Philip Rogers

There is a program thru SSDI that allows you to try working and you don't lose your SSDI until you've succeeded for a yr. You must have verified success, in working for a yr, before the VA can reduce TDIU. pr

I think, based on what you've stated, you'll win. The lawyer will take the lead. He/she may or may not call on you to testify, as to your daily life, what you can and cannot do, levels of pain, side effects/affects of meds, and anything else that may be needed. It's best to be truthful!!! You'll be sworn in for all testimony. The ALJ may or may not ask you questions, for any clarifications, he/she may need. It is best to describe your worse day(s). Good luck, altho I doubt you'll need it but ya never know. jmo pr

Generally they notify you, of a decision, within 60-90 days. Some judges having enough evidence, at the hearing, and can let you know immediately, if you are approved. They will never tell you of a denial at the hearing, fearing you could retaliate, immediately. It then can take another 60-90days to get paid. Thirty percent for PTSD is kinda low for a rating. I'd suggest putting in for an increase, or if it's been less than a yr, since the 30% decision, appealing it. jmo pr

I agree, we are here to support, however, people should also take ownership of things that happen and not just blame the VA for everything that goes wrong. I don't feel anything "I said" was outta line. jmo pr

It's best to always ask for the manager, as usually the staff claims they don't give one. jmo pr

Me, too. pr

Bye-bye, truck!!! Guess "you" screwed up. Sorry, but it'll get straightened out, eventually. Why would you close an account that may be receiving a VA deposit? Anytime I've changed accounts, I wait for the VA deposits to show up in the new account, before closing the existing account. jmo pr

I feel it is possible to get an EED but it'll be a long battle. Of course 4yrs at 50% would be a very worthwhile retro check. Do you feel you are actually 50% for PTSD or are you actually higher??? In 1989, the VA gave me 30% for PTSD. I disagreed and after 10 yrs won a 100% PTSD rating back to day one. You could easily win in half that time these days. jmo pr

Koalabiter - I've reconsidered my previous post. I believe you can work. You obviously run the risk of being reduced somewhere down the line but who knows when or if that'll happen. As long as you haven't done anything wrong (ie: fraud) you're safe, for now. I know that most people want to work and there is only a small section of society who don't. Working is good for us! Most here would give up their disability for a decent paying job and by that I don't mean "would you like fries w/that" type job. I often feel I want to work but at 66 yo, w/a 100% PTSD rating plus other physical ailments, realize I would probably have trouble working as a greeter at WallyWorld, which only pays minimum wage. Besides if someone pi**ed me off, who knows what would happen??!!! ;-) SSDI once said I could be a cashier, at a MiniMart and they were probably right, but after about three days I know the bodies would start piling up, much like w/Michael Douglas, in "Falling Down." And there's always the fact that the VA may still change the award. jmo pr

armyGirl123 - if your IBS causes problems w/your ability to work I would file for TDIU, explaining the problems and documenting your days missed from work. It is possible to get TDIU for IBS but it's a long hard road to get there. A few yrs back I helped someone, w/IBS, win TDIU here. If you search you should be able to find the posts, somewhere here. jmo pr

Koalabiter - unless you have stated to them that you are "unemployable" there is no reason to do anything. The criteria listed for someone rated 100% schedular, for a mental disorder, includes terms that suggest the person can't work, however one does not need to meet all the criteria, to be rated 100% schedular. As long as you have done nothing that could be construed as being fraudulent, I'd continue to work and accept their rating & compensation. "They've" decided you are 100% schedular, not you. Now if the rating is "TDIU" then my recommendation would be different. As Chuck75 mentioned you can be 100% schedular and work. No where does it specify that you can't work if rated 100% schedular, for a mental disorder. At worst, the VA will reevaluate you at a later date and then propose a reduction. I, personally, think you are safe. You can always bank the money, in a separate account, if you feel you could end up having to pay it back. I have never heard of a case where someone rated 100% schedular was prosecuted for working. jmo pr

Carlie's hit it on the mark! By virtue of being rated 100% schedular, for PTSD, you can't work. If you do, you will probably be reduced. If you want to and can work, go ahead but plan on having your VA comp reduced. Once you are rated 100% schedular, TDIU is no longer an issue. pr

Social Security has nothing to do w/your income. You get what you get, whether you get one dollar or a hundred thousand in other income. Supplimental Security Income (SSI) is for disabled persons w/little or no income. SS will not use DIC in any way as an offset. pr

Spouses can begin drawing on their husbands SSA account at age 60, however, if the spouse is disabled they can start at age 50. "You should apply today." You can only receive from one account and will get whichever is the highest, his or yours. pr

Quint7 - Yes, I deleted it cuz I thought it may be, either by you or someone else, interpreted wrong. You did not come off as someone wanting something for nothing but as someone who was just, unfortunately, misinformed, as many are. Sometimes I need to think a little before I press post! pr

Yes, it is possible. pr

I am not familiar with the offset terms but what harm could it do??? I feel at worst you wouldn't get any more and at best you would. I'd apply and appeal, appeal, appeal. jmo pr

I agree w/Sharon. In fact, believe, you may run the risk of having to repay any retro this decision brings. 100% mental rating includes total occupational and social impairment. pr

I believe if you renounce to a communist country you absolutely lose your VA benefits. Last I knew Israel isn't a communist country. I believe dual citizenships are okay but I'd be hesitent about renouncing you US citizenship. It's your choice but if you want to renounce you should also be willing to lose your VA bennies, if you "really" believe in what you're doing. jmo pr

Check w/SSA and see what credits were applied to your SS account during the yrs you were in the military. Most of those errors happened pre 1970 or so, when they failed to give credit for service. If your service is post 1970 chances are they gave you credit but there's no harm in checking. jmo pr

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree. They won't give out other info but they are required to give out where/who the money is spent. If you wanna send me your full name, city and state, I'll get yours. I don't need any personal info like your address, DOB, SSN or VA claim number. Just sayin'. pr

I'd write a letter explaining "your understanding" of their recent statement denying you access to the Independent Living Program (ILP), for the purpose of taking college level courses, "unless you are seeking employment" and that you request to appeal it to the BVA. jmo pr

To the best of my knowledge, anyone can write the VA, SSA, etc., and request, under the FOIA, how much we are being paid by them and they must release that info. We have the right to know where our money is being spent. So, if you want to know how much your neighbor is getting from the government, all you need do is ask. This goes for food stamps, welfare, medicaid, etc, etc, etc.. pr

Just so everyone knows, generally a vet doesn't need to be SC, for anything, to receive hearing aids. Glasses and hearing aids are generally available to all vets, who have the required acceptable discharge. pr