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Hi i need help finding someone who has dealt with a similar problem. I am a veteran of the Army. I was a 2 year enlistee who served overseas in Turkey from may 1990 oct 1991 during the gulf war. I was extended overseas Due to Stop Loss program. this extended my tour 5 months.when Stop loss was lifted i was given a early out as I had only a couple months on left on contract and it wasnt feasible i guess to pcs with so little time left. flash forward to 2006. I have been disabled with several auto immune dieseases that have crippled me and left me disabled . November 2004 I applied for non Connected disability pension went through whole process and recieved letter granting pension on feb 6 this year award pending aid attendance. my VSO got ratings back from exam that rated me 70 percent and aid attendance. on march 17 I recieved letter denial of entire claim. citing time in service for those who served after 1980 .must be 2 years. I was a 2 year enlistee my active duty time was 1 year 11 months and 28 days. But I was let out on a early out at convienience of govt. which is supose to be one of the exceptions to this 24 month rule. i have written them citing this sent my dd214 which says AR635-200 ch5 sec II in block 25 I have recieved since I got out VA health Care Ch 30 gi bill education, and va Loan benefits all of wich have same 24 month requirement with same exceptions. The Buffalo NY regional office has stalled and say they have to send to army to verify my honorable discharge to see if it falls under 1171 of title 10. early out.
meanwhile I am in great difficulty finanacially. i feel like i am getting screwed so bad . i feel I have done everything right and they just will do everything they can not to pay if this is a typical experience people have to let me know cause I know it isnt right. I need help . Any one who is a VSO or veteran who who has similar problem. any feedback would be helpful. I gave called my congressman they have written 5 letters and subbmitted more evidence for me yet the VA is clinging to denial and I dont know how many years a appeal or service records to verify will be . can anyone help. Advice of anykind let me know.