop Grumman Foundation Announce the 2025 STEM Scholarship Winners

Partners, Press, VFW-SVA Fellowship

Student Veterans of America Applications Open for 2025–2026 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

Partners, Press

Student Veterans of America Receives $4 Million from Google.org to Expand Career Training and Workforce Readiness for Student Veterans

Student Veterans of America Honors 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award Recipients for Commitment to Community Impact

NatCon, Wear Blue

SVA Presents the Sonny Montgomery Student Veteran Champion and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Distinguished Public Service Awards

SVA Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Expand Readmission Protections for students in the National Guard and Reserve

Events

Student Veterans of America Awards Inaugural Senator Bob Dole Continued Service Award to Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

Events