(Client’s name has been changed to protect privacy.)
Mr. Gomez, a blind U.S. military Veteran, had always counted on his VA benefits to maintain financial stability. He had served his country, and those benefits were supposed to be there for him. But one day, he received a notice that changed everything—the VA had overpaid him by $25,000 and was demanding repayment.
It wasn’t clear how the overpayment happened, but the impact was immediate. The VA stopped his benefits, leaving him struggling to cover rent, groceries, and medical expenses. Paying back $25,000 wasn’t an option. But what could he do? He needed help.
Finding an Advocate in SALSA
Unsure of where to turn, Mr. Gomez reached out to the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA). Our Veterans Program Team, working alongside Moody Fellow Law Students from St. Mary’s University, took a close look at his case.
The team knew that VA overpayments can happen for a variety of reasons—some due to administrative errors, others due to changes in eligibility that aren’t always clearly communicated. What mattered most was that Mr. Gomez was not at fault, and forcing him to repay the debt would put him in serious financial distress.
To challenge the debt, SALSA helped him file a waiver request with the VA, which required extensive documentation, including:
- Proof of financial hardship, showing that repayment would severely impact his ability to meet basic needs.
- Evidence that the overpayment was not his fault, demonstrating that he had relied on the VA’s benefit determinations in good faith.
- Legal arguments advocating for a full waiver, ensuring the VA had a clear case for why collection was not justified.
Navigating the waiver process isn’t easy—there are strict deadlines, required forms, and a need for compelling evidence. But with SALSA’s guidance, Mr. Gomez’s case was thoroughly prepared and submitted for review.
A Life-Changing Result
After reviewing the waiver request, the VA agreed to waive the entire $25,000 debt.
- Mr. Gomez no longer owed anything.
- His full VA benefits were restored.
- He could move forward without the fear of financial instability.
For Mr. Gomez, this wasn’t just about money—it was about peace of mind. The stress of an unexpected debt had been lifted, and he could now focus on his well-being.
The Bigger Picture: How This Helps Other Veterans
Mr. Gomez’s case is far from unique. Many Veterans receive unexpected debt collection notices from the VA, often due to benefit adjustments or administrative errors. Without legal support, some struggle to understand their rights, leading to avoidable financial hardship.
That’s why SALSA is committed to helping Veterans navigate these complex issues. Whether it’s challenging an overpayment, securing benefits, or advocating for fair treatment, SALSA ensures that Veterans don’t have to face these challenges alone.
What to Do If You’re Facing a VA Overpayment
If you or someone you know has received a VA overpayment notice:
- Don’t ignore it. You have the right to request a waiver or dispute the debt.
- Get legal help. Organizations like SALSA can guide you through the process.
- Keep records. Document all communications and payments related to your benefits.
VA benefits exist to support Veterans—not to place them in unnecessary financial hardship. With the right legal advocacy, Veterans can ensure they receive the benefits they have earned.
Attorneys: Help Us Defend Those Who Defended Us
SALSA relies on volunteer attorneys to provide free legal assistance to Veterans like Mr. Gomez. Many of these cases don’t require prior experience in Veterans’ benefits law—just a willingness to help.
If you are an attorney looking to make a direct impact, consider volunteering with SALSA’s Veterans Legal Team. Whether you take on a full case or provide brief advice, your skills can change lives.
Join SALSA as a volunteer attorney today.
Visit www.sa-lsa.org/volunteer to learn more.
Support Our Work: Donate to SALSA
Together, we can ensure that Veterans receive the benefits they have earned—without unnecessary barriers.