I had a heart attack while in the military back in 1996 and was medically discharged. I got a lump sum payment at that time, but I was told once I paid that back to the VA, I could apply for my retirement benefits after 18 and a half years of service. But when I tried to request that, I was unsuccessful. Maybe the military lied to me about it… has anyone else been through something similar?
Man, that sounds rough. I know that if you get disability severance pay, they often require you to pay that back before you can get retirement benefits. Did you ask the VA about it directly?
Madden said:
Man, that sounds rough. I know that if you get disability severance pay, they often require you to pay that back before you can get retirement benefits. Did you ask the VA about it directly?
Yeah, I did. They said I had to pay it back, but I still haven’t gotten any answers on retirement eligibility after all these years. Just feel like it’s all been for nothing 
@Denny
Ugh, that’s frustrating. Maybe try reaching out to a lawyer who specializes in military benefits? There are services that help veterans with this stuff.
I think the VA might have changed the rules about lump sum payments. If you haven’t tried appealing the decision, that could be a good option. Has anyone suggested that?
Ridge said:
I think the VA might have changed the rules about lump sum payments. If you haven’t tried appealing the decision, that could be a good option. Has anyone suggested that?
No, I haven’t appealed yet. I didn’t know I could. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll look into that.
That’s a tough spot to be in. I’ve heard of veterans having similar issues. Maybe a veteran service organization can help? They usually have legal teams that assist with retirement cases.
Kai said:
That’s a tough spot to be in. I’ve heard of veterans having similar issues. Maybe a veteran service organization can help? They usually have legal teams that assist with retirement cases.
I didn’t even think about going through one of those organizations. I’ll definitely check it out.
If the military and VA have already given you the runaround, maybe look into free legal resources for veterans? I think some places offer pro bono help for situations like yours.
Maverick said:
If the military and VA have already given you the runaround, maybe look into free legal resources for veterans? I think some places offer pro bono help for situations like yours.
Good idea, I’ll see what’s available in my area. Appreciate the help!
Just a thought, but maybe contacting the military lawyer directly might help. They specialize in these kinds of retirement issues.
Foster said:
Just a thought, but maybe contacting the military lawyer directly might help. They specialize in these kinds of retirement issues.
I’ll try that! I’ve been going in circles for so long, it’d be great to talk to someone who knows the ropes.