Voc Rehab

[Rangerwaldo]

Hello,

I meet with the Voc Rehab counselor on 5/3/11 to discuss my options? Im currently rated at 100% with P&T pending. I really don't know what to expect. I know my days of doing tough physical work are over. Any Ideas on what they will offer me or suggest?

Thank You,

Waldo

[john999]

Waldo

I know that being disabled is depressing, but at least you will be there to see your kids grow up. Your main job in life now is to raise those kids. You will be able to get help to send them to college because you are 100% P&T. Even your wife could go back to school and get the VA to pay. You have a lot wrong with you. I think most here would agree with Kelly on this. I started to become really disabled in my late 40's, so I know it is a bummer to look ahead and see no career or future job. However, that VA money will be a blessing in years to come.

[Rangerwaldo]

Hi John,

Being disabled at 44 is depressing! I have been working since I was 14. I have almost 27 years ( Have a few bad years) paid into social security. Your absolutely right about my kids, they are my main mission in life! I understand I will get the chapter 35 benefits if VA rates me P&T. My wife has a great job ( we're fortunate) so Im in good shape there. I did suggest to her if I got the P&T to take advantage of the Chapter 35 benefits.

I guess it boils down to me and my thinking. Im just having a real tough time wrapping my arms around the whole disability thing. Im starting to get the less then feeling and it pisses me off! Im not one for feeling sorry for myself (I still have the Ranger Mentality) but it's been tough to take. Anyway, a day at a time as they say.

Best,

Waldo

[USNDW]

The other thing to consider is the ILP, Independent Living Program. Depending on where you live and the counselors knowledge and willingness to help with the ILP you may get some help you did not know you needed, or get help in areas you need help in for living a somewhat normal life.

ILP should be one of the best benefits for VR&E Veteran who are too disabled to work, P&T, IU, 100%, whatever. The program offers up to $25,000 a year per Veteran for IL services that will help you and your family adjust to your needs caused by your injuries. There is a wide rang of products and services they can use or purchase and they really do not have any restrictions other than the services or products have to meet specific needs of the Veteran.

My counselor, after a long time, much effort, and a phone call from the Senators aid finally starte my plan which initially included some products that would allow me to help my wife clean, swiffer duster & mop, sounds kind of stupid but I can use a swiffer mop with one hand while holding my cane in the other, a small convection oven and skillet so I can help cook some foods, (we have a gas range and I don't use it much becuase I tend to forget to make sure the gas is lit before turning the know to low) a laptop computer with wirelss print and router because I have a hard time sitting in a chair or at a desk for more than very short periods of time, a cell phone for emergencies, electric toothbrush for my arthritic hands and arms, and several other items that will help me overcome some of my disabilities.

Now this might not be easy because we have come to find out that there are a lot of VR&E counselors who do not know the ILP program even exists, and many more who think that totally disabled Veterans are just trying to get some free stuff.

I asked my counselor if he thought I got 2 knee replacements in the same knee within 1 year because I wanted free stuff from the VA, this made him stop and think a bit and he said no. Since then he has been approving most items I have asked for that do help me overcome my physical disabilities. I had to, I don't want to say fight, but continually address the instructions, the purpose of the program, the allowances the counselor's had, and it took almost 18 months to get to where I am now. I continued my efforts because 1. I did not think it OK for these guys to try and sweep me under the rug, and 2. because I would hate to see some 20-24 year old seriously injured Veteran walk in their office and be told they cannot help them. Tha would break my heart. So I continued, against the wishes of my family, and against all the naysayers, and now the counselor has come around and we are making progress. I hope that the things they have learned from my experience will help others who come behind. And I am not done yet. I still have a couple of products I am waiting for approval like an ergonomic chair so I can actually sit and enjoy a movie on TV, shelving in my garage so I can walk around out there with my cane. And now, I have learned that Veteran can have multiple periods of ILP. If in 2-3 years when my condition worsens I can reapply and request specific products to overcome any disabilities caused by the worsening of my service connected conditions.

VR&E is not just for school & employment. So I would recommend you see your counselor and be prepared to ask about ILP

Good luck