The U.S. military may owe a significant amount in back pay and legal fees to service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a potential outcome of three class-action lawsuits filed on behalf of these service members. They argue they were wrongfully discharged as the military could not mandate vaccines issued under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

The plaintiffs also argue that getting approval for religious exemptions was extremely difficult. Dale Saran, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, stated that his legal team represents many who were discharged or moved to the individual ready reserve due to vaccine refusal.

The plaintiffs’ legal team, which includes Saran, Brandon Johnson, and J. Andrew Meyer, suggests that over 100,000 service members could be affected. However, the exact number of those discharged for refusing the vaccine is uncertain, with estimates ranging from just under 2,000 to over 8,000.

Fox News reported that thousands of troops sought religious exemptions from the vaccine but were unsuccessful. The U.S. Army is now trying to encourage those discharged to reenlist, as indicated by a recent letter.

If the lawsuits succeed, the financial impact on the U.S. military could be substantial, possibly amounting to a significant sum in back pay and legal fees. This situation highlights the ongoing legal challenges and controversy surrounding vaccine mandates, especially within the military.