How is it that a DD214 is not sufficient proof of service?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:11:20 -0400

I have a buddy ( 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member ) that is experiencing some issues w/ this. He is being told by finance at the Federal level that his DD214 is not sufficient evidence of service in order to prove he is owed back pay.
Anyone have any advise, or shared similar experience that might be able to help out here?

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 20 at 2017 11:17 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:17:52 -0400

Based on the information I have, a DD214 alone doesn't tell me anything other than the fact that you have served. It does not prove that you are owed back pay or anything else.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 20 at 2017 12:00 PM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:00:33 -0400

I want to Know who and what is their Basis for rejecting a DD-214... and By what authority
But it sounds Like a Case for Legal assistance or JAG...

Response by LCDR Keith Trepanier made Apr 20 at 2017 3:44 PM

LCDR Keith Trepanier — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 15:44:44 -0400

A DD 214 is 100% proof of service. But it is certainly not proof of being owed back pay. I think I read that this had something to do with terminal leave. There are not separate terminal leave orders, terminal leave is conducted in conjunction with either an ETS or retirement. Both circumstances require orders and will include what was done for terminal leave. He will have to provide those orders if there is a disagreement in how much he should have been paid.

If the discrepancy is based on a break in service or when he was released, he will need to get a statement of service completed. I think each service's form is a bit different but it basically outlines when the military believes the service member started or stopped a particular portion of their career for creditable service. If there is a discrepancy between what he believes and what they believe, that may be the issue.

More of an explanation is needed regarding why he feels he should get back pay. There are a lot of reasons and each has a different explanation. Not worth getting a Congressman involved until somebody figures out what the actual issue is. I do wonder why an A1C is asking these questions for a 2LT.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 20 at 2017 4:35 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:35:58 -0400

Well for starters, you're are asking the wrong question. The DD-214 is sufficient proof of service. But that has nothing to do with back pay. The DD-214 has absolutely ZERO to do with back pay. If you want to prove you are owed some back pay, then for starters, you're going to want to print out EVERY single LES from just before the pay was supposed to increase all the way to the most recent. Your LES is what keeps track of how much money you are making or being paid. So if there are any discrepancies in pay, THAT'S where it's going to be.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 5:06 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 17:06:49 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member I am not the finance, but I would assume they want certified orders because that is what has the accounting codes, etc.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 20 at 2017 5:55 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 17:55:31 -0400

The DD214 is enough to verify his service, it has nothing to do with finance? The DD214 would not have anything to do with back pay after that...he should still be able to pull LES, which play, at least, some part in his pay?

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Apr 20 at 2017 6:04 PM

Cpl Joshua Caldwell — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 18:04:04 -0400

Ok you have a DD214 and your honorable discharge certificate, what the heck else is there, a letter from your platoon SGT? What do they consider proof?

Response by SGT Cody Osgood made Apr 20 at 2017 7:06 PM

SGT Cody Osgood — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 19:06:54 -0400

It was for me!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 12:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 12:40:15 -0400

Any finance office would be able to look up whether he has any held pay situations. If there is, there will be specific supporting documents the Lieutenant will need to provide to square it away. There will be a packet and an accompanying checklist.