Ry_guy

Hello, Thank you for your response. I am 28 years old. I have in the past received treatment from multiple VA hospitals for PTSD but I am often inconsistent due to my geographic inconsistency (I moved like 5 times in the past 2 years) I do plan on getting back involved with the Mental Health side of VA . Tomorrow I will reach out for an appointment. What does "died in the water" mean? 
I don't know if I'm eligible for SSDI. I was in the army for over 5 years and paid taxes so I assume I am eligible. I applied once when I was in Florida, but at the time they requested more information from me I was homeless and unable to get them that information so they denied my claim. Would I need to re open a claim now that I'm in Texas or would I have to file an appeal? Plus I currently attend online school and therefore receive BAH as I am, at this point, absolutely dependent on it as I've been unable to maintain gainful employment since I left the army over 4 years ago. Which is really scary, because it will run out soon. I think if you go to school than SSDI automatically disqualifies you.
Are you suggesting that I file a claim for TDIU so I can get the ball rolling while I wait on my appointment for VR&E just in case they decide i'm not a good fit due to my disabilities? I was thinking the same thing, so tomorrow I am going to the VA to file a claim for TDIU.
I agree that I'd rather have a decent paying career than TDIU for myself and for my son. The problem is, my criminal background seems to be a barrier as I have already been turned away due to background checks after receiving job offers for good careers. It's very demoralizing and makes me feel hopeless about future employment or being able to get anything other than trivial work. I'm waking up depressed and hopeless at this point. Not good. But, yes TDIU would be enough for me to cover my bills and live off of.