PHOENIX — For nearly three years David Stephenson has been caught in the middle of a federal government back and forth.
The 73-year-old Air Force veteran works at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, but not in the job he once held for 13 years.
“I came back to work at the VA hospital in January 2021,” Stephenson said.
In December 2017, Stephenson said he was fired from his position as a counselor helping homeless veterans. In 2019, the Federal Labor Relations Board sued the Veterans Administration to get his job back.
But getting his job back would not come easy.
“I got a call saying that the VA forgot to hire you back in a timely manner. I learned there were dozens of other cases like mine,” Stephenson said.
He would return to work in January 2021 at the same pay, but not the same job helping homeless veterans get back on their feet.
As part of his return, Stephenson was supposed to receive backpay for the time he was away.
“The mandate was I should receive backpay with interest for the time I had not been working at the VA,” Stephenson said.
Stephenson said he hasn’t received a single dollar of the backpay owed to him.
"There's a lot of finger-pointing going on and nothing is happening for actually receiving the backpay," Stephenson said.
12News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a statement, they said, “We are working directly with DFAS to help resolve this matter as soon as possible.”
What is DFAS?
The Defense of Finance and Accounting Services is the agency responsible for paying Department of Defense workers and providing benefits to veterans.
In a statement to 12News, DFAS said, "We're looking forward to working with Mr. Stephenson and the VA to assist and resolve the issue."
Stephenson said he’s never had a conversation with DFAS before.
“What's interesting is DFAS has never contacted me. My communication has always been with the VA," Stephenson said.
Stephenson said the backpay, believed to be in the six-figure range, would allow him to finally retire to make more memories with his wife and their 16 grandchildren.
The family said the money would also help provide care for their 35-year-old son who is now fighting to survive glioblastoma.
Stephenson believes that he’s been the victim of retaliation since returning, and believes he could still be helping homeless veterans. But he said he’s planning to work until he’s finally paid.
"I'm looking toward the sunset of my life. I'd like to move on, but I've been recommended to stay in the game... so they don't just forget about me."
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