Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 12/1/2011

Question
I recently underwent a MRB and received a disabilitiy rating and my injuries were combat related.  DFAS and the outprocessing Civilian both stated my severence pay to be based on 16 years of service.  This figure is on my DD 214.  When I received the first payment, my wife and I went out and signed a contract on a house with the understanding that we would close upon receipt of the remaining funds.  The first part and the majority of the second part would be used as the downpayment.  We paid the first part and told the bank, based on what DFAS told me (in writing) that they would get the remainder in a matter of weeks.  Now they are telling me that they are only going to pay me at 12 years because that is what my orders say.  I never even checked my orders to insure that they were correct, I was more concerned with my 214.  I am now in danger of not only losing the house (which we currently occupy), but also of losing the first part of the downpayment and a huge amount of the second payment owed to me by DFAS.  My wife, our four children and I may soon be homeless.  Can they do this?  What can I do?  Is there anyone who can help me?

Answer
Andrew,
First of all, you were right to be concerned with your DD 214.  A lot revolves around that being correct.

How is your severance pay off by 4 years?  Doesn't your DD214 reflect 16 years?  See your base personnel office to get that corrected right away.  If they don't correct it, then see your legal office.
Colonel H