Noteboom The Law Firm

New Legislation Proposes Military IDs for all Veterans

Currently, the only way a military member has any type of easily verified proof of current or past service is to be an active service member or to be a disabled veteran with access to veteran health insurance. This leaves many veterans still without a military photo ID who may be blocked from benefits and amenities.

Several lawmakers are rallying to create a new military ID for veterans and also a national military ID for all service members. The first bill, introduced in September 2011, is The Veterans ID Card Act, which would grant photo ID cards to all veterans upon request. The bill is currently in the hands of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Legislation with support from 48 co-sponsors in the House and endorsements from the American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Fleet Reserve Association.

The second bill was introduced in November 2011, titled The Military Service Identification Card Act. This bill would authorize the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a military service ID card to any U.S. service member.

For now, veterans who desire a photo ID showing their military service connection will still need to seek a state-level ID through their local government offices. Proving military service can be a difficult task, especially for older veterans, and it’s often necessary to have a veterans’ disability attorney help you when you’re filing for veterans’ disability benefits.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.