Gay groups on Friday dismissed a Pentagon memo identifying 14 benefits that include gay service members.

The Defense Department released the list as part of its ongoing review of military benefits in connection with the repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the law that banned gay and bisexual troops from serving openly.

“We listed eight member-designated benefits in our original Quick Reference Guide, released Sept. 20. We've now validated an additional six,” said Defense Department spokeswoman Eileen Lainez. “While these are not 'new,' now that we've confirmed these additional benefits, we're updating the Quick Reference Guide to ensure all are aware of their beneficiary options.”

Among the benefits are listing a gay spouse as a service member's group life insurance beneficiary, a thrift savings plan beneficiary and a veteran's group life insurance beneficiary. The last benefit – attendance at Yellow Ribbon Reintegration events – became news earlier this month when New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen intervened in the state's National Guard decision forbidding Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan from including at such an event her wife, Karen Morgan.

“Unfortunately, today's announcement does nothing to move the ball forward on the issue of providing equal benefits, recognition, and family support for legally married gay and lesbian families. The benefits outlined today were, in fact, available even before the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN).

The new guidance comes a day after SLDN filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as it relates to gay service members.

“We are not advocating any special treatment for the families of gay and lesbian service members or veterans, but we want to underscore that all military families should be treated the same when it comes to recognition, benefits and family support,” Sarvis added.