Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/2/2009

Question
My husband re-enlisted into the Marine Corp for a second term. He rates a bonus upon being awarded a new MOS. Before he was able to go back to the school of infantry he was injured. If he goes back to SOI and receives the bonus but then gets medically discharged will the Marine Corp take the bonus money back?

Answer
Dear Maureen --

Usually he will have to pay a pro-rated portion of the re-enlistment bonus back, based on the period of his enlistment he was unable to serve, if he is medically separated.  However, a lot will depend on the type of medical separation he gets.  If his injury was on active duty and in-line-of-duty, he will be eligible for separation pay, or medical retirement.  Under either of these circumstances, he would keep his bonus and his separation payments would be reduced by the pro-rated amount he owes.

Write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you and your family.  Please thank your husband for his service.