BOSTON -- Some soldiers who have been given sign-up bonuses or separation bonuses to help them transition back to civilian life have found been ordered to pay back the money.

"You have to start at ground zero. I knew that when I got out. I didn't think it would be this hard," Kelly Ratcliffe said.

Ratcliffe, 28, was a military police officer until she was injured in Iraq.

"I was engaged in combat. I went to get in prone position, and my knee went out. I had to have an Iraqi civilian carry me back to my truck," she said.

Ongoing problems with her knee would ultimately end Ratcliff's distinguished 8½-year military career. The North Brookfield native returned home to an uncertain future. The only bright light was a separation bonus to help her get back on her feet.

"I applied for disability. When I received my disability rating they told me I would not see a penny until all that separation pay was paid back," she said.

Jordan Fox, a Pittsburgh soldier, was asked to pay back $3,000 of his enlistment bonus after a roadside bomb left the 21-year-old blind in one eye.

In an e-mail, the Department of Defense told NewsCenter 5 its policy forbids recouping bonuses after a combat injury because it would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

But thousands of soldiers said they were asked to return bonuses, prompting Congress to take action. Late Tuesday, the House voted to stop the practice, ensuring that soldiers discharged as a result of combat-related wounds receive full bonuses within 30 days of discharge. The Senate passed a similar bill.

"I think if you have gone to Iraq or Afghanistan and served bravely for our country, you've more than fulfilled your obligation to this country," said Rep. Jason Altmire, of Pennsylvania. "We owe you a debt of gratitude, not sending you a bill," he said.

The legislation would not help Ratcliffe because it is not retroactive. She said that she hopes the Department of Defense will reconsider taking her bonus money. The Pentagon has acknowledged that some of the orders are mistakes. They allowed the severely wounded Pennsylvania soldier to keep his bonus.