Am I eligible for an appeal in reference to an overpayment by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Feb 18
Candice asked:
I recently received a letter from the VA stating that I was overpayed, and I need to pay the funds immediately.
Some things you should know: I was taking classes full time and I was *forced* to drop two classes because I was involuntarily activated to go on an Annual Training with the Navy Reserves.
*I do know that when I signed up for the Navy Reserves I agreed to do 2 weeks a year of annual training but this specific annual training was not required of me in order for me to fulfill my obligated Annual training as per my contract.
*My professors at my institution are NOT required to work with me and allow me to make up my assignments while I’m gone. They were only obligated by institution rules that my absences were to be excused. This is a common misconception with individuals who think that the university is obligated to allow veterans who deploy to make up all their work when they return. This is specifically up to the professor. And in my case, my professor was not willing to work with me.
*At NO time did I mislead the VA or lie about the adjustment in credit hours. From the second I knew that I was going to drop both classes I contacted VA immediately and informed them (I have documentation to prove this.)
*At no time did these so called ‘extra funds’ benefit me financially in any way. Even though I received extra money for tuition it wasn’t enough money for me to go out and buy a Jaguar. So essentially, the extra money didn’t do me all that good.
*I do not work because of the track I am taking. I do however, work for the military part time when I can. I do honor guard funerals for military veterans that have recently passed away and earn partial drill pay. I have a great academic standing with my institution and bring home outstanding grades.
Right now I do not know how much I owe the VA, but I am going to guess it’s over or around 2,000.00. So my question is: Do I have the ability to file an appeal where I do not have to repay the VA because of my specific circumstances. OR Can I establish a repayment program that is minimal in nature so that it will not put me through extreme financial hardships.
Thank you for your help.
Candice
OEF Vet
