A lot of times when you get punched you get into a midset of you do not deserve some benifit and you should have got that punch. Common among LBS.
Often your reasoning is a result of you mind asking and answering it's own questions to explain the situation.
If that is your case write down if you deserve any money (just an example question) and why or why not. Use the reasoning that drives your decisions. Then evaluate logically if those reasons make sense.
Just a suggestion on handling punches. Thought your support of the Military folks is excellent.
"All I want is a weeks pay for a day's work" Steve Martin
