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Vocational Rehab Or Ilp?

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crash5050

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crash5050 Newbie

crash5050

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I am active duty Army right now going thru the MEB Process. I have had a VA claim in since July of 2011, which they are using to process my MEB. I went to my Voc Rehab counseling yesterday, took a few timed tests, and a few un-timed tests. Spelling math and what not. I have documented PTSD and I feel that I will be rated at least 80% if not 100%, along with TBI and cronic Migraines, lower back degenerative disc disease and a torn meniscus in my right knee..

I have a Masters Degree in Education, I will never be able to teach students, my temper, PTSD, and depression bouts will simply not allow it. So the question is, will the VA pay to have someone with a masters degree retrained as a mechanic or something like that? I have built a small machine shop out in my shop behind the house, is it possible that they will allow me to go the self employment track? Or should I simply ask for some woodworking tools, a Macbook and a lwnmower because all I have is a push mower and with my back and my knees I cannot pus it up the hills?

I have an appointment on the 12th with the VA Counselor. Knowing that I have a Masters Degree, should I just outright ask for the ILP items and take what they give me?

David

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Philip Rogers Grand Master

Philip Rogers

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That is your choice. Why not see what they offer? If you have something you'd like to do tell them. They test to see what they feel you could do, successfully. On the other hand, you could see what your rating(s) are, when you get them and go from there. You don't have to use VocRehab. In fact, a letter stating that your SC disabilities are so severe that you aren't trainable helps with your claim. I had one of those, as evidence in my PTSD claim. jmo

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john999 Grand Master

john999

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What my psychologist has told me is self-employment is one of the best options for people with disabilites. If you want to work that really would be ideal. If it is going to be a real business that will put the kabosh on TDIU if you start to earn a living. The VA should be glad to train you with this goal in mind. Are your physical and emotional disabilites going to allow you to work enough to out weigh the money you would get from TDIU if you get 80% and apply for SSDI?

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