At the National Security Law Firm, we fight for those who fought for us. Unfortunately, some of our nation’s heroes lose their Second Amendment rights not on the battlefield—but in the aftermath of their service. Veterans who receive less-than-honorable discharges or who are involuntarily committed to a VA facility often find themselves denied the ability to lawfully purchase or possess firearms. In many cases, they don’t even realize they’re prohibited until they’re denied by NICS or, worse, arrested for illegal possession.
If this has happened to you, you’re not alone—and there may be a way to restore your rights.
Why Are Veterans Losing Gun Rights?
There are two primary ways veterans lose firearm rights at the federal level:
1. Military Discharge and Firearm Prohibitions
A service member who receives a dishonorable discharge is automatically prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. Less-than-honorable discharges such as general under other than honorable conditions or bad conduct discharges may also lead to prohibition depending on the circumstances and interpretations by federal firearm licensing authorities.
These determinations are reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), resulting in denied firearm purchases and potential legal consequences for possession.
2. VA Mental Health Commitment
Many veterans struggling with PTSD or other service-connected mental health issues seek care through the VA. If a veteran is involuntarily committed to a VA hospital or adjudicated as mentally incompetent (for example, if assigned a fiduciary to manage VA benefits), the VA may report this to the FBI. That report can trigger a federal firearm disability under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(4).
Can Veterans Restore Their Gun Rights?
Yes, but the path is complex and depends on how and why the rights were lost. Here are a few potential options:
✅ Petitioning for Restoration Under 925(c)
The U.S. Department of Justice is preparing to reinstate the long-dormant 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) application process, which allows individuals to request the restoration of firearm rights after federal prohibition. Veterans who lost rights due to a VA commitment or military discharge may be eligible.
This process is not yet open—but it’s coming. Now is the time to start gathering evidence of rehabilitation, community support, and character references so you’re ready to file as soon as the program launches.
👉 Read more: Can I Get My Gun Rights Back? Understanding the DOJ’s New 925(c) Program
✅ Appealing a NICS Denial
If you’ve already been denied during a firearm background check, you may be able to challenge the denial by filing a firearm-related challenge or appeal with the FBI. In some cases, the underlying report was made in error, or records are outdated.
👉 Read more: Denied for the Wrong Reason? How to Challenge a NICS Denial and Win
✅ VA Commitment Relief / Rights Reinstatement
Some veterans may be eligible to remove or update the VA’s mental health report submitted to the FBI—particularly if they’ve regained competency or if the commitment records are incorrect or overstated. In limited cases, VA beneficiaries can request relief through the VA or file a court petition to clear their record.
We’re Veterans’ Lawyers—And We’re Here to Fight for You
If you’re a veteran who has lost your gun rights, you need a team that understands the military, the VA system, and federal firearms law. At National Security Law Firm, we’re not civilian lawyers guessing at military law—we’re former JAGs, VA insiders, and national security experts.
We’ll evaluate your discharge, your VA history, and your background check records to create a battle plan for restoring your rights. You served your country. Now let us serve you.
Denied Gun Rights as a Veteran? We Can Help.
You don’t have to accept a lifetime ban. Whether your firearm rights were lost because of a VA mental health report, a less-than-honorable discharge, or an error in the system, we’ll help you fight back and restore what you’ve earned.
📅 Or book a free consultation now: Book Here
More Resources
For a full breakdown of the laws, programs, and restoration options:
👉 Denied by NICS? Here’s How NSLF Can Help You Challenge Federal Firearm Prohibitions
