(a)
Characterization of discharge or dismissal—
(1)
Prohibition of dishonorable characterization— The characterization of the discharge or dismissal of a covered individual shall be honorable.
(2)
Upgrade— In the case of a covered individual discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces before the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall upgrade the characterization of such discharge or dismissal to honorable.
(b)
Prohibition of denial of retired pay and benefits— No covered individual may be denied, solely on the basis that such individual is a covered individual, any—
(1)
retired or retainer pay; or
(2)
benefit under a law administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (including post-9/11 educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code).
(c)
Definitions— In this section:
(1)
The term “covered individual” means an individual involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of the refusal of such individual to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.