Thousands of U.S. service members who were discharged or denied benefits for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine may soon be eligible for military back pay under new legislation introduced by the U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT).
On June 17, 2025, Sheehy—himself a combat veteran—introduced the COVID-19 Military Backpay Act of 2025, which would require the Department of Defense to compensate service members affected by the now-rescinded vaccine mandate. The bill provides a clear legal pathway to restore back pay for military personnel who were discharged, demoted, or forced out of service under President Biden’s directive.
What the Bill Would Do
If passed, the COVID-19 Military Backpay Act would:
- Grant full back pay for military service members removed due to vaccine refusal
- Restore ranks, promotions, and retirement credit
- Reimburse lost benefits like housing allowances and bonuses
- Protect the rights of affected troops in the Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard
The bill serves as a legislative follow-up to prior executive actions—providing a legal structure for long-term relief and potential class action participation.
Who Could Be Eligible for Backpay
You may qualify under this bill if you:
- Were discharged or demoted after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine
- Were barred from reenlistment or forced to retire early
- Had a medical or religious exemption denied
- Lost access to benefits, promotions, or drill pay
- Missed time that affects your retirement eligibility
Why It Matters
Tens of thousands of service members were affected by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which was later reversed. Many were penalized without due process, and most have yet to receive any compensation or restoration.
This legislation is part of a broader wave of military lawsuits and legal advocacy—including ongoing efforts in the Bassen, Botello, and Harkins class action lawsuits. These efforts seek to hold the Department of Defense accountable and ensure those who served are made whole.
Senator Sheehy said:
“Under the Biden administration, thousands of American warfighters were unceremoniously – and without due process – discharged from the military for refusing to comply with Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate. This unacceptable action by the last administration robbed servicemembers of the pay and benefits they rightfully earned in service to our country. My legislation will right this wrong by building on President Trump’s Executive Order to reinstate those servicemembers, ensuring we fulfill our government’s sacred obligations to the men and women who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms”
Part of a Growing Movement for Justice
This bill follows public declarations by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who called the vaccine mandate “unlawful,” and aligns with legal efforts like the Bassen, Botello, & Harkins lawsuits—major military covid vaccine lawsuits already underway.
Veterans and service members are rallying behind this push to hold the Department of Defense accountable and secure military back pay for wrongful separation.
What to Do Now
If you were impacted by the military’s COVID-19 vaccine policy—whether through discharge, demotion, or denial of benefits—now is the time to act.
You do not need to reenlist.
You do not need to wait for the government to contact you.
You do not need to stay silent.
Submit Your Opt-in Form
Visit MilitaryBackPay.com/opt-in to securely join the legal process and claim what you may be owed.
Your service mattered then. It still matters now.
Sources:
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy’s Official Press Release
“Sheehy Introduces Legislation to Provide Backpay to Service Members Wrongfully Discharged Under Biden’s COVID Vaccine Mandate”
https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/press-releases/sheehy-introduces-legislation-to-provide-backpay-to-service-members-wrongfully-discharged-under-bidens-covid-vaccine-mandate/
https://www.naturalnews.com/2025-06-22-sheehy-bill-back-pay-troops-vaccine-mandate.html?