The man has been a Reservist (Army) for 12 years. He was activated into Iraq in 2005 along with the rest of his unit. After the GSW, he was sent home for recuperation, sidelined to a desk job and given a P3 profile. I don't know the PULHES, but will be talking to the guy tomorrow and can find out. In the meantime, his unit redeployed to Iraq and he was left behind. He is facing a routine ETS. In the past, he was able to reenlist at this point. And now he cannot??

I'm wondering about the logic behind being fit for duty before the injury, and now being unfit for duty and denied reenlistment after being injured, without some acknowledgement by DOD (in the form of a disability retirement or severance pay) that of his condition is the result of a combat injury.

Regarding his functioning: this man suffered significant damage to his shoulder and neck, and nerve damage resulting in an uncontrollable tremor in his arm. The bullet ripped apart his shoulder and the complex of muscles and nerves leading up his neck. He's 6' and 220 lbs, an auto mechanic whose civilian job requires him to be able to yank transmissions and engines. He's not able to do this at this point.

It's sickening to see how uneducated the guy is about the process, about his rights and benefits. I don't understand how his command has dropped the ball here. Or is this simply a function of the unit returning to Iraq and the guy remaining behind as part of a skeleton crew? There's no one around to advise and advocate.

I appreciate any input.

Also... I am really confused about the repayment of severance pay against any VA award. From what I've read, as of the 1/1/08 severance pay does not have to be repaid for these returning soldiers who are discharged with a package instead of TDRl/PDRL. Interestingly, the first I ever heard of this was on the NBC nightly news several months ago. From what I've read here, I have no idea how this is supposed to work. I've been reading around, and there seems to be a lot of conflicting information.

Can you point me to some definitive reading material that I will be able to print and share?

Thanks again for this terrific site and the easy sharing of information.