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Hello All, Ive been coming to this site on and off for a couple of years, but this is my first post. Lot of knowledgeable and great people here. Thank you to all the old timers and those with experience for everything you contribute here. You do a lot for people, even though it may not be evident. Im a 36 year old 100 P&T VA for combat related PTSD, TBI and other service connected issues. Former active duty 11B B4, fought with the 101st in OIF. Left active in 2009 as I was having issues. No one was helping me, didnt understand what was wrong with me, and of course the culture of "if youre not bleeding or missing a limb, dont go to sick call", ect. So I left, joined the reserves where Ive been ever since. That door is about to close as well, as I just cant do it anymore. I did my best to try and still contribute to my nation, feel some sense of worth and continue to serve, but my issues are too great and I have to step away. Even though the Army has changed a lot, I still feel a great sense of loss of over this. But, I have a family now and must do what is best for them. That alone is difficult for me. Those of you who have the same issues as me may understand, PTSD and TBI are what I call a "perfect storm of bull____". Our hardware and software are both busted and feed off each other in ways that I myself cannot even begin to describe. Damn near ruined my life and just trying to get through the average day takes everything Ive got. I used to be a mostly-normal, fun-loving, smart and well-adjusted guy and I was good at my job. Anyway, this ain't a therapy session, but Im sure a lot of you can understand where Im coming from. My latest battle is with SSDI. Denied. Appeal denied. Now Im onto the hearing phase. Hearing is set for April 5th. I have a lawyer firm I sort of just picked out of a hat. They arent even in my locale, Im in the Northwest, they are Philadelphia or something. They are supposed to be representing me. I have a hearing in April and I havent even talked to a real lawyer yet. Im worried and scared about this whole process. It has made me extremely anxious, among other things. Its causing a lot of extra stress. Im trying to find answers on how to maximize my chances of success. What Ive gleaned so far is of course, get all VA records. I still attend treatment every month (i would go more but Its a 4 hour round trip just to see them every month). Im sure its going to be harder to get SSDI because of my age too. Not to mention, the VA does not seem the best at keeping records. Most all of my treatment has been with the standard-issue social worker therapist type and of course, the docs/nurses who prescribe me my meds. My head is swimming. I am having a hard time making sense of all this. Im scared and I could really use some guidance. I dont trust these lawyer people to do their best for me. Im hoping there is not something critical I am missing. Im not good at describing my symptoms, reflecting on my life.... let alone in court in front of a judge. Sorry such a long post, sort of hard to collect my thoughts. Thanks for any input and advice.

I received the short from from Social Security and checked the box "In the last year, I have not discussed with my doctor whether I can work". This is because it is understood that I cannot, and my doctor and I don't discuss working (at least, I think) because its a given that it is permanent that I cannot. Anyhow, this seems to have triggered the long form from ssdi and I filled it out and sent it in asap. I put my psych dr's contact info and my therapist's. My question is: Should I contact my doctor or therapist in advance or just let them respond to what the SS office asks for? Thanks much!

IF YOU CAN PLEASE LIKE THIS POST SO THAT I KNOW IM NOT ALONE...... ITS MY BELIEF THAT IF EACH AND EVERY VETERAN GETS A VA CASE WORKER JUST LIKE THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMIN GIVES THENNN,,,, WE AS VETS WOULD ALWAYS KNOW WHATS GOING ON AND HAVE A PHONE NUMBER TO 1 PERSON AND BE ABLE TO SUBMIT NEW EVIDENCE TO 1 PERSON JUST LIKE THE CLAIMANTS OF SS. WE COULD STILL USE VSO'S TO FIND OUT WHAT BENEFITS WE ARE ALL ENTITLED TO AND ARGUE FOR BUT,,,,,,, WE WOULD NOW HAVE A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT WITHIN THE VA SYSTEM WORKING ON OUR CLAIMS AND CASE WHO WORKS FOR VA AS THE CASE MANAGER FOR US THE INDIVIDUAL. PLEASE VOTE THIS AND LIKE IF YOU AGREE...

if SSDI allow you to make 12 grand a year and also the new law in one state makes anyone getting SSI get a job in order the get their checks 700. per month I f I do all my work around my house in like painting, cutting grass . Than I am a no go vet is that correct. I could care less what VA do film me. Their is somethings that members should be allowed to talk about, maybe adding more forums. If I paint my son house for cash money $1000.00 inside work will I tell my Doctors or VA about this.?????? No none of their business if they don't ask don't tell. Its not about giving bad advice it about true facts its life it happens everyday Than I am a dishonest vet. I cook in my yard every weekend and people come by and ask to buy some of my food is this dishonest??? . Don't get mad now just asking a ?

When a spouse is awarded SSDI and their Spouse has NSC Pension must they divorce to keep their $? What could be done to avoid divorce?

I am so lost and confused in this whole ssdi and va. My DAV rep tries to talk me out of applying for an increase but I told him to anyway and went from 30% for anxiety to 70% PTSD with anxiety. now at 100% schedular. My question is can and/or should I apply for SSDI and what are my chances based on what I have stated already. I have 11 different disabilities due to injuries and surgeries from military service. I continue trying to work but have had to quit 3 jobs due to the stress and disabilities :( I love working but struggle to keep working without causing more pain and hurt on myself. any ideas?

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.

Hello fellow vets! Back in 2008 I filed for ssdi after having filed my first c&p claim (2007) and was denied the ssdi I feel due to my first open claim for c&p award came in 2008 for only primary SC condt--10% rating of TBI w/residuals, secondary SC condt--0% for depression wasnt enuff for ssdi to be awarded to me. In 2009, I appealed both c&p (2008) award and ssdi (2008) denial and I was once again denied ssdi in 2009 for a 2nd time but was awarded an increase in SC Disb & Comp: 2007 Combined rating 40% increased in 2010 Combined rating 80% Primary SC Condt: TBI w/residuals (too many to name) frm 10% to 70% Sec SC Condt: Depression 0% to 30% for Depression assoc with TBI My question is, based on the info I provided alone, do I have a better shot at being awarded ssdi if I reapply/appeal it for a 3rd time now or do I hv a stronger shot at being granted IU my 1st time applying? Thanks for your service! Semper Paratus Brian

I am a 100% DAV for PTSD, DMII, and a handful of other maladies. I heard something today that has raised a BIG Q. Am I or am I not allowed to earn any income without jeopardizing my SSDI benefits? Thanks, Jim Gilmore 307 FMS U-Tapao AB, Thailand 71-72 617 MASS Da Nang AB, Vietnam 72 616 MASS Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam 72-73

Hello everyone, This site has really helped me understand the VA process and different ways they like to deny. First off I served 8 years active duty, I have been 30% since I left active duty in Sep of 2004. My ratings were 10% left index finger 10% right hand, 10% Cervical Spine Classifacation all low balled and I never seeked higher ratings. Until Aug 0f 2011 after several years of depression and feelings of Anxiety etc, I filled a claim for PTSD after several appointments and being told this was the condition. I also applied for SSDI at roughly the same time I filled a claim with the VA. I was approved 23 days letter for SSDI with the wounded warrior expedited process...In Sep 2012 I was awarded 30% PTSD and filled an NOD submitted SSDI paperwork again and Just last month JUNE 24 received a SOC ( Statement of CASE) PTSD currently at 30% is increased to 70% it says the effective date is AUG 2011 it says in light of SSDI and I was in Voc Rehab and was deemed no longer Employable with them all this was the same in AUG of 2011 I guess they just ignored these facts until last month.. My question is since I was awarded 70% PTSD effective AUG 2011 initial claim, I am submitting a claim for TDIU this month July 30th, which I would have done once I got my percentage rating years ago..I have not worked since April of 2011 which was 4 months before filling a PTSD claim and SSDI. I will file for TDIU but was curious on the effective DATE of this claim. The VA received Notice I was on SSDI way back in AUG of 2011 or September. I went to my County Service Rep and said hey we have a claim in for PTSD and I was awarded SSDI based on Service record and VA treatment records. I was waiting for TDIU to meet the % requirements and well it looks like I meant them back in AUG of 2011 but just found out about this thur the SOC which by the way TOday is 7/17/2014 how long till the official award letter shows up...I believe I am 80% overall now. 70% plus 4 different 10% ratings..10% Tinnitus as well.. Thanks for any responses and this Forum and all the Veterans has been a great help...Thanks for everything

I've been doing some research about TDIU. I don't meet the rating requirements for TDIU, but I have a SC disability that prevents me from working. I have read that there is such a thing as extra-schedular TDIU if you can prove that your condition prevents you from working. My disabilities are: Major Depressive Disorder 50% migraines 10% IBS 10% I have also reticently received SSDI. Does it carry any weight in proving unemployability?

I have a service connected disability have records showing how the injury has affected me throughout the years and affected my work history where I had to take off work 1 and a half years then went back part time (16 hrs a wk) to see if it would affect me which it did so after being there 2 yrs (and husband coming in after his job to help me) I finally left in 2013. I wanted to know could i file based on this information? I am having a lot of apps and is in extreme physical pain which has caused some mental and emotional pain from dealing with this so long. The problem is that the injury occurred but the doctors do not know what's wrong. They do not have an official medical diagnosis. I spoke to my Dr yesterday and explained to her that I am in a very bad place because I'm not working because of the extreme pain and that it do not make sense that they cannot tell me what's wrong so ssdi has not approved me because there's no diagnosis, Va is only paying 20%, and I can't work because of the injury and i was perfectly healthy when i entered the military. Its all very stressful and we are really struggling financially. She said she think I may have myalgia and chronic pain and something else and she thinks the depression, anxiety, and insonnia is coming from it but she wants to run more test. Can I file for based on this so far? Since its an ongoing process?

Hey, ya'll. I've had it. First off, I'm going to try and start a business (real estate). I am currently 90% plus TDIU, SSDI, and FERS retirement. Please advise. DO NOT advise me not to do this! I am looking for the procedure to follow. I read about SSD ticket to work program. Does the VA have anything similar? Second, if you pray to Jesus, please pray for me. I have been down and out since 2006, but want to give it a go before throwing in the towel for life. Pray I succeed, and can have meaning to life. It may start out as not substantial employment, but will hopefully one day transition into making a living to support my family. Finally, you may ask why? For a couple reasons. For those of you who will never have the opportunity to work again. For my children (6,2), so they can learn that Daddy has to work for a living. Finally, for me. I must give it one last shot. Again, please don't respond with all the usual, "You worked so hard to get IU, why throw it away." I just want to know if there is a procedure for this, or a ticket to work program. Any sort of grace period? Thank you for your time and prayers.

Hello everyone, I came across this site a couple of days ago and have been stalking it every since and decided to finally post. I came across this site because I started searching for like minded people that understands what I'm going through as far as dealing with the VA, compensation, and pain (physical, emotional, mental not to mention the extra layer that's added by the va). I am currently receiving 20% rating which is not nearly enough for the "damage". It has been really hard dealing. Long story short (hopefully some can relate and share your experience). I went into the military at 18 in Dec 2003. I got stationed in NM and in May 2005, I fainted out of the shower and woke up on the marble floor eventually. Now on top of that i was dealing with depression and some insomnia. I went to the drs about 2-3 weeks later because I was in pain, he told me that with my injury I wouldn't be able to deploy (which was one of the main things I wanted to experience) so I was even more depressed. At that time a program came up that allowed active duty members to switch to ANG so I did it. I was dealing with the same issues then and could not participate in pe. In 2008, I left my job because of my issues and was trying to get help but va was giving me the run around. I ended up going in deep depression because of my situation, not working, constant pain and va wasn't helping me. I got married in 2009, felt bad because I was helping, so I tried a part time job in 2010. I was only working 16 hrs a week (administrative work) but it was very hard and painful and I used to get very behind. Almost every night my husband was coming to my job after work helping me or we would go back at night or weekends to finish. It was embarrassing. I finally stop working there in 2013 because I couldn't take it anymore and I was starting to make to many mistakes, and couldn't focus or concentrate. So I haven't worked a full time job since 2008 and haven't worked at all since June 2013 all due to my issues from the military. Through out my va files it show that have brought up the pains etc since when it happened except for the depression and insomnia. I was embarrassed to talk about my depression and I thought you only really tall about if your suicidal. PLEASE BE AWARE THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS AT 21YRS OLD! I made a lot of mistakes dealing with the VA because I didn't tell them a lot. Like I didn't know I could have been medically released from active duty. So now I'm ready to fight back again because I just can't go on through this crazy cycle. From the constant pain to depression to insomnia (currently 2:51am) to anxiety I feel like I'm going crazy. So many ppl I know are telling me to not give up and reading the info here has helped so much. I am actually really nervous because I've been known to be the "tough" and independent one and I've always dealt with all this privately even not telling my husband everything. The hardest thing is accepting that I need help. I just hate going to c&p because it's already hard to go in and admit my problems and they look at me with there judgmental eyes because I'm "young". I have been dealing with this for {unbelievably} 9yrs. Now that I am older and wiser than before I'm ready to go at it again. I'm just going to trust God and know that He knows MY truth. So I will be here sharing what happens and hope to get and give great feedback. I'll be praying for you all as well because I KNOW what some of us is going through and the financial stress is no joke on top of the injuries.

Hello everyone, I came across this site a couple of days ago and have been stalking it every since and decided to finally post. I came across this site because I started searching for like minded people that understands what I'm going through as far as dealing with the VA, compensation, and pain (physical, emotional, mental not to mention the extra layer that's added by the va). I am currently receiving 20% rating which is not nearly enough for the "damage". It has been really hard dealing. Long story short (hopefully some can relate and share your experience). I went into the military at 18 in Dec 2003. I got stationed in NM and in May 2005, I fainted out of the shower and woke up on the marble floor eventually. Now on top of that i was dealing with depression and some insomnia. I went to the drs about 2-3 weeks later because I was in pain, he told me that with my injury I wouldn't be able to deploy (which was one of the main things I wanted to experience) so I was even more depressed. At that time a program came up that allowed active duty members to switch to ANG so I did it. I was dealing with the same issues then and could not participate in pe. In 2008, I left my job because of my issues and was trying to get help but va was giving me the run around. I ended up going in deep depression because of my situation, not working, constant pain and va wasn't helping me. I got married in 2009, felt bad because I was helping, so I tried a part time job in 2010. I was only working 16 hrs a week (administrative work) but it was very hard and painful and I used to get very behind. Almost every night my husband was coming to my job after work helping me or we would go back at night or weekends to finish. It was embarrassing. I finally stop working there in 2013 because I couldn't take it anymore and I was starting to make to many mistakes, and couldn't focus or concentrate. So I haven't worked a full time job since 2008 and haven't worked at all since June 2013 all due to my issues from the military. Through out my va files it show that have brought up the pains etc since when it happened except for the depression and insomnia. I was embarrassed to talk about my depression and I thought you only really tall about if your suicidal. PLEASE BE AWARE THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS AT 21YRS OLD! I made a lot of mistakes dealing with the VA because I didn't tell them a lot. Like I didn't know I could have been medically released from active duty. So now I'm ready to fight back again because I just can't go on through this crazy cycle. From the constant pain to depression to insomnia (currently 2:51am) to anxiety I feel like I'm going crazy. So many ppl I know are telling me to not give up and reading the info here has helped so much. I am actually really nervous because I've been known to be the "tough" and independent one and I've always dealt with all this privately even not telling my husband everything. The hardest thing is accepting that I need help. I just hate going to c&p because it's already hard to go in and admit my problems and they look at me with there judgmental eyes because I'm "young". I have been dealing with this for {unbelievably} 9yrs. Now that I am older and wiser than before I'm ready to go at it again. I'm just going to trust God and know that He knows MY truth. So I will be here sharing what happens and hope to get and give great feedback. I'll be praying for you all as well because I KNOW what some of us is going through and the financial stress is no joke on top of the injuries.

Hi, I have already been approved for SDDI (totally disabled) and have been receiving benefits from them for about 8 months. I want to file for VA disablity for aggravation of a condition while I was in the Army. I am rated 40% with the VA currently but all for physical conditions no mental. My SSDI was approved soley for mental conditions using my VA records of treatment for mental health treatment received at the V.A. My questions are: 1. Does my SSDI "count" at all for a VA mental health rating? 2. I was taking lithium prior to my entrance into the service but the Army discontinued it and I never took it while in the Army 3. I had to have a waiver to get in the Army because of my lithium usage and a Army doctor signed off on my enlistment 4. Is that enough of a nexus? 5. Any tips? 6. My dates of service were 88-96 gulf war era veteran (West Germany,Western Corridor Korea and 36 opfor rotations at NTC) Thank you very much 19D20 Cav Scout