ptsd 100% For Ptsd, Fast!

[scarletto66]

Hi Vets,

I was recently awarded 100% for PTSD after being on 70% for about 18 months. Here's the interesting part: the processing of my claim took four months. I had one exam, and of course I've been going to all of my appointments at the VA, but I am still pleasantly shocked.

From what I've read on this site MH disabilities are not rated P&T because the VA feels there is a possibility for improvement. Ha! I've gotten progressively worse over 20 years. My question is this: will attending graduate school affect my rating? I'm paying for it myself, not asking for voc. rehab. My previous job as a high school teacher exacerbated the PTSD and I can never go back to any type of educational position. I have high hopes of improving, and I want to prepare myself for the future. I'm not attending full time, just enough to keep me busy so that I don't dwell on my issues. I'm super smart, lol, and school has always been extremely theraputic for me. Being at home with nothing to do it not a good thing for me after working for twenty years.

Does the VA even know if I attend school? What if I apply for financial aid? I am not trying to scam, I promise. I simply want to do what's best, and some of the VA's rules are wacky. School is not stressfull like work, I only go one day a week, study when I want, stay home if I want to. I do not want to do anything to jeopardize my rating. I hope anyone who reads this can understand the difference between working 50 hours every week and attending one class.

Thanks

[killemall]

I wouldn't.

I'm currently in college. I go one day a week and its considered full time. Since I earn 3 credits every five weeks.

There are a few people in my classes who are 70-100 % for ptsd.

They collect compensation plus post 911 benefits.

They all say it was hard to be able to attend and not lose there benifits.

I'd work very closely with the Va and get approval before I'd risk 100%

[john999]

I would not tell the VA a thing if I am paying for grad school myself. They don't have a need to know. If they know they might call you in for an exam. Guys who are 100% for a mental condition are not supposed to be able to think much less go to grad school. I can understand your plight but I doubt the VA would understand. They would ask " What are your goals for grad school?" What would you say? Now if you are using VRA that might be different, but that will blow any chance at P&T. The VA does not think like normal person. Their idea is that the vet is trying to scam us and not that vet is trying to rehabilitate himself IMO.

John

[scarletto66]

Thanks for the responses. It's such a difficult decision. I am truly trying to do what's best, and sitting around the house dwelling on my issues and trying to fight anxiety has not been very successful so far. John is absolutely correct when he says the VA doesn't think like a normal person. I don't want to risk my 100%. Don't know what to do!

[63SIERRA]

maybe do some voulenteer work, tutoring when you want, voulenteer at the local college, ect. I think you just want to find a way to use and not waste your hard earned talents, in a positive way, and theres nothing wrong with that.

You could go to the local VAMC and voulenteer, helping a new veteran find his way around, ect. call meals on wheels and ask if you can make a few sandwiches. do something to help others, who are way less fortunate than you are, and theres MANY, .

Money is not the path to absolute peace and happiness in life. We are born with a void in our life, that cannot be filled with vices such as, money, sex, alcohol, drugs, ect. Only thru Jesus Christ will you find your true calling on this earth, ask him to tell you what he want to use you for, to do his work.

In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct they paths..

[carlie]

Hi Vets,

I was recently awarded 100% for PTSD after being on 70% for about 18 months. Here's the interesting part: the processing of my claim took four months. I had one exam, and of course I've been going to all of my appointments at the VA, but I am still pleasantly shocked.

From what I've read on this site MH disabilities are not rated P&T because the VA feels there is a possibility for improvement. Ha! I've gotten progressively worse over 20 years. My question is this: will attending graduate school affect my rating? I'm paying for it myself, not asking for voc. rehab. My previous job as a high school teacher exacerbated the PTSD and I can never go back to any type of educational position. I have high hopes of improving, and I want to prepare myself for the future. I'm not attending full time, just enough to keep me busy so that I don't dwell on my issues. I'm super smart, lol, and school has always been extremely theraputic for me. Being at home with nothing to do it not a good thing for me after working for twenty years.

Does the VA even know if I attend school? What if I apply for financial aid? I am not trying to scam, I promise. I simply want to do what's best, and some of the VA's rules are wacky. School is not stressfull like work, I only go one day a week, study when I want, stay home if I want to. I do not want to do anything to jeopardize my rating. I hope anyone who reads this can understand the difference between working 50 hours every week and attending one class.

Thanks

VA's criteria for a 100 % evaluation due to mental health.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ed0b762ccdfe6be99255637968470749&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2.111.73&rgn=div8

General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders:

Total occupational and social impairment,

due to such symptoms as:

gross impairment in thought processes or communication;

persistent delusions or hallucinations;

grossly inappropriate behavior;

persistent danger of hurting self or others;

intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place;

memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation,

or own name . . 100