Some Texas Veterans May Be Forced To Return Benefits

Certain veterans in Texas and all over the USA are being forced to return separation bonuses because of a little known law that was overlooked years ago.

Over 120,000 veterans of the United States military have been forced to return some of their benefits because of a weird law that says they, to put it in the absolute, simplest terms, aren't allowed to "double dip".

Specifically, the "double dip" thing involves veterans receiving disability benefits who also got bonuses to leave the military before their time was up. They didn't ask for this bonus, it was offered to them.

At one point, the United States military had to downsize. In order to do so, many soldiers were offered bonuses to resign and leave the military early. Some were also entitled to disability benefits and suddenly, thanks to some, (seemingly), unknown law; that's now a problem.

One veteran told NBC News he was recently informed he had to repay $30,000 he was given to voluntarily leave the military about 30 years ago. That's a helluva shot to the wallet, not to mention a shameful and disgraceful way to treat our veterans.

Do These Vets Have Any Recourse?

Veterans have a chance to pursue a waiver of their recoupment responsibilities for only certain special separation benefits under the law. Even then, the standards are high and have been confusing.

To get a waiver for voluntary separation pay, the VA said the secretary of the applicable branch of service must determine that “recovery would be against equity and good conscience or would be contrary to the best interests of the United States.” - NBC News

According to NBC News, (so far), only 6 of those waivers have been granted. 6 out of over 120,000. 6!?!?

Appalling. Insulting. Treacherous. F'd up.