Ask Your VA Claims Questions | Read Current Posts
Read VA Disability Claims Articles
Search | View All Forums | Donate | Blogs | New Users | Rules
-
Similar Content
-
- 0 comments
- 357 views
-
- 0 replies
- 144 views
-
- 0 comments
- 1,003 views
-
- 0 replies
- 354 views
-
- 3 answers
- 330 views
-
Question
Spent warrior
I can't work anymore.... I'm getting worse over time. My annual review was terrible, I just got a letter of warning for outbursts at superiors, and my co-workers think I am a rude recluse. My VA Psychologist strongly recommends I quit work to reduce the stress brought on by my PTSD. I am currently 70% PTSD (80% total compensation). He is totally supporting my TDIU claim with a great letter of support. Even though I am 63, with a son in High School and heading to college (along with the other already there) I planned to work for years yet, but it's clear I can't do my work any more. I already quit a part time job last year at the encouragement of the VA. I was driving motor coach, and was placing my passengers in danger because of flash backs and compulsive thinking. I will be "retiring" from my current government job, but because that is not earned income, I will still qualify for TDIU.
Here's my problem in not knowing what to do....
When I stop work this month, I can either retire effective December 31st, or I can stay on the roles for a few months using my accrued sick leave (which pays more than my retirement pay [needed for property and income taxes]). If I retire on December 31st, I know I can file for TDIU immediately. I thought if I waited and used sick leave till April, that I should wait to file TDIU till then. Surprisingly the DAV service rep says differently. He said even if I just go out on sick leave at the end of this year, I should go ahead and file for TDIU then concurrent with leaving work... even though I am still officially an employee.... although on sick leave and with the intent of not working any more days whatsoever. His opinion surprised me.... I asked him if he was very sure that I should file at that time (stopped working, but collecting sick leave) and he said yes, he is sure.
What do you think? I am still uncomfortable with his recommendation. I am in even worse shape with stress right now not knowing what to do. I am thinking about this for hours....and very indecisive.
I really have three choices:
1. Retire on December 31st and immediately file for TDIU.
2. Quit "working" on December 31, but stay on the roles using sick leave for three months collecting a paycheck which is larger than my retirement. Retire April 1 and file TDIU on April 1. (My prior assumption)
3. Quit "working" on December 31, but stay on the roles using sick leave for three months collecting a paycheck which is larger than my retirement. Retire April 1 BUT file for TDIU on December 31st. (DAV choice)
Your thoughts on any and all of this would be SO appreciated.
Thanks
SpentWarrior
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Top Posters For This Question
5
4
2
1
Popular Days
Dec 19
7
Dec 20
5
Mar 28
1
Top Posters For This Question
Spent warrior 5 posts
john999 4 posts
LarryJ 2 posts
Berta 1 post
Popular Days
Dec 19 2010
7 posts
Dec 20 2010
5 posts
Mar 28 2011
1 post
12 answers to this question
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now