How To Cross The Hurdle Of The 90%?

[Izzy]

Hello to all fellow Veterans

I have a service conected disability of 90%. 50% for Brain Syndrome, 30% for Diplopia, 30% for Migraines and I have twelve other of 10%.

I have been diagnosed with depression, memory loss, PSTD, degenerative joint disease in ankles, shoulder, knees, clavicula and the neck, glaucoma, HBP, etc.

Currently I work at a prison and I do not know what to do from here?

I am the only one bringing home the bread, many bills, but I have heard that I could be doing better if I can get the 100% mark.

Currently I am thinking to file for TBI and epilitic seizures?

Any suggestions? I know that I have not check my C-file, I just read it in a thread, I will schedule this appointment.

[Testvet]

My ex son in laws father was in school on Voc Rehab when his paperwork for 100% for his heart attack and heart disease was approved and they told him since he wasn't going to stand and be a scool teacher they were not going to pay for his further schooling and he was mad about that excuse me why? he should have been happy they were paying him a 100% VA and his Army retirement and SSD he has nothing to complain about just my two cents yes I know a few people at the Post Office that were 100% for physical injuries not TDIU or 100% for PTSD people need to read the qualification for being TDIU or 100% for mental reasons one of the big reasons they award that rating is that the veterans can NOT work or will not be able to work

and vets that try and claim they are only working a little bit and the VA is messign with them for a part time job they deserve the hell the VA gives them when they are caught if you can work then you are NOT eligible for IU or the 100% rating

[carlie]

Izzy,

If you return to this thread please read what I posted to you,

and understand it as I posted it.

Things are starting to get distorted and twisted in this thread.

carlie

[broncovet]

I agree that you are highly unlikely to get 100% while working..I recall reading that the disability percentages are supposed to represent "average decrease in earning capacity"..that is, the Va is supposed to compensate you if your disabilities "decrease" your earning capacity.

It is one of the unfair things..that some can get 100% and still work, while others can not. It may have something to do with the Regional Office..some are stingier than others.

....Think about a classic parapalegic, for example..maybe someone who has had both legs amputated.

I think it is clear that this person would be 100%, AND, in the event this person WAS able (somehow) to compensate for his disabilities and work ANYWAY, is there a reason his VA benefits should be taken away because he is determined to work in spite of his disabilities? I dont think so.

An "average" unemployment rate for most people is about oh..8% right now. For disabled people, the unemployment rate is about 50%.

JMHO.

[jecsb4]

I have to clear my other post up I am 100% behind Carlie's statement as long as you are working the VA will NOT grant you TDIU or 100% disabled I was out of work three years before I got the 100% from June 2002 - May 2006 although they did pay me back pay to Dec 2003 when I first filed my PTSD claim.

In order to meet the guidelines for 100% you have to be unemployable

Question,

I am not 90 but why is it that I seem to have run into a few different Vet Org SO's who are 100 SC (not TDIU - I assume) yet are working?

I guess every case is different, but...

Anyway, I would think working in a prison in any capacity would not be good for physical mental health IMO.

Good luck.

[jecsb4]

mags:

We are talking about TDIU 100% and not 100% P&T for reasons other than mental. And yes the VA seems to allow 100% Veterans to work at VA and as Service Officers. Its ok with me it just does not seem to work for most of us who are 100%.

Pete53's above comment answers or addresses my comment about SO's being 100 - SC. I now understand this TDIU vs SC a little better.

[CAVMSG]

100% is difficult to get to from 90%, however not impossible. I was recently increased to 100% and have worked full time since my retirement from the Army, you must be able to show that your SC disabilities keep you from earning a wage commenserate with your education and skills, I was able to show that without the PTSD and laundry list of other problems that had it not been for this I would be earning a substantually higher wage. Bottom line, research your conditions, have documentation to back up your claims, read your award letter as it tells you the requirments to get an increase for each condition, write a very indepth view of how the conditions affect your work. Do not go into how you have lots of bills and could really use the money, the VA could care less.

Permanent and Total is a very tough rating to get, especially for PTSD since they can always say that your condition can improve. This is not to say that it is impossibe, just make sure you are aware that without P&T the VA can call you in at anytime for a C&P and lower your percentage.

Good luck with your endeavors, put in an appeal/re-open if you feel your conditions severity has increased, and whatever you do most importantly you must forget about it, do not go to the mailbox expecting an envelope from the VA every day this will certainly eat you up.

CAVMSG

PTSD 50

OSA 50

C Spine 20

BPH 20

R Shoulder 20

L Shoulder 10

L Spine 10

L Great toe resection 10

Tinnitus 10

R ankle 10

L knee 10

HBP 0

Claim pending for

R tennis elbow

Cerv radiculpathy

R army perif neuropathy

ED