tdiu Voc Rehab "limbo" -- No Straight Answer

[Snake Eyes]

Had a nice visit with the Voc Rehab counselor today for orientation. He took all my transcripts, resume, forms and results from my assessment and asked tons of probing questions. All that is what I expected as the VA needs to do its due dilligence for this kind of program.

What I did not expect was to be confronted with two options.... 1). Withdraw from Voc Rehab voluntarily based on "multiple concerns about my employability" with the promise that I could re-apply within a year if my SSDI and TDIU claims are denied... or 2) Continue making the 200 mile round-trip to his office for several months until he could make a final determination that I'm "unemployable".

He was clear that that was the likely outcome based on the interview and his review of my VA records. Unfortunately, he couldn't state clearly one way or the other whether Voc Rehab was feasable or not. He did say that his report would show that there are multiple concerns about my unemployability. He won't be able to file his report for several months (after the TDIU and SSDI claims have had time to resolve.

So now... it looks like I'm in some kind of "Limbo" -- not qualitied enough to continue with a meaningful hope of success and not enough of a history in the VA system to make a clear determination of unemployability.

I don't do well with ambiguity and gray areas. You should either be trainable or not.

Has anyone else had a situation like this (being told you're not likely to be deemed "employable" if continuing the program but cannot say that yet)?

[JR Reihs]

Send him and the RO director a certified letter addressing your consern........you demand a yes or no answer, as you have jumped through the needed hoops in order to make a decision. If Voc rehab denies your app, then add this to your IU claim, then go for the ILP.

[Navy04]

Seems to me that he is stating that you are Unemployable. If you are fine with that then go with filing for 100% or IU. Even not then keep going back and come up with a plan. Too many jobs, opportunities and education choices out there. I was a very select few that joined the Military with no HS Diploma or GED, quit school due to mother died and had to live on streets. Once I got in the Navy, in less than 7 years I got my HS Diploma, 2 Bachelor Degrees and a Double Masters, while I spent 5 years in OIF/OEF, and 15 Surgeries. If I can do it, anyone can bud. God Bless, Good Luck, and keep us posted.

[Pete53]

Voc Rehab can do some good things for you. They gave me a tempurpedic bed and helped me get my bathroom remodled.

[Berta]

" He won't be able to file his report for several months (after the TDIU and SSDI claims have had time to resolve."

I have never heard that one before.

If he thinks your SCs make Voc Rehab unfeasible, and documents that in your records , that would be good evidence for TDIU and SSDI.

It sounds like he is afraid to make a decision.

[Snake Eyes]

Send him and the RO director a certified letter addressing your consern........you demand a yes or no answer, as you have jumped through the needed hoops in order to make a decision. If Voc rehab denies your app, then add this to your IU claim, then go for the ILP.

His approach was "I can't give a specific denial at this time because there is not enough in your medical records to make a determination yet...." Then, "There are multiple concerns with your potential ability to succeed in getting gainful employment."

I tried repeatedly to extract an actual answer and finally he just said, "I'm repeating myself now... "

[Snake Eyes]

" He won't be able to file his report for several months (after the TDIU and SSDI claims have had time to resolve."

I have never heard that one before.

If he thinks your SCs make Voc Rehab unfeasible, and documents that in your records , that would be good evidence for TDIU and SSDI.

It sounds like he is afraid to make a decision.

I think that's definitely the case. He only has my C&P exams and a few of my civilian records (submitted with one of my claims) to go on. I got the clear impression I'd be strung along for several months before being told Voc Rehab was unfeasable. He did say that the raters would eventually see his report.... and that my withdrawing from the program would not be a determining factor. I find that hard to believe :-)