If you’re a veteran who’s used part of the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and later qualified for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there’s a new development that could directly impact you—and it’s worth your time to check.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a ruling in Rudisill v. McDonough that could expand access to education benefits for thousands of veterans. While the legal language can be complex, the bottom line is simple: you may be entitled to more months of GI Bill benefits than you previously thought.
What the Rudisill Decision Changed
Before this ruling, veterans who qualified for both MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits were often capped at a combined total of 36 months. The VA interpreted the law to mean that switching from one benefit to another used up your full eligibility, even if you hadn’t used all of it.
The Supreme Court disagreed. Now, if you qualify for both programs separately, you may be eligible for up to 48 months of combined education benefits.
Could This Apply to You?
If you can answer yes to any one of the following questions, you may be eligible for more GI Bill benefits:
- Did you use one benefit but not the full 48 months combined?
- Did you ever switch from one GI Bill program to the other and were told your time was limited to 36 months total?
- Did you serve at least two different periods of active duty that qualified you for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
What You Can Do Now
- Check Your VA Benefits Statement. Log in to your VA.gov account and review your education benefit usage. Look for how many months of entitlement you’ve used and what your current remaining eligibility is for each program.
- If you don’t see your additional entitlement there, but would like to apply to use your additional GI bill benefits for an educational program you wish to start, you can apply here.
- Contact a VA Education Representative. Call the VA’s Education Call Center at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). Ask them directly if your benefit usage is affected by the Rudisill decision.
- Talk to a VSO (Veteran Service Officer). Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV have trained staff who can help you review your record and file any necessary paperwork to restore or claim additional benefits. Don’t already have a VSO, use the VSO locator.
Final Thoughts
If you’re going back to school, planning for a career change, or want to finish a degree you started—this decision could give you the time and financial support to do it. Even if you’re unsure whether it applies, it’s better to ask now than miss out on months of benefits you’ve earned. The Rudisill decision is a reminder that your service continues to matter—and so do the promises made to you.
Learn more from VA’s website.
