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After Denials for OSA both direct and secondary to PTSD, this spring I decided to spend the money on a IMO and do the claim right. I contacted Dr. Anaise and was told to send all my records, decision letters and $1500. After about a week I was emailed with a final IMO report that was around 40-50 pages. It was excellent & well researched. Within 6 weeks of submitting the IMO with a supplemental claim OSA secondary to PTSD was approved. Yes IMO's dont guarantee anything and they can be expensive but they are definitely worth it when you have been denied already and have nothing else to submit and someone like Dr. Anaise will always outweight the NP the VA usually has doing exams.

I’m currently at 90%. Part of it is 70% for Insomnia and PTSD. I was originally at 30% for Insomnia and then filled for PTSD which total is 70%. Now I have sleep apnea pending with the use of a CPAP. If it gets approved, do you think it’ll raise my 90% to 100% or will it lower or even stay the same since insomnia and sleep apnea is in the same category? Current ratings are: Right hip impingement 10% Lumbosacral strain 10% Left tennis elbow 10% Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Insomnia 70% Right knee strain 10% Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis with flat foot 50% Total 90%

Hi, I am currently on appeal for increase rating in excess of 50% PTSD (rated as Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder) and the case was remanded by BVA back to the RO. The initial PTSD C&P was done in 2014. The original rating was not rated as PTSD, but Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder. A new exam was requested and completed October of 2020 and I was awarded 100% PTSD. I contested the rating as VA denied a rating of excess of 50% prior to September 2020. The RO stated the following, "The evidence does not support a change in the prior decision. Therefore, entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to September 2020 for post-traumatic stress disorder (previously rated as specified trauma and stressor related disorder) is denied. The rating decision noted that the examiner diagnosed me with PTSD and it was a correction to my prior examination. Here is where it gets odd. After I got the denial of excess of 50%, I started scrolling through my C-File. Well, I noticed on the initial C&P for claimed PTSD, the C&P examiner missed 2 criterion for DSM-V. My understanding is that I am entitled to a complete exam and the medical opinion is based on the C&P, which if was incomplete that would warrant an incomplete medical opinion. Since the appeal up to date, my historical evidence and symptomology and social and occupational impairment has aligned to 70-100%. It is clear as day in my C-file. The mistakes on the exam were missed by VSO, attorney and BVA. My question is what is my best course of action for this? Thank you kindly!

Evening everyone. I'd like to get an opinion from some of you. Without going into detail I've been seeing a VA mental health physician over the past few months about an issue I have that causes depression for me. Today I dropped on him an issue of a coworker while on AD that committed suicide in the building we worked in one day. I explained to him all my thought's on it and how it's affected me over the years. This happened in 1998 so obviously I've kept it all to myself for a very long time. I had a close friend of mine commit suicide about three years ago that I think kidna compounded my thoughts on this event from 1998. Without giving deep details on this do you think I have a reason to pursue a VA claim for an event that happened to me in 1998 while in AD? I'm sure this sounds ridiculous but as I told the Doctor it's been in and on my mind since the day it happened but I kept it to myself to continue "the mission" as required. I have not been prescribed any medications for my depression (I'm hesitant to come out and ask) and to date it's been labeled as "moderate", but it does impact me often. Than you.

A long story so I will leave out much of it. But in 2008 I was raised to 70%. 50% PTSD and 20% gunshot wound, then in March 2009 They started paying me 80%. I have recieved no paperwork on this so am looking at the rating tables. I get $1547 a month which for a vet with a spouse is 80% The DAV service rep assures me that this is the amount I should be recieveing and that the paperwork will show up someday. After some prodding by friends I finally got around to filing for TDIU today 7/13/09. I'm wondering how long it will take to process this?? My last claim took a mere 10 years!!! Also is TDIU a slam dunk at 80%? JIm

I am prior Active Service, and completed the rest on my 20yrs in the Guard. like me, I never went to the doctor however prior to retirement I was put on tittle 32 order (single days) active orders. On these single days of active duty, I was diagnosed with asthma, and sleep apnea. is this enough to be considered "in service"... the VA so is technical. PLEASE HELP

I'm a retired veteran with 20-years active duty service. While on active duty I was diagnosed with PTSD and Hypertension along with other service-connected disabilities. 11 years after my retirement, I had to undergo surgery to have 2 stents implanted (widow maker). I was recently talking with a friend recently and he said I should file a claim for my Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and the fact I had to have 2 stents implanted as a result. This got me thinking and so I started doing some research to see if there are connections between PTSD and CHD. Sure enough I have run across a few articles on this. I'm coming to you all for input as to if it would be a waste of time in putting a claim together or if I should put in a claim. I'm definitely leaning on putting a claim in however, I don't know what all I would need. I do have my medical records for the surgery, but how do I indicate that I believe this to be connected to my PTSD. Any input on this is very welcome. While on active duty I also sustained a TBI from a 40mm HEDP grenade. This caused me to lose consciousness and eyesight for a few minutes. About 20 years later, I had a torn retina. There was no history of me having any other injuries to my head or eyes in between the time of the grenade concussion and when my retina tore. Just woke up one morning with it. Had to have surgery the same day to close the tear which now has left me with even more floaters. Now, in between the time of the grenade injury and through the many years, I do have a history of floaters being seen. My thought is that my retina took on a minor injury that over time got worse and eventually tore. Don't know how I prove this. I do see there is some information about a nexus letter. Any help on this is also appreciated.

Filed a supplemental claim 12 days ago. Sent a current diagnosis from VHA of combat related PTSD (they diagnosed me with other stressor related disorder at 30%) and evidence of symptoms and interactions with police that should put me at 50 or 70% in like 50 pages of evidence via . Called 1800 number today to check on status and they said that it had already been decided for 10/20/2020 (tomorrow???) and no new C&P was given. Does this seem a bit fast to you? Does that mean its unfavorable or have you seen favorable decisions made that quickly?

I need some guidance or suggestions from the experts. I am currently at 100% schedular (temporary, not P&T). My higher Service connections are: Dermatitis with Psoriasis (also claimed as psoriasis guttate, eczema/dermatitis) = 60% Migraine including migraine variants - also claimed as decreased concentration = 50% Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) = 40% Insomnia disorder - also claimed as sleep disorder and insomnia 10% and a dozen other 10% ratings for tinnitus, arthritis, degenerative disc/joint disease/lumbar spine, and as well as injuries to every joint. I submitted a PTSD claim and it was moving right along and I'd already completed all C&P exams for it as well as the ones for another set of RFE claims the VA submitted for three other conditions (Migraines, TBI, Insomnia) that are still temporary ratings. Now, two of the three RFE claims show as complete and the VA website says they sent a letter; however, one of the conditions (TBI) got moved over to my PTSD claim and the status went from the exams being complete and in the last phase or so, with a projected completion date sometime this month to December! On top of that, the VA started a claim for "IU" on my behalf without asking me, so they also added the couple of VA forms required with the due date of 7/31/2020. The IU part might not sound bad, but I was already 100% (temporary unfortunately) without the PTSD service connection and I believe I made a compelling case for at least 50% of that, if not 70% as I met most of that criteria. So, I've always heard, read, seen in videos, and even been told directly that when someone is at 100%, albeit temporary, it's not wise to apply for TDIU since it pays the same AND the VA may then reduce other percentages. Also, as you know, it can be easier for them to later remove the TDIU classification for technicalities. Lastly, those forms are the worst part for me. I DO NOT want to have to fill those out, especially the one you have to bring to your former employer. My company was located off-base, so they never even observed my daily performance. The military supervisors who were over me have since moved on as it's been over a year. Finally, I usually burned up PTO to cover all the time away for appts and physical therapy, which they knew about, but as for PTSD issues I was going through, I sure as hell did not disclose to them as it was none of their business, super private, embarrassing, and I would have been worried about my security clearance! The only thing about canceling the IU is that I don't want it to look like I AM capable of pursuing "gainful employment." I would just definitely prefer to retain my 100%, which should be even stronger with a PTSD condition/connection added to my current list. What is your take on all this? Do you know if there's a way that I can have them close or remove the IU portion and the required forms? Besides not wanting to apply for that or do the forms, I also do not want this to hold the rest of my claim(s) up or give them an easier way to assign lower percentages. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hello, I was denied for PTSD and migraines two years ago. I’ve been having sessions with a VA psychiatrist till now and found something interesting in my progress notes the other day. The VA psychiatrist wrote this: Veteran is a 40 yo male with bipolar disorder, unspecified anxiety, and PTSD from military experiences and MST. Does the statement above satisfy the Caluza elements? Thank you

I was checking va.gov after receiving the mostly favorable results of an HLR for an earlier effective date claim for migraines where VA called CUE on themselves. I say mostly favorable because the effective date claim went back to 2006. The CUE was instead awarded exactly one year back from the date of the intent to file in March 2019 back to March 2018. That's when I noticed a new claim for increase on va.gov for TBI that I did not submit. That's where it says under evidence gathering "Request 1- 930 rating not addressed see claim notes" I spoke to a VA rep who says that it's an internal review and was about pyramiding TBI and PTSD. I've been mislead by the phone reps before though... Can anyone make sense of this? Edit- in the HLR rating decision code sheet it says "REVIEWER NOTE: pyramiding under DC 8045 is outside the scope of the current HLR for earlier effective date for migraine." Could be a clue...

I was told this morning that they where waiting on stressor verification. I was in northern Iraq, as part of Operation Provide Comfort, with hazard duty pay. this was almost 30 years ago. Riot control, mine fields, etc.. We didn't have cell phones or video and not everything was reported everyday, like it is today. C&P was in my favor. guess they are trying to deep six me

Hello Everyone. Just looking for thoughts and opinions if you have time. I put in a claim for PTSD because I am having flashbacks, nightmares, and cannot sleep. So I filed a claim for PTSD. I submitted my eval documenting combat, received a CAR, submitted article where people got blown up, submitted duty assignment of Bahrain. I had a disability of adjustment disorder with anxiety at 10 percent. Now they have given me 30 percent and changed it to GAD. I know every case is different and both exams was by the same doctor. Have not received my letter yet. I think the doctor would like for me to go get seen by by a professional. I will once I get an appointment. I have all the symptoms with migraines like crazy, GERD, sleep disorder, and other issues. I am blessed with 30 percent. If it was you how would you go about getting a higher percent? I hope everybody the best in their journey.

Can someone look at this and tell me if this is good or bad? And what happens next? Status Issues Hide past events July 08, 2014 – August 03, 2020 VA sent you a claim decision on July 08, 2014 VA received your Notice of Disagreement on July 09, 2014 VA sent you a Statement of the Case on November 12, 2014 VA recieved your Form 9 on November 18, 2014 VA sent you a Supplemental Statement of the Case on November 17, 2015 Your appeal was sent to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals on March 02, 2016 Board of Veterans’ Appeals made a decision on May 24, 2018 VA sent you a Supplemental Statement of the Case on July 22, 2019 Your appeal was returned to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals on August 20, 2019 Board of Veterans’ Appeals made a decision on November 08, 2019 U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims made a decision on August 03, 2020 Current status We don’t know your status We’re sorry, VA.gov will soon be updated to show your status. How long until a judge is ready for your appeal? Your appeal was remanded by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Court Remand appeals are prioritized so that they’re always at the front of the line. Your appeal will be sent to a judge as soon as it’s ready for their review. Issues Closed Granted Increased rating, Cutaneous manifestation of collagen-vascular disease Increased rating, Scarring Denied Increased rating, Post-traumatic stress disorder

I have a question and I am not sure if I am posting in the correct forum I am the wife of Leroy . he is no longer with us He committed suicide last month , he choose to do this in front of me. I not dealing with this very well and dealing with the VA paperwork has been hard. The question I have is about mortgage insurance we had thru the VA. Will they pay off the mortgage since it was suicide He was service connected with 100% for PTSD, 100% for his heart, 100% lungs and 2 other 100% ratings along with about 10 other smaller ratings. He was P&T since 2003 for PTSD. He just had a C&P for TBI, he did not make his second C&P appointment they were still in the process of getting him that appointment when he left us. I received a phone call from a appeals office asking me if I wanted to continue his claim, he said that he could not tell me what to do but hinted that I should pursue the claim .So I did fill out the form and sent it back in with his death certificate . I again received a call from the appeals office letting me know he got the paperwork and that he would adjudicate it as quickly as possible. In 2009 he had C&P for TBI in which they separated TBI from PTSD and stated that both PTSD and TBI were severe .The C&P that he did this year the doctor stated to him that he defiantly had both TBI and PTSD. Anyway I don't know if you needed all the above information to help answer my question but thought it might be helpful to you to give a more informed answer. Thank you for your time in this matter.

Good afternoon, Have a question regarding PTSD. I was rated at 30% for it about 7 months ago. I think I should have been rated higher, but who cares what I think.... My question is I was offered counseling by a V.A doctor, but I have yet to take them up on it. Does this hurt me because I'm going to put in for an increase in the next few months. Should I take them up on this offer? Bonus Question, should I appeal the first decision or just apply for an increase? Thanks in advance!

First off, hello and thank you in advance for any help that can be provided. Also, I apologize if something is not clear, trying my best to keep things concise. On Friday, May 15, I received letter from the VA, dated May 11, proposing a rating reduction from 100% to 70% for PTSD. The only evidence for the change listed is Rating Decision - Narrative(17SEP18) and DBQ PSYCH PTSD Review(06MAY20), whereas on my initial decision letter there was an abundance of evidence used. The major takeaway appears that my medical records(both prior to and after the initial rating, also from VA facilities) were not considered in this proposal. Is this normal? I have yet to obtain the most recent C&P as I just received the proposal letter, but intend to attempt on Monday, May 18. Looking at the proposal letter though it seems that examiner didn't check a few specific boxes that were checked on my previous C&P. Other than that the differences appear to be minor. The two lists are as follows: Original C&P Gross impairment in communication Suspiciousness Depressed mood Suicidal ideation Near-continuous depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively Disturbances of motivation and mood Chronic sleep impairment Near-continuous panic affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively Difficulty in understanding complex commands Total occupational and social impairment Panic attacks (weekly) Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene Difficulty in adapting to work Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships Flattened effect Panic attacks (less than weekly) Intermittent inability to perform maintenance of minimal personal hygiene Difficulty in adapting to a worklike setting Anxiety Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships Intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living Gross impairment in thought processes New C&P Forgetting names Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgement, thinking, and mood Depressed mood Suicidal Ideation Near-continuous depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively Disturbances of motivation and mood Mild memory loss Forgetting recent events Chronic sleep impairment Near-continuous panic affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively Difficulty in understanding complex commands Panic attacks more than once a week Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene Difficulty in adapting to work Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships Impairment of short- and long-term memory Flattened effect Difficulty in adapting to a worklike setting Anxiety Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships Forgetting directions I bolded the important items not that were not checked on the new c&p which led to the reduction proposal. It seems strange to me that new symptoms were added, however the very specific ones that would've caused the rating to remain the same all disappeared in just 1.5 years even though there is no noted improvement in my actual medical records. What exactly is my next step? I have written a few statements of disagreement contesting the proposed reduction and pulled my VA medical records and will be getting a copy of the new C&P shortly. I have no idea were send the items as it is unclear in the packet. It says I have 30 days for one option and 60 days for the other. I don't think I need a notice of disagreement or start the appeal process as the final decision hasn't been made(this is a poorly worded question)? Can I also request that they consider TDIU if the rating reduction is finalized or will I have to start a new claim for that? Should i send TDIU forms with my statements of disagreement and records? I have been avoiding poking the bear and not filing claims for other conditions, some of which are caused by the various medications they have me taking, should I start filing claims for those as well? And finally, if I do have to file for TDIU separately, should I start the claim now so that the date is saved? Do I submit the claim before or after I receive the final decision on the proposal? Sorry for the long post. I'm lost as to what to do next. It took me over 5 years of being denied before they would actually service connect anything and now this. Thanks again for any help, it is appreciated.

I received my rating for PTSD in 2017. I recently got a call to schedule an evaluation for PTSD. I'm assuming they're checking to see if my symptoms have gotten any better. Is there anything I need and/or should do to prepare for this (ie documentation). I get so uncomfortable having to talk about things to a stranger.

At the end of June, I noticed a claim had been opened for my SC’d PTSD, currently rated at 70%. Little background, I was rated at 70% for Major Depression back in 2010. I filed for TDIU and it was granted later that year. The VA re-examined the Major Depression in 2015. They changed my diagnosis to PTSD with Major Depression, but continued the 70% rating. IU remained intact. Fast forward to present day, the VA decided to reevaluate the PTSD (just shy of 5 years since my last C&P). I attended an exam, it went well. Doc was nice and made me feel comfortable, which was a relief because I hate going to those things. I received my packet yesterday with a decision. The C&P exam showed my symptoms had gotten worse, but not enough to warrant an increase. They continued my 70% rating and kept the IU intact. Here’s what did change: it states that I now qualify for basic eligibility to Ch. 35 benefits due to my disability being considered permanent and total. I was under the impression that you needed to be rated 100% scheduler to qualify for this, but apparently they consider TDIU P&T equivalent to the 100% scheduler rating in this regard. I did not know this and thought TDIU simply “paid the same rate as 100%.” There was no information regarding the need for future exams. In the past, there was always a closing sentence that stated I could be re-examined. Since they changed my status to P&T, does this negate the need for reexaminations in regards to the PTSD? Just not totally sure how this works. What I do understand is that if I opened a new claim or filed for an increase, a C&P would surely follow of course. Here’s another area that makes me uneasy. I have held off on filing secondary claims related to the PTSD, such as ED and IBS. I’ve also considered filing for tinnitus. But something tells me that I may be asking for trouble if I do so. Some have told me that because I’ve been granted 100% TDIU P&T that I shouldn’t worry about filing new claims in hopes of reaching scheduler status. These opinions are mixed, some say go for it, others say “don’t push it.” While they are valid claims, not sure what I should do. The only benefit I see to scheduler, aside from dental, is that I could “work” with no income barriers and not have to worry about risking my benefits if I make too much. Currently, the little work I do is hobby- based and only nets a few thousand dollars a year. I file taxes every year showing this income. BUT, I do have ambitions toward expanding this into a small operation someday to earn a little extra income for an IRA. Retirement is one of my biggest fears. But at the same time, I don’t expect to be making anything beyond marginal income in this lifetime, regardless of an expansion. So much to think about...I suppose I should be grateful I’ve made it this far...I wish I could say my doubts, fears, etc have dwindled, but unfortunately, I feel no different. As we all know, the VA plays by their own rules after all. I WOULD like to say thank you to all those that helped me reach this point. I try to help others on this site as a way of giving back. This community has been a godsend to me for many years. God Bless, MarineLCpl

One of my friends been out the military for 6 years. However, he needs to file for MST. He doesn't have any evidence in his records (No police records, investigations, statements, or anything) of MST but to my knowledge, a bill was passed that says we no longer need evidence. I could be wrong so please correct me if I am. Here are my questions below: 1. Does he need buddy statements from friends he served with to get it connected to service? 2. Does he need to provide a name of the person that sexually assaulted him? 3. Does he need a phycologist nexus outside the VA of all his symptoms with the verbiage, "It is in my professional opinion that, his PTSD was caused by Military Sexual Trauma. Additionally, it is more likely than not that his PTSD, severe is connected to his time in service." or "After reviewing patients buddy statements and having 2 sessions with him, it is in my professional opinion that, it is more likely than not that his PTSD, severe was caused by Military Sexual Trauma. Additionally, it is in my professional opinion that, it is more likely than not that his PTSD, severe is connected to his time in service"? If he does need a nexus, which verbiage above sounds better than the other or what sounds better in general? I want him to get this right the first time.

Good morning hadit, I have both ptsd and TBI and believe my diagnosed sleep apnea (mixed sleep apnea, with both central and obstructive sleep apnea) has been directly caused by my ptsd and TBI. I am not overweight, have no medical issues of the throat or the respiratory system that would cause it. My question to you all is if I want to file sleep apnea secondary to either of this conditions which one should i file it secondary to? I've found much more literature tying obstructive sleep apnea to ptsd but also found literature that ties both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea to brain injuries as well. Is it possible to file it secondary to both?

Hello all, I was recently called in for a 5-year reexamination for PTSD w/ Major Depressive disorder. I had my C&P on July 13th, 2020, with a private contractor. Little background, I was first rated for Major Depression in 2010, at 70%. I filed for IU and it was granted. Fast forward five years, I was called in again for a routine exam. They diagnosed PTSD w/ Major Depressive, effective May 2015, at 70%. Presently, the recent C&P on July 13th was attended and report was submitted to the VBA the same day. They made the claim decision yesterday, July 15th, 2020. I haven’t received my decision packet in the mail yet, but eBenefits is showing a continued rating of 70%, but this time was labeled P&T. I’m a little unclear what this changes as a whole. I don’t know much about P&T status other than they don’t call you in for routine exams anymore. Are there any other additional benefits provided by being P&T? Any additional protections? According to eBenefits, under the disabilities section, Major Depressive disorder(2010 diagnosis) shows up separately than PTSD w/ Major Depressive(2015 diagnosis). I’m confused about this separation. In parenthesis next to my 2015 PTSD diagnosis, it shows “previously rated as Major depressive disorder.” As far as protection rules go, does this indicate that only Major Depression has a current 10 year rule in place, whereas I’m only 5 years along for the PTSD? They really know how to confuse a person, I tell you. Based on my generated benefits letter, it appears IU was continued, as my monthly benefit amount remains the same. Another concern, I know having 70% with TDIU doesn’t allow me to work substantially gainful employment, but if I were to work sheltered or self-employment, I wouldn’t be subject to a re-evaluations based on this alone, correct? I do realize that if I were to ever go the self-employment route, I couldn’t make over the federal poverty limit for one person without risking a loss of the IU. That I understand. It’s doubtful I will ever be able to achieve income over this limit if doing self-employment work, but do think I may be able to swing a couple thousand a year or so, enough to at least contribute something to an IRA. I’m just looking to be informed of where I stand with everything. Thanks to all who chime in, and God Bless! Marine LCpl

Hello everyone. I've been searching this website and yukon website for my answers and I guess I just want to ask this question again because the answers I'm seeing are from 2011 or so and I want to make sure it's still valid for 2017. I got out of the service on medical discharge for fibromyalgia, MDD, and GAD in 2008. I was unable to tell anyone about my MST that happened prior to me developing Fibro (which I found out is usually connected to PTSD). Anyrate, since then I have talked to the VA Psychs for help and tried to "fix" myself and finally I opened up and told them about my MST and received a diagnosis of PTSD in 2013. Then in 2016 my VA Primary Care told me to reapply for benefits because she said they need to service connect me for my PTSD. I submitted my application, was honest and straight forward and very forthcoming even though I cried through my Comp and Pen exam. I have used Voc Rehab to change careers from Nuclear Electronics Technician to an Ultrasound Tech, and have worked as a tech from 2012-2014. After 2014 I quit working when my daughter was born, but also my fibromyalgia was flaring up so bad that it made it impossible to work anymore. I haven't worked since. Voc Rehab screwed up my award and didn't close out my case so I still have benefits left over and I was approved with a severe work handicap to use my benefits to go back to school after the birth of my second child. So here I was waiting for my disability decision and studying for the GRE to apply to a Nurse Practitioner Program helping women only because I have PTSD attacks with men. I was hoping that wouldn't be as hard on me as my Ultrasound position was. Then I get the decision stating that I am 100% P&T for PTSD, and 60% combined for fibromyalgia and hearing issues from the Navy, all service connected, and I'm getting SMC for Homebound criteria being met. I called the VA directly to find out if that meant that I wasn't allowed to work anymore. (I didn't plan on going to school until 2019, and not trying to work again until 2022.) The VA rep said that I WAS allowed to work and they may evaluated me in the future for my PTSD, and 'could' lower my rating, but that the rating wouldn't be lowered if I still met the criteria for 100% PTSD, it wouldn't have anything to do with whether or not I was working. The American Legion rep said I was allowed to work as well. But then when I read these forums it says I'm not allowed to work. I know already that Voc Rehab wouldn't pay for me to do the Nurse Practitioner schooling anymore because I was having difficulties trying to get them to approve it when I had a 50% rating, and now that I'm higher I know without a doubt they wouldn't allow it, so I understand I'm not going to be a Nurse Practitioner for Women's Health anymore. So I guess what I'm so upset about is accepting the fact that I can't work. I will have two children that I don't want to lose the education benefits for whatsoever, and everything else that's included with the 100% rating. No way in heck I want to lose that! It will sit easier with me if I get approved for SSDI. But that terrifies me too! I'm waiting for an appointment to apply in person because I'm scared I'll mess it up doing it online. So, confirmation: I cannot work if I don't want to risk losing any benefits, correct? And what are the do's and don'ts as far as what I should do in order to keep this disability rating for the next 19 years? I think that terrifies the most, screwing up and having my rating decreased. I know we are all stressed about this, please forgive me for this long post. And thank you all for your service and your advice. Peace and Love.

If you are working but need special breaks to deal with PTSD can you still get 100% rating?

Hello All! So, I was initially 50% for PTSD and during my appeal I applied to VR&E as my therapist convinced me I should persue it and thought I would be a great candidate. I told her I wanted to become a therapist and she thought I would be great at it. She has worked with me for 2 years in both individual and group counseling and feels I have alot of wisdom and insight in trauma. Anyway, I saw VRE counselor last summer he said I definitely qualified as I had a severe work handicap and he said they would in no way pay for me to work in the psychology field due to my mental health history. I attempted to convince him, but he said it was a no go. Instead, he approved me for working with plants in horticulture. So I was approved to begin courses for this spring. While I do enjoy gardening and being outside, pragmatically, I really don't see this as some great employment outcome. After doing research, it seems that even with a degree in the field essentially, you will be making just above minimum wage....at best, 12 bucks an hour. So just last week, I received a call from my lawyer that my appeal was complete and the DRO called her personally to report that I was granted 100% P and T for PTSD. My current dilemma is this. I am not very passionate about the horticulture pursuit as a career path. I only wanted to go to school if there was an actual economic benefit that made sense and for something I was really interested in. I don't know what to do. I am also scared if I pursue this that my rating could one day be jeopardized. I have been homeless 2 out of the last 3 years so the money is a big deal. I dont want to go through that again. Any thoughts or suggestions?