Title 10 U.S. Coast Guard
Harkins v. United States is a significant class action lawsuit filed on behalf of active-duty and reserve Coast Guard members who were involuntarily discharged, forced into early retirement, or otherwise removed from service because of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
Unlike other branches, where federal protections offered some layers of review, many Coast Guard members faced rapid, uncompromising separation—often without the opportunity to appeal, challenge their discharge, or even receive a clear explanation. For some, it meant the abrupt end of a lifelong military career. For others, it meant missed promotions, lost pay, and the denial of benefits they had earned through years of honorable service.
This case includes all former members of the Coast Guard—both Active-Duty and Reserve—who were discharged or constructively forced out for refusing the vaccine, regardless of whether their separation was formal or administrative.
At its core, Harkins v. United States aims to hold the government accountable for these unlawful separations and to restore the careers, compensation, and dignity of those who served with honor, only to be cast aside for standing by their personal convictions.
Class Action
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If you’re interested in learning about the cases we have already filed and whether we might be able to help you, you’ve come to the right place. In this video, you’ll get an overview of the cases on file and what qualifying criteria are for each.