tdiu When To Apply For Tdiu?

[jesusplay]

recently got rated 70% for bipolar/anxiety 30% for headaches and 10% for tinnitus. My claim has complete exactly one year after discharge and it has not been a good year or 2.

It's hard to leave the house, my mood is constantly depressed, I'm not supporting myself, living with parents.

My military career was going great until the bipolar hit.

I can't work in my current state and my psychologist at the VA agrees.

I'm grateful for my 80% but I can't live on my own with this.

Is it too early to file for TDIU? What's the worse that could happen, lower my current ratings?

[Navy04]

I would ask for an increase, if is was me. I was Medically Retired Feb 13, and I was given 80% from the VA. I was low balled by the VA, since the Navy was going to retire me for Crohn's anyways. So I submitted an FDC in Sep 13, had my C&Ps two weeks ago, and by looking at the reports, it looks like I will be 100% soon. I won my SSDI claim this week too, after only 4 months since I applied. I would rather have Schedular 100%, than IU, because, then the VA does not bother us, or requested forms to be filled out every year, and they don't request as many exams in the future. File for an FDC increase if you feel like one of your conditions has worsened since your last rating, then go from there. God Bless and good luck. We are all here for you, if you have any questions. Keep us posted.

[jesusplay]

I would ask for an increase, if is was me. I was Medically Retired Feb 13, and I was given 80% from the VA. I was low balled by the VA, since the Navy was going to retire me for Crohn's anyways. So I submitted an FDC in Sep 13, had my C&Ps two weeks ago, and by looking at the reports, it looks like I will be 100% soon. I won my SSDI claim this week too, after only 4 months since I applied. I would rather have Schedular 100%, than IU, because, then the VA does not bother us, or requested forms to be filled out every year, and they don't request as many exams in the future. File for an FDC increase if you feel like one of your conditions has worsened since your last rating, then go from there. God Bless and good luck. We are all here for you, if you have any questions. Keep us posted.

I don't fit the bracket for 100% in mental health, my reward letter explains it. I do think I am unemployable though due to my bipolar disorder... I applied yesterday online for IU. I had also applied for 2 new things the week before. Will they combine the 2 claims or do them separately?

Edited March 12, 2014 by jesusplay

[NavyWife]

It's good you filed for IU now. Definitely don't wait.

Have you filed for Social Security Disability yet? If not, you should file online for that, too.

I'm assuming you haven't worked in the past year? If not, That will strengthen your case for IU. If you have any worries about getting approved you should go see a vocational rehabilitation counselor. They can basically write up a statement saying that you are unemployable. You could then send that statement to VA and Soc Sec. VA has some or you could find one in private practice. It would be well worth the cost of the office visit.

You're not alone. My best friend had just finished her engineering degree and got her engineering job when the bipolar hit her. She had to give up her job that she just spent the last 4 to 5 years getting a degree for and go on social security instead. I think she manages to get by financially because she gets rent subsidized through HUD (you can look on their website for more info). It's rough, but you gotta have the mindset of a survivor. She's doing ok now, as long as she keeps up with the meds and exercises every day.

Edited March 12, 2014 by NavyWife

[jesusplay]

I talked with my psychiatrist at the va, he said he'll talk with his team and write me a letter in support of IU. If I have a MD and psy.d agreeing would this improve my chances of IU?

[Guest]

recently got rated 70% for bipolar/anxiety 30% for headaches and 10% for tinnitus. My claim has complete exactly one year after discharge and it has not been a good year or 2.

It's hard to leave the house, my mood is constantly depressed, I'm not supporting myself, living with parents.

My military career was going great until the bipolar hit.

I can't work in my current state and my psychologist at the VA agrees.

I'm grateful for my 80% but I can't live on my own with this.

Is it too early to file for TDIU? What's the worse that could happen, lower my current ratings?

VA can find that you are incompetent to handle your own funds and assign you a fiduciary that may or may not be your parents.

[Philip Rogers]

You should apply for TDIU if your SC disability(s) prevent(s) you from working, no matter what your percentages are at present.

pr