Los Angeles, California —After decades of grievances, the demands for veterans’ housing on the West Los Angeles VA campus are finally going to trial.
Last month, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ruled that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) discriminates against homeless veterans by making them ineligible for new housing due to their disability compensation.
Judge Carter had previously found that the VA has a fiduciary duty to prioritize housing and healthcare for disabled veterans on the 388-acre campus, questioning the legality of leases for sports facilities, oil drilling, and parking lots. The upcoming non-jury trial in downtown federal court will determine potential remedies.
Attorneys representing the veterans are urging the judge to order the VA to construct nearly 4,000 units of permanent supportive housing, adding to the 1,215 units already planned or under construction. They also seek an injunction to prevent the VA from engaging developers with restrictive income limits that exclude veterans with disability compensation.
Justice Department lawyers argue against the proposed remedies, claiming they are unnecessary and would impose an undue burden on the VA.
The lawsuit, filed last November by 14 veterans, is now a class action representing homeless veterans with serious mental illness or traumatic brain injuries in Los Angeles County.
This case underscores the ongoing struggle for adequate housing and support for veterans, with significant implications for veterans’ housing policies nationwide.
