ptsd Just Applied For Ss Disability Benefits.

[luv2fly]

Hi......i was very recently awarded 100% P/T for PTSD so yesterday (Nov. 21st) i went to my local SS office and applied in person for benefits.You CAN apply online but eventually you'll need to see someone with a heart-beat anyway coz SS wants to see an original or certified copy of your birth certificate so i figured what the heck i'll just go and get it over with.The SS person you deal with makes up a file for you so bring any relevant/pertinent information you wish SS doctors to see in your SS file even before they contact VA and your doctors.They'll make copies of things you wish to submit but it's a faster process if you have your own copies in-hand as i did upon arrival at SS.They ask detailed questions like "what are the side-effects" of each of the meds you take and not just which meds you take so be prepared for that.The gal at SS that took my info and made up my file was kinda crafty sorta like trying to catch me in some sort of lie or deception by asking me if VA had offered me any sort of vocational rehab even tho i'd already told her twice in less than 5 minutes i was VA rated P/T, but i kept patience thru it all and got finished in about an hour with all the questions she threw at me.I also signed 5 release forms for VA and doctors to give SS my personal records.

Afterwards i was told by the same gal that SS takes between 4 and 5 months to render a decision and and that SS does NOT pay me for the first 6 months of disability so no retroactive $$ there.Good luck to all and have a Happy Thanksgiving!! David

[SEJones]

Johnny

Yes a private employer can place you under serveilance. Unfortunately it is perfectly legal to video tape you as long as they are not on your property. It hasn't been a problem for me bacause they just keep seeing me going to the doctor. But they will try to catch the fakes that say they cannot work to collect benefits. These tapes show up in court all the time. Guys with "back injuries" out playing golf or working under the table to avoid being tracked by social security.

Jay

Has the VA asked you to report income after being accepted? I was the first time but not after that. Is there a reg that says they can just ask for your tax returns either directly or through tht IRS?

SE

[Jay Johnson]

Jay

Has the VA asked you to report income after being accepted? I was the first time but not after that. Is there a reg that says they can just ask for your tax returns either directly or through tht IRS?

SE

My wife is the veteran, so it's not really relevant to me, but I wouldn't worry too much about it to be honest. I don't know of any regulation where the VA will order you to give your tax records and/or prove your financial situation. What I'm saying is more of a cautionary tale to protect yourself in that "just in case" situation. The VA CAN order field examinations to determine income and just about anything else they want to find (there's even a provision for field examinations in M21-1 to determine a veteran's role in a family owned company).

Again, if you make less then the poverty line then it's a non-issue....if you make over that line then it may be in your best interest to put the investments in your spouse's name or another close family member "just in case".