Thousands of veterans and service members are owed compensation after being wrongfully separated, losing pay, or missing career milestones during the COVID-19 vaccine mandate period. But many hesitate to file because of confusion, misinformation, or uncertainty about eligibility.
This guide brings together the five most common questions we hear from service members — and the straightforward answers that help you understand your rights, your options, and how to recover what you’ve earned.
1. Do I Need to Re-Enlist to Get My Military Back Pay?
Short answer: No. Absolutely not.
Many veterans believe they must return to active duty or re-enlist to pursue back pay. This is one of the biggest misconceptions — and it stops far too many people from recovering money they’re legally owed.
Back pay is recovered through the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). It’s a legal and administrative process, not a military one.
You never have to put the uniform back on, speak to your old chain of command, or rejoin the force in any capacity.
Why it matters:
You already served. You already earned this pay. Filing simply ensures the government corrects your records and restores what was wrongly taken from you.
2. What If I Think My Claim Is Too Small?
Many former service members assume:
- “I only missed a few drills.”
- “I lost just one pay period.”
- “I didn’t get one promotion — does that even count?”
The truth: Even small losses can add up to thousands of dollars over the course of a career — especially if you were separated or impacted during the mandate.
Our team reviews every claim at no cost, and we only get paid if you do. Most people are surprised to learn how much they’re actually owed once their full service record is evaluated.
If you lost any pay, time, benefits, or career progression, your claim is worth reviewing.
3. Didn’t the Executive Order Fix This Already?
When the President rescinded the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, many believed that meant automatic back pay.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
The Executive Order ended the mandate — but it did not authorize or issue compensation. The Executive Order is only specific to those Service Members that were deemed Involuntarily Discharged and want to be Reinstated.
No filing = no back pay.
It’s that simple.
If you’re waiting for a check to arrive automatically, it won’t. Action is required to recover what you earned.
4. Is Filing Difficult? What Does the Process Look Like?
Filing for back pay is far simpler than most veterans expect — especially because we handle every major step for you.
Here’s how our streamlined process works:
- You Sign
Authorize our team to represent your case. - You Upload
Send us basic documents (DD-214, DD-4, or service records). - We File
Our attorneys and case specialists prepare and submit your claim. - We Follow Up
We monitor your case with the BCMR, DFAS, and Others to keep you updated. - You Get Paid
There is no upfront cost.
5. Does Reserve Time Really Count Toward Back Pay?
Yes — and it’s one of the most commonly overlooked claim types.
If you’re a reservist who:
- missed drills,
- lost retirement points,
- lost drill pay,
- or experienced interrupted service due to a wrongful discharge or administrative error…
…you may be entitled to compensation.
Every day of qualifying service matters. Losses in reserve service directly affect pay, benefits, retirement calculations, and career trajectory. These losses are compensable under federal law.
You Served Your Country. Now It’s Time to Recover What You Earned.
Most veterans who come to us have the same reaction:
“I had no idea I qualified — or that it would be this simple.”
Whether you missed drills, were wrongfully discharged, lost promotions, or simply aren’t sure where you stand, our team is here to guide you through the process from start to finish.
Start Your Claim Review Today
There’s no cost to get your claim evaluated — and no obligation.
If you have a valid claim, we’ll help you pursue the compensation you earned through your service.
Visit novaa79.sg-host.com/ and complete our form to begin.
