WISER Act of 2025

This bill would help women veterans who were forced out of the military under a past order that removed women for reasons like pregnancy, birth, or gaining custody of a child between April 27, 1951, and February 23, 1976. It tells the VA and DoD to set up two programs: one to upgrade discharge status, and another to give a one-time $25,000 payment. Veterans must apply. If the veteran dies after the bill becomes law, a surviving spouse can apply for the payment. If a veteran’s discharge is upgraded, VA must treat her as if she finished her service for benefits purposes .

Key points:

• Who is covered: Women involuntarily separated under Executive Order 10240 during 1951–1976; there’s automatic eligibility for those separated under that order .
• What changes: Discharge upgrades and a one-time $25,000 payment; surviving spouses can receive the payment if the veteran dies after enactment .
• Extra eligibility help: There’s a presumption of eligibility if, within 10 months after separation, the veteran gave birth, gained custody, adopted, or had an incomplete pregnancy (including abortion or miscarriage).
• How to access: Veterans or surviving spouses must submit applications to the VA and/or DoD as directed by the programs.