ptsd Td/iu

[dgraham82]

Just a quick question. I recently was awarded 80 percent. 70 percent PTSD/depression/tbi, 30 percent post traumatic headaches and 10 percent tinnitus. In my dbq's I noticed a few spots where it states my disabilities affect my ability to maintain work.  Does this mean I'm eligible for tdiu? If so how do I file for it?

[brokensoldier244th]

Its a litmus question- can you work or can you not work? That, and your employment history will be the deciding factors if you file a claim. Usually an award like 80% total would have been inferred for IU, but sometimes its missed, or you are actively working and dont want it filed. If you want to file it its the same as any other claim. 

[dgraham82]

Well I have not been able to hold down a steady job since I left the military. I'm currently in school however. I just started that a few months ago. 

[brokensoldier244th]

IU will most likely be a no go, then. With a 70% rating for mental many of the symptoms that present for that would cause a person to forego school. I had to quit grad school a year and a half ago around the same time I was re-evaluated at 70%. If you look at the rating schedule for mental health many of those symptoms conflict with being able to successfully be in college. It many not be a deciding factor but it will be one that is looked at. 

 

Edited October 23, 2015 by brokensoldier244th

[Navy04]

Broken soldier is on the money, I was working on my Doctorate in Criminal Justice, and had to quit due to my health issues. The VA does not like to see Vets working full time, or going to school, when it comes to mental conditions. Only you can decide what is best for you and your family. Good luck and God Bless

[john999]

One thing to mention is that school is not the same thing as working full time.  If you are unable to work solely due to your SC condition you should file for TDIU.   If after you finish school you are able to work that is a different story.  If I had a 80% rating and I was not able to keep a job I would file for TDIU.  What leads you to believe that if you have not been able to hold a job since you left the military that you will be able to hold a job once you finish school?  I would get an IME from a private shrink to back up the TDIU request.   The VA should be glad to see you trying to rehabilitate yourself by going to school.  Who pays for your schooling?  It should be vocational rehab so you could tie all this together.

[dgraham82]

well with my schooling I've had a hard time with that as well, been going on and off for a while with no real progress towards a degree. I'm using my post 9/11 currently but that expires in March so I will either be switching to my reserve gi bill or Voc rehab.