Any military people having trouble with Stop Loss claim?

[maric]

So, after 7 months, which was supposed to be 90 days (big surprise) we got denied a claim for the Retro active stop loss.. Says he didnt qualify due to time of stop loss..:confused: its BS, because the Mr did qualify for the times given
I just wondered if this is like applying for SS benefits, where you get turned down the first time, or what.
If anyone else has had an issue, or advice, please let me know.
Were talking a time frame of 3 months, so obviously, I feel the MR is entitled..
Thanks :)

[maric]

Obama Reaches Out to Veterans: 'You Earned It'

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2010 – President Barack Obama wants to make sure veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called “Stop Loss” program get the retroactive pay they deserve.
“You served with honor. You did your duty. And when your country called on you again, you did your duty again. Now, it's time to collect the special pay that you deserve,” President Barack Obama said in a public service announcement released by the White House today.
Military members whose service was involuntarily extended or whose retirement was suspended between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, are entitled to a retroactive payment of $500 for each month of extension. While by law, service members who received a bonus for voluntarily reenlisting or extending their service are not eligible, it is strongly recommended that all who may be eligible submit an application before the deadline, according to Defense Department officials. The application deadline is Oct. 21. Information on the special pay and links to the application are available at http://www.defense.gov/stoploss.
About 58,000 of 145,000 eligible claims have been paid, and $219 million has been disbursed of the $534 million appropriated, Defense Department officials said.
While tens of thousands of veterans already have received retroactive pay averaging nearly $4,000 each, the president said many others may be reluctant to apply.
“I know there's been some confusion and skepticism out there,” he said. “Some veterans think this is some sort of gimmick or scam, or that it's a way for the government to call you back to service. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“As your commander in chief,” Obama continued, “I'm here to tell you that this is no gimmick or trick. You worked hard. You earned this money. It doesn't matter whether you were active or reserve, whether you're a veteran who experienced ‘Stop Loss’ or the survivor of a servicemember who did - if your service was extended, you're eligible.”
The military services are promoting the retroactive pay through direct mail, veteran and service organizations, websites, phone lines, print and broadcast media. The president’s message underscores the effort to spread the word.
“Share this video among your fellow veterans,” the president urged. “Help us get our ‘Stop Loss’ veterans the pay to which they're entitled. Help us make sure that America is serving our veterans and your families as well as you've served us.”

Seriously???

[oldsoldier]

maric I would expect all federal claims to be slow or denied due to the great state of the Treasury. I know right now VA and Social Security claims are real slow and infuriating. There are appeals processes in those. I don't know about Stop Loss claims but if there is an appeal process I suggest y'all file one. You might try calling the VFW, Disabled American Veterans or American Legion to ask to file this appeal for the claim as the representative. Usually you can find them in the same federal buildings as the federal agencies but not DOD.

They'll take a lot of the stress out of it hopefully. Good luck hope this helps a little at least and by all means pursue it.

[maric]

Thank you.. Its a hard process, I am sure.. never easy when dealing with the VA. I hope ya'll know, were not looking for handouts! I know that there are issues with the deficit.. blah blah... I rightly believe that this is something that my husband deserves, and was said was coming to him... thanks again.. :)

[coxmw]

You can also try AMVETS.

http://www.amvets.org/

[Skyowl's Wife]

It's going to get worse.

Turbo Tax Timmy has quit paying into the Civil Service retirement fund to cover his costs without raising the debt ceiling. He's looking around for his next raid and has settled on the military. Don't know what he'll short, and he'll swear to pay it back (like the CS money), but look out!

[maric]

Thanks guys. the reality sets in after the anger.. lol.. I am very aware that it will get worse before it gets better.. Apparently, politicians lie, ahhhh shocker, right? Thanks for your input!
If anyone else hears anything, just send me a line. Obviously, we are appealing..

[hminus]

Maric,

I did not qualify for the stop loss deal. I re-upped just after 9-11. I am now retired, but still have an active AKO. I recently got an email on my AKO telling me to go to this site to see if I qualify:

http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/

You can start there and if you can’t find a POC to help you, I might suggest taking a trip to your local congressman’s office and ask them for help. I have had troops get positive results from this approach.

[maric]

Maric,

I did not qualify for the stop loss deal. I re-upped just after 9-11. I am now retired, but still have an active AKO. I recently got an email on my AKO telling me to go to this site to see if I qualify:

http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/

You can start there and if you can’t find a POC to help you, I might suggest taking a trip to your local congressman’s office and ask them for help. I have had troops get positive results from this approach.

Thank you for the info. I will certainly pursue this.I cant find any reason why he would not qualify.. I apprecite it, I have no problem speaking to my congressman!!

[Long_Hunter]

Maric,

Please check and make sure that his last DD 4 does not indicate in any way that his extension was "voluntary" as they are only approving documented "involuntary" extensions and that the extension began and ended prior to Sep 30, 2008, not 2009 as POTUS stated. Concur with hminus; you can take it up the civilian chain and it only costs you some time.

Long Hunter
RLTW!

[maric]

Maric,

Please check and make sure that his last DD 4 does not indicate in any way that his extension was "voluntary" as they are only approving documented "involuntary" extensions and that the extension began and ended prior to Sep 30, 2008, not 2009 as POTUS stated. Concur with hminus; you can take it up the civilian chain and it only costs you some time.

Long Hunter
RLTW!

Thank you, I will grab it and take a look. I appreciate you responding.. I will certainly pursue this in what ever way I can. Just frustrates the Mr so much. I completely understand... He does not ask much from the military. Just to do what they say they are going to do. In return, he sacrifices his time from his family, yet proudly, he dose not complain, its his job, he is a soldier.... these arent his words, their my thoughts.. Im a Patriot, but damnitt, when I see issues like this it just makes me sick... Again, thanks! :)