Syracuse Sun

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a decorated veteran regarding his G.I. Bill educational benefits after a long legal battle with the government. Retired Lt. Col. Elizabeth Kubala, teaching professor and executive director of Syracuse University College of Law’s Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, expressed her views on the decision, emphasizing the importance of the ruling for veterans' rights.

In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Kubala stated, “Here at Syracuse University, we pride ourselves on being the 'Best Place for Veterans,' especially when it comes to Syracuse’s support to veterans who utilize their VA Education Benefits to pursue their educational goals." She further explained, "Today, the Supreme Court ruled that an Army Veteran may use educational benefits that he earned under both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill." Kubala highlighted the significance of the ruling by saying, "The decision is a win for Veterans and allows them to receive the full extent of the benefits they earned."

Moreover, Kubala stressed the unfairness of veterans being forced to choose between benefits, stating, "No veteran should be penalized for their continued service by having to choose one benefit when they earned two." She also expressed her satisfaction with the Court's decision, mentioning, "Here at the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal clinic we have cases involving education benefits and I’m thrilled to see the Court find that service members who accrue these benefits may use them as they choose."

The ruling by the Supreme Court marks a significant victory for veterans, ensuring that they can access and utilize the educational benefits they have rightfully earned.