MADISON, Wis. -- A nonreligious group from Madison is suing the Veterans Administration, claiming that military chaplains are becoming increasingly aggressive with their views.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation said that in some cases, veterans are required to fill out a spiritual assessment and are told that religious belief might be necessary for their recovery.

Foundation co-president Annie Gaylor said that the emphasis on spiritual healing is a radical departure from simply offering religious counseling to veterans.

Federal Judge John Shabaz has ruled the lawsuit has merit. Shabaz said that the government must prove VA chaplains aren't violating the U.S. Constitution by doing more than is necessary to meet their patients' religious needs.