I’ve been trying for years to get the Army to pay for the student loans - I re-enlisted with the understanding that would be a benefit. I’ve spent 21 years in the Army and am still in the National Guard.

I’ve tried going through National Guard channels, my congressional office, and filing a complaint with the Inspector General. I believe I have a strong case, but the bureaucracy and law is very difficult for me to navigate.

Whom else should I go to at this point – an attorney? The IG complaint didn’t seem to go anywhere. I’m on a deadline with this because the Army Board for Correction of Military Records made a ruling and said the decision in my case is final unless I request reconsideration by April 2016, and only if I can present new evidence or argument. I do believe I can do so.

Basically, I have only received $6,000 in repayments, less than I should have for my first SLRP. And I’ve been given nothing for my second SLRP. I re-enlisted for 6 years with the understanding I would receive the second SLRP. I can get into a lot more detail, of course, and the ABCMR sent me a letter that provides a good summary. Officials along the way didn’t file paperwork correctly and now I am paying the price.