Do I lose jump pay if the reason I can't jump is due to a work-related injury?

SGT Robert Pennington — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:43:55 -0400

Six months ago, I caused an alvursion fracrure, tore fibers from one or more tendons, and tore/destroyed the joint capsule in my toe during a unit PT session. I have not been able to jump since being injured, so I am not current as of three months ago. I have not lost jump pay on my LES as of now, and am trying to figure out if I'll have to payback the portion I didn't earn in the last three months. Some people are saying that because it's a work related injury keeping me from jumping, that as long as I jump within 30 days of my RTD then I'll be good to go. Others are saying that if I'm not jumping then I'm not earning jump pay, irregardless of the reason. Does anyone have some guidance or knowledge on this subject? Thank you in advance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2016 1:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 01:04:32 -0400

Generally yes, if you were injured training and it was not because of negligence then the commander sign off on you continuing to draw pay. He can also have it taken away from you, though I have rarely ever seen a commander do that for legitimate injuries. Either way, hold onto your profile for as long as you are assigned to that unit. The reason is because if your unit goes through a CIP inspection and they check the jump logs, they will ding the unit. If enough jump logs are deficient the unit may be required to start mandatory recoupment of jump pay for anyone who has an uncovered pay period and you have to prove why you were actually current (deployments, injury, TDY etc).

That being said, generally after six months you should be pulled off jump status and have your pay stopped if you still are on profile. I'm am not sure if this is a general commander's policy for airborne units or an actual regulation though.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Sep 1 at 2016 7:19 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 19:19:05 -0400

You should be checking on this with your company operations NCO and your S-1 NCO (PAC NCO).

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2016 7:02 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 07:02:39 -0400

If it was jump related then no you will not lose pay for an extended period of time (90 day coverage period). If it was due to a profile related I injury and you cannot jump during that coverage pay period, then you need to make a decision to stop your hazard duty pay.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2016 7:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 07:49:23 -0400

What is supposed to happen is that a stop pay memo is submitted for you for each month you won't be jumping, that or you move onto Jump Rule 3 and you have 1 year to complete all 4 jumps for the year. There are more stipulations to it than just migrating to Jump Rule 3. What will most likely happen is that you will continue to draw jump pay until you ETS or PCS. When you clear finance they will go over your jump log and deduct pay for any months you were not current.

It doesn't actually matter why you don't jump, finance is only concerned with whether you jump or not. On the good side, if enough time has lapsed (more than a year) they often will not recoup the overpayment of jump pay. That's not set in stone, though.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 9:24 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:24:12 -0400

240103. Injury or Incapacity Resulting From Performance of Hazardous Duty.When a member, who is required to perform hazardous duty, is injured or otherwise incapacitated as a result of performing such duty, he or she is considered to have met the requirements for that duty during the incapacity, but for not longer than 3 months. Appropriate medical authority determines the cause of the incapacity and the dates thereof.
A. When To Start the 3-Month Entitlement Period. (See Table 24-1.)
B. Hazardous Duty for Definite Period. When a member has been placed on hazardous duty for a definite period and is entitled to incentive pay while incapacitated as a result of performance of such duty, incentive pay may not normally be paid beyond the ending date of the duty period stated in the orders. When evidence, however, is furnished that the member would have continued in the hazardous duty status had it not been for the incapacity, incentive pay may be paid beyond the ending date of the duty stated in the orders.
C. Change of Station for Medical Treatment. See Table 24-2 for effect of permanent change of station. Temporary duty or temporary additional duty orders which specify a member's return to a permanent station do not affect assignment or attachment to the hazardous duty. A member ordered to a medical facility under such orders continues to be entitled to incentive pay during incapacity for no more than 3 months.
240104. Incapacity Not Caused by Hazardous Duty. A member’s right to incentive pay during incapacity, which is not the result of performing hazardous duty, depends on fulfillment of hazardous duty requirements.