On August 8, 2023, five veterans filed a class action lawsuit in the Northern District of California seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from ongoing discrimination caused by Form DD-214s that indicate veterans’ actual or perceived sexual orientation.

The plaintiffs alleged that the Government continues to discriminate against LGBTQ+ veterans by failing to revise DD-214s that identify the veteran’s sexual orientation in the narrative reason for discharge or discharge code. These DD-214s also often contain re-enlistment codes that prevent re-enlistment or discharge statuses below Honorable.

These plaintiffs asked the court to issue new DD-214s for them and all class members across the country to remove references to sexual orientation, change reenlistment codes, and, if applicable, upgrade to an Honorable discharge.

On June 20, 2024 U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero issued an order denying the Government defendants’ motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’ claims.

On January 6, 2025, Plaintiffs filed a motion for conditional class certification, preliminary approval of a class action settlement, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.  This motion follows execution of a settlement agreement with Defendants to provide two-pronged relief to the class members.

The final approval hearing to approve the settlement was held on March 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM in U.S. District Court, Courtroom D, 15th Floor, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. Following that hearing, Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero issued an order granting final approval of the settlement and certification of the the class.

Please continue to visit this website for updates about the availability of the relief agreed to in the settlement agreement.