Thousands of LGBTQ+ US military veterans who were discharged under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy due to their sexuality could soon have an easier path to accessing more benefits for their service,

The agreement, if approved by a judge, would let former service members upgrade their discharge status and receive benefits they had been denied.

The U.S. Department of Defense will consider granting honorable discharges to more than 30,000 gay and bisexual veterans who were barred from serving in the military because of their sexual orientation,

The Pentagon agreed to a settlement with LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" that would open up access to benefits.

If approved by a federal judge, the agreement means the military would help thousands of veterans seek honorable discharges.