Justices Reject Air Force COVID Vax Back Pay Case

By Madeline Lyskawa · February 23, 2026, 11:47 AM EST

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to revive an Air Force lieutenant's bid for back pay after he refused to follow the service's now-overturned COVID-19 vaccine mandate on religious grounds,...

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Case Information

Case Title

Michael Poffenbarger, Petitioner v. Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the Air Force, et al.

Case Number

25-448

Court

Supreme Court

Nature of Suit

2440 Civil Rights: Other

Date Filed

October 14, 2025