The Department of the Air Force recently conducted a proactive review and upgrade of personnel records, identifying 377 who were involuntarily discharged solely for declining the COVID-19 vaccination. This effort ensured individuals who met the eligibility requirements now receive the full amount of post-service benefits, such as a VA home loan and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The Air Force Review Boards Agency announced completion of its review nine months ahead of the required deadline, demonstrating a commitment to the Secretary of War's guidance to "restore honor to service members separated under the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Mandate," in a Dec. 6, 2025, memorandum.
"Completing this review in record time is more than just an administrative update; it's how we restore trust and honor the commitment of those who raised their hand to serve," said the Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier. "This is one way we show how much we value your service and reflects our best effort to make things right."
The comprehensive review by the AFRBA ensured eligible veterans were entitled to the following upgrades, among other administrative items, to enable a return to service without a waiver if they wish to serve again:
- An "Honorable" service characterization, indicating individuals met all standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty while in uniform.
- A reentry code, indicating individuals are eligible for immediate reenlistment provided they meet enlistment standards.
- A "Secretarial Authority" narrative reason for separation, indicating the discharge from service was not for misconduct or failure to meet standards.
In addition to the 377 cases that met the initial proactive review eligibility criteria, the AFRBA also reviewed an additional 218 involuntary discharge cases, addressing individuals whose separation fell outside the original scope. In total, these upgrades effected 595 active-duty and Air National Guard service members, ranging in rank from Airman 1st Class to Master Sergeant.
"Our team has worked tirelessly to upgrade nearly 600 cases for those previously given a 'General' discharge to now an 'Honorable' discharge, whose involuntarily separation precluded their reentry to service or mischaracterized their discharge as anything other than COVID-related," said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Richard L. Anderson.
"This work expresses how the Department of the Air Force went above and beyond the requirements given by the Office of the Secretary of War to take care of our veterans impacted by the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate," Anderson said. "Today, we are reaching out to each individual to ensure they are aware of their updated records and take full advantage of the service benefits they deserve."
As an additional effort to support individuals who left service based on the previous COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata, announced on March 13, 2026 that the Department of War
