Nicholas Ocampo says VA error cut off benefits in Goodyear; $43,000 overpayment later

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ocampo says a VA error marked him as back on active duty after his Oct. 1, 2025 retirement, cutting off his 100% disability pay and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits in Goodyear.

Ocampo told ABC15 he first discovered the problem about 20 days after retirement when a commercial dive school in Goodyear said his GI Bill was inactive because VA records showed him on active duty; ABC15 reports the change stopped more than $4,100 a month in payments.

A lone anonymous student in a classroom looking at an empty enrollment screen, hands on a desk, a closed textbook beside them — tension

ABC15 says the VA twice listed him as returning to active duty, and a VA letter dated July 22, 2026, cited an active-duty date in October 2025 that Ocampo says is incorrect.

Ocampo says the status change first wiped out his disability compensation and education benefits, and months later a $43,000 overpayment bill appeared in his VA account; ABC15 reports the veteran used credit cards to cover bills while the problem persisted.

An anonymous pair of hands holding a smartphone showing a blank benefits app screen, a pile of mailed bills on a table nearby — tension

After ABC15 contacted the VA, the outlet published a VA statement from Press Secretary Quinn Slaven saying, “VA terminated Mr. Ocampo’s benefits at the end of July based on incorrect data that said he returned to active duty. VA restored those benefits.” ABC15 adds the VA told the reporter the $43,000 overpayment was cleared and removed from Ocampo’s file.

Ocampo said he repeatedly resubmitted retirement documents, checked DEERS and Army records — which showed him retired — and called VA hotlines before seeking help from congressional offices and local reporters.

The case underscores how data or status errors can trigger automatic benefit terminations and overpayment notices, a problem advocates say can leave veterans financially vulnerable while disputes are processed.

Readers interested in related veteran policy and accountability coverage can see recent reporting on oversight of military health contractors and legislation affecting veterans.

More on-site reporting: Texas attorney general opens probe into military health contractor TriWest and Brian Mast backs veterans trucking bill after feds shut down 110 CDL schools.

Sources

ABC15 — detailed interview with Nicholas Ocampo, VA statement saying benefits were restored and the $43,000 overpayment was cleared.
Yahoo/KNXV — republished local-TV reporting and video of the story.

About the author, Chris Martin

Chris Martin is a US economics and current affairs journalist covering the intersection of policy, markets, and everyday financial life. With a background in financial reporting and a sharp eye for the stories behind the numbers, Chris brings clarity to some of the most complex issues shaping the American economy today. At ECIKS.org, Chris covers breaking developments across domestic economic policy, business strategy, Wall Street movements, and political decisions that ripple through financial markets. His reporting blends rigorous data analysis with accessible storytelling making critical information useful for investors, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens alike.