ptsd Can I Request A Dismissal Of My Va Rating?

[unknown]

This is alittle out of the norm, but my situation is forcing me to search all available options. First, I'll give you the short backstory:

I have a 10% rating for PTSD, and two 0% ratings for injuries suffered on active duty. Approx. 700 days ago, I submitted a NOD to have my rating increased, and am still awaiting the decision.

After getting out the Army, my plan was to become a police officer, under the assumption that no employer can see or legally question you on a VA disability rating. I just found out that in fact, Law Enforcement departments can indeed see your ratings, and it can impair your employability in this line of work.

I recently got married, and live with my wife, my new stepdaughter, and we have a baby on the way. I'm in college on the Post 9/11 GI Bill which is helping pay my bills.

My wife is concerned about our financial situation because I will have to pay for college out of pocket later in my coursework when my benefits run out. She is also concerned that without my original career plan (Law Enforcement) that we don't have a concrete path ahead of us.

So with this being said, can I request that the VA dismiss my PTSD rating? Is there anyway to perform such a request?

Thanks for your help, guys!

[Guest]

Please forgive my bluntness but your PTSD will last longer than any employment and it may last longer than your marriage. PTSD can be managed but there is no cure. You may want to think about a career change. 10% for PTSD sounds kind of a low rating. Also being in the law enforcement environment can/may cause your PTSD to become even worst. If I were you, I would do all the research I could on my disabilities and explain them to my wife. You can always apply for Voc Rehab at 10%. Others may chime in. Just because you are rated with PTSD, it does not mean that, that will disqualify you from law enforcement employment.

Hope the best

[broncovet]

If the police department refuses to hire you based on a VA disability, get them to write a letter so stating. You will be able to use that letter to:

1. Consider a lawsuit against that police department...it is illegal to discriminate based on a disability.

2. If your condition worsens you could use that letter as, at least partial evidence to obtain TDIU.

Proceed.

A person with a disability can generally choose whether or not to disclose or not disclose, assuming it is an invisible disability. You get extra preference points for being a disabled Vet.

Whatever you do, dont "lie" on an application. If they ask you if you have a mental disorder, check "yes" and give them docs name and address, if they so ask. You can explain that it is "contolled" by meds, if they ask. Turn that negative to a positive.

[USMC5811]

Both Broncovet and Pete make valid points and I agree with their comments. I went back and forth as to whether to reply to this thread....

Having been in Law Enforcement in several states in the U.S. I concur that requesting a dismissal of your VA Rating would not be a good move on your part. Doing so does not change the fact that you were, at one time, diagnosed with a mental illness or that you have been seen by a psychiatrist/psychologist. Every PD that I have ever worked for has required its police candidates to be tested physically, medically and psychologically by their contracted physicians/psychiatrists. Two questions were always asked by the "wizard" in every state that I worked - have you ever been diagnosed with a mental illness and have you seen a psych before? Having your VA rating dismissed, if it was indeed possible, will not change the answers to these questions. Later down the road if your symptoms get worse - where will you be? I think it will be fighting another uphill battle with VA trying to get your compensation back.

In a perfect world one should not be discriminated against based on disability, but there are ways around that and we all know that employers use the "outs" - candidate #2 scored higher in interviews etc.

You state that you put in a NOD to have your rating increased, not sure if you mean for your PTSD rating or your other contentions but if you requested an increase for PTSD then I would think that you honestly feel your symptoms are getting worse. As Pete stated PTSD is with you for life. I personally know of more then a few Law Enforcement Officers who suffer from PTSD that they obtained on the job. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that things won't get better working as a LEO having PTSD to start out with....they will only get worse. For your sake, your wife and your kids I would chose another profession. Just my two cents.....

Best wishes with whatever you chose to do.....