DeaconDukes

Congrats Ron! I know you were one happy man and had a great christmas 2010. I got my 100 % unemployability in one fell swoop in October of last year. I got SSDI in May of last year. I was homeless and in the per diem program in CA. I was an a way a victim of the great recession. After the recession started I could no longer make ends meet and I become homeless. Two years ago I was sleeping in my car and unaware of my benefits and learning about the local shelters. I was unaware of even a local program for homeless vets. I was having panic attacks and went in to the VA clinic because I thought I was about to die. They could find nothing physically wrong with me and sent me to the Psychiatrist that was on duty and she diagnosed me (after a lengthy interview) and also told me about a program for homeless vets. I have been dealing with a mood disorder for years that prevented me from working certain jobs around people. I worked best by myself but had a hard time working by a schedule. I knew something was wrong and I had sought treatment periodically through the years which actually help create a paper trail back to my military service. But at the time I was unaware of SC or pensions. And when I was assigned and talked to my mental heath case worker/ counselor after being admitted into the per diem program and he found out that I was treated while in the service for mental health reasons he told me that I had a possible "service connection disability." I had never heard of that before. We requested my records and the mental health records were lost but in my regular medical records there was noted that I was given medication that is only used for psychiatric reasons. After that documentation the game was afoot and in 13 months I had both SSDI (7 months) and my SC (13 months.) and 100 % at that with back pay. I too struggle with revealing my source of income with people. This forum thread has been helpful and have given me some ideas. It is comforting to know that others have the same problems. I think some people are jealous. But I thank God for my income because in this economy I don't think I would be able to hang. I also struggle with the idea that even though my disability is service connected I don't believe that it is service caused like PSTD. (Bi-Polar runs in my family.) I was just lucky I was diagnosed while in the military and treated and had a paper trail that created a nexus between my service and my present unemployability. What a difference 2 years make? From being hopeless and homeless and ignorant and depressed to now having my physical needs met and freedom to deal with my illness (limitations) with out the stress of having to make ends meet and keep body and soul together. I let as few people as possible know about my disability. People react funny and also will use it against you at the drop of a hat.

Is this for federal students loan only? What about Sallie Mae? I believe that is a private student loan lender. I owe them and I am newly awarded 100% disabled. Deacon

Today I went in to see my AmVet rep. He printed a copy of my notification letter. My claim was granted with an evaluation of 100%. I have spent the last year homeless/ and in transitional housing program called Operation Dignity a per diem program for vets. A year ago I was having panic attacks and didn't know what I would do and thinking that I was doomed to wander the streets as a bum. I couldn't work because of my long standing disability which had gotten worse. I was totally ignorant about my VA benefits and I thought that because I was in the peacetime right after Vietnam I didn't have any. I went to my local VA clinic after someone suggested it and told them that I was homeless and living in my car. I saw a Homeless counselor that day who help me get off the streets and into Operation Dignity in Oakland CA. I was so happy to get off the streets and finally broke down and decided to seek mental health care and take medication if i needed it. Because I felt like I was dying I went to the VA clinic soon after for help and found out that I was having a panic attack and saw the psychiatrist on triage and she took the time to diagnose me right then and gave me medication and i was "plugged" into the system and started therapy and treatment. In my first meeting with my mental health case worker he interviewed me and he found out that I have had counseling for adjustment problems while serving in the Army and I was prescribe an anti-psychotic medication while in service over 30 years ago. This was the basis of my claim for service connection of my present disability. I was denied the first time I applied but the second time I brought forth more evidence ( a great nexus letter and proof treatment while in the service)) and today I have received my claim. I now have a future and need not to be homeless again. I am moving to FL. to be near my eight year old son and my wife is even considering trying to get back together after I have been down there awhile. I now can contribute and be an asset to my family . I am also getting SSDI. I am blessed. Thank you all for your help and info. What a wonderful site full of wonderful people. I haven't gotten my first check yet with back pay but everything is coming and i will have it soon. I hope and pray that there are not any more surprises.

I have did it!!! I have my benefits! I received my letter of notification today. 100% percent rating. Thanks to all. This site is great.