This bill helps current and former service members who were pushed out of the military because they did not follow the COVID‑19 vaccine mandate. It lets them take their case to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to show their discharge was not truly voluntary or was unlawful. If their paperwork says they were discharged for the convenience of the government, for not being worldwide deployable, or for misconduct tied to vaccine status, the court must treat it as involuntary. The government also can’t argue “you chose to leave” if the only reason was vaccine status or not getting the shot .

If the court agrees, the member can get money for training they missed after being discharged, and that amount won’t be cut because they had a civilian job. They can be treated as if they kept serving through the end of their contract, and even get an added two‑year reenlistment or extension. This can help them qualify for 18‑ or 20‑year service milestones and the retirement pay and benefits that come with them. They can also receive involuntary separation pay, calculated as if they served through the extended period. These remedies are on top of any relief available under the related executive order. The court has clear authority to hear these cases, and this applies to claims already pending when the law takes effect .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Service members (including Guard and Reserve) discharged due to COVID‑19 vaccine status or refusal .
• What changes: They can sue in the Court of Federal Claims; “voluntary” discharge defenses are limited; remedies include back compensation for missed drills, restored service time, eligibility to reenlist, retirement credit at 18/20 years, and involuntary separation pay; relief can stack with an existing executive order .
• When it applies: For claims already pending in the Court of Federal Claims on or after the law’s enactment date .