What is the best way going about seeking retroactive awards as a Veteran?

2021-04-18T13:02:45-04:00

Question for anyone that has a better understanding of awards and how they're awarded.
In my OIF 09 tour, I was put in for a purple heart. From my understanding or recollection, it was denied for some type of "clerical" reason. I am seeking a retroactive award for it as a veteran. I emailed Army HRC and they sent several PDFs outlining requirements, and templates, and other required documentation. Here is my qualm, from my understanding when seeking retroactive all the documentation must fit the requirements to an absolute T, and some of the medical documentation immediately following the incident, in true Army fashion, is quite subpar. That being said I have all the required documentation including sword statements, pictures of injuries, the original request for the award, patrol debriefings, medical records, you name it. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has a deeper understanding of how to go about this process for a frist time pass. Thanks!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2021 1:16 PM

2021-04-18T13:16:46-04:00

Retroactive awards are hard to get. Usually when a clerical error is cited, the award was denied. My first sergeant was in a Humvee that struct an IED and cause pretty significant injuries. The unit denied the award citing “you signed up for this, you knew the risks associated”

Good luck with your endeavors

Response by Cpl Mischa Brady made Apr 18 at 2021 7:40 PM

2021-04-18T19:40:18-04:00

Talk to a veteran service officer through the VA or wounded warrior regiment through the army to help you through the process. I recommend the shotgun approach with both. Hope this helps.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 18 at 2021 11:24 PM

2021-04-18T23:24:17-04:00

There is a retroactive process in AR600-8-22. Your documentation shows where it was attempted and returned, so that should be the extenuating circumstances for an award beyond the specified deadline in the AR.