ptsd Tdiu Pt 90% And Sheltered Employment At The Va As Medical Records Technician

[Mingo]

OK long story

I am 90 SC% I was awarded TDIU in 2009 5 years ago. I was just recently awarded SC for a severe stroke that I suffered on active duty but was not diagnosed as such until 2010. The VA has lumped the Stroke in with my Sarcoidosis SC from being in Desert Storm the VA says that I do not have any symptoms from the stroke though I do, with dizziness, vertigo, some sort of seizures, anxiety, depression, forgetting, word searching,sometimes misspronounce words ect ect. bad tinnitus which I have 20% SC and have been told I have PTSD from military experiences by VA psychiatrists and am on Prazosin, Propranolo. Trazodone..but they keep denying SC for PTSD but anyway my point is I have residuals from a stroke but the VA c/p wil not give me credit.

I was declared disabled by SSA in 2010 diagnosed with cognitive disorder and other things...but the VA will not acknowledge any of the SSA diagnosisis

In the years following retiring from active duty I attended community college and with hard word and extra studying I completed an AAS Degree in Health Information Technology HIM and later pased the RHIT Exam. So, I was stuck in cleaveland ohio alone, divorced living like a hermit except for when I would go to the bars and drink several times a week. I was divorced from my Cental American Wife in 2008 due to PTSD and sleep disorders, I accidentally struck her with my elbow while I was having one of my nightly nightmares....I was deploying constantly to all parts of the world constantly. In my 40s I found myself totally and completely alone passing holidays, birthdays, summers, alone litterally not having any contact with other human beings except for people in the bars and Mexican restaurants so, I had to do something. I could no longer perform the work I did while on active duty due to problems with past back surgery, 2 herniated discs in my neck and a limp from sciatica..

So, I applied for a job at the VA as a Medical Coder reading electronic health records seated at computer all day which is sedentary, no lifting, but is hard on the back and neck....it is pretty high stress sitting at a very small cubicle on a productivy schedule.

I was hired at the VA in 2013 and I sent notice to the RO and was told I would have a 12 month trial period....during that time I suffered several severe anxiety attacks and was hospialized for a possible TIA/stroke. The environment at the VA is very dry, stressful and co workers are not nice almost seem like people from he movie Chidren of the Corn......many do not acknowlede fellow Veteran employees wih SC conditions and some even act as if they do not like Veterans working there....when I was still new some of my co-workers would not talk to me, I would ask questions about simple issues and would be totally ignored......so, not a warm place to work at all. But I needed to do something wih my life other than drinking in dark, gloomy bars all day.

During this time I had a C/p Claim in progress and it was completed this past August I was awarded SC for my stroke but it was combined with my already existing Sarcoidis SC diagnosis so no change in that raing I was also awarded 30 % increased for radiculopathy from neck/arms but my overalll combined rating remained at 90%.

The statement says "Your monthly benefit payment amount will continue unchanged" which I recieve amount for 100% TDIU P/T since 2009. The VA said in the SOC that they reviewed all of my statements that I sent about my TDIU but makes no mention of that issue. only that "Your monthly benefit payment amount will continue unchanged" It is possible that I am working in a Sheltered Environment. My case workload at work is adjusted due to me I belive not being able to concenrate, I have severe tinnitus and it is hard for me to read and focus especially if here is any noise from the disruptive employees.

I sent a question to the VA last week via IRIS in regards to my TDIU but have not heard back.

Edited September 21, 2014 by Mingo (see edit history)

[carlie]

OK long stort:

I am 90 SC% I was awarded TDIU in 2009 5 years ago. I was just recently awarded SC for a severe stroke thatI suffered on active duty but was not diasnosed as such until 2010. The VA has lumped the Stroke in with my Sarcoidosis SC from being in Desert Storm he VA says that I do not have any symptoms from the stroke thought I do, with dizziness, vertigo, some sort of seizures, anxiety, depression and have been told I have PTSD from military experiences by VA psychiatris and am on Prazosin, Propanolo....but they keep denying SC for PTSD but anyway my poin is I have residuals from a stroke but the VA c/p wil not give me credit.

I was declared disabled by SSA in 2010 diagnosed with cognitive disorder and other things...but the VA will not acknolede any of the SSA diagnosis.

In the years following retiring from active duty I attended community college and with hardword and extra studying I compeed a AAS Degree in Health Inforamtion Technology HIM and later pased the RHIT Exam. So, I am stuck in cleaveland ohio alone, divorced living like a hermit except for when I would to the bars and drink several times a week. I was divorced from my Cental American Wife in 2008 due to PTSD and sleep disorders, I accidentally stuck her with my elbow while I was having one of my nightly nightmares....I was deploying constanting to all parts of the world constantly. In my 40s I found myself totally and completely alone passing holidays, birhtdays, summers, alone litterally not having any contact with anoher human beings expect for people in the bars and Mexican restauantes so, I had to do something. I could no longer perform the work I while on active duty due to problems with past back surgery, 2 herniated discs in my neck and limp from sciatica..

So, I applied for a job at the VA as a Medical Coder reading electronic health records seated a computer all day which is sedentary, no lifting, but is hard on the back and neck....it is pretty high stress sitting at a very small cubicle on a productivy schedule.

I was hired at the VA in 2013 and I sent notice to the RO and was told I would have a 12 month trial period....during that time I suffered several severe anxiety attacks and was hospialized for a possible TIA/stroke. The environment at the VA is very dry,stressful and co workers are not nice almost seem like people from he movie Chidren of the Corn......they do not acknowlede fellow Veteran employees wih SC conditions and some act as if they do not like Veterans working there....when I was new some of my co-workers would not talk o me, I would ask questions about simple issues and would be totally ignored......so, not a warm place to work at all. But I needed to do something wih my life other than drinking in dark, gloomy bars all day.

During this time I had a C/p Claim in progress and it was completed this past August I was awarded SC for my stroke but it was combined with my already Sarcoidis SC diagnosis so no change in that raring. I was also awarded 30 % increased for radiculopathy from neck/arms but my overalll combined rating remained at 90%.

The statement says "Your monthly benefit payment amount will continue unchanged" which I recieve amount for 100% TDIU P/T since 2009. The VA said in the SOC that they reviewed all of my statements that I sent about my TDIU but makes no mention of that issue. only that "Your monthly benefit payment amount will continue unchanged" It is possible that I am working in a Sheltered Enviroment. My case workload at work is adjusted due for me I belive for not being able to concenrate, I have severe tinnitus and it is hard for me to read and focus especially if here is any noise.

I sent a question to the VA last week via IRIS in regards to my TDIU but have not heard back.

Welcome.

[john999]

If you make more than poverty wage from VA I think you could have a problem with SSA and VA. When on TDIU you must tread carefully. Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability........! You are employed. You need advice from a VA/SSA lawyer on this before the VA wakes up. I don't think being a civil servant is "protected environment". The VA is really stupid but they may catch this eventually and if you pay taxes and SSA/Medicare do you send in Employment Questionnaire every year telling the VA you are working? This is required and mandatoy. I also am on TDIU and SSDI for last 13 years. I don't work at all.

John

[Mingo]

Thanks for the reply. I actually notifed them in a letter and it was recieved and acknowledged...the statements were referenced in my SOC this past August. Sheltered has a definiton of having different work requiremens that others doing the same work. and I did notiify SSA as well. I sent VA a message via Iris last week. I have been tottally honest and upfront about everything all along..and initially I flat out requested that my TDIU be terminated last year so, that I would not be overpaid. I was hospitalized once during the trial period and eveyday is a challenge.

I read a case where veteran on TDIU worked as County Comissioner for several years in Carolina.

[MPsgt]

I concur with john999. The VA is full of idiots and I believe it's a matter of time before your situation backfires. If you're a recipient of a 90% Service Connection with TDIU. I would be incline to believe you couldn't go to school and much less work. I'm not a recipient of TDIU but, I strongly suggest you never mess the TDIU once it's awarded. Asking for increases in rating or adding new disabilities. Allows the VA to review all your previous Service Connections. They will seeking to drop TDIU and possibly your 90% rating. I further believe after being a recipient of TDIU for ten years. The TDIU rating is protected. Meaning the VA won't "target" you for reduction. Other more experienced individuals on Hadit may chime in for corrections. I suggest you find something in a "volunteer" capacity to occupy your time. Maybe a local Veterans Organization, where you can dictate a schedule and accomplish some self fulfillment. IMO...I'm very concerned with your current situation.

[john999]

For your TDIU to be protected you must be TDIU for 20 years like any other rating. If you are over 55 and have been total for 5 years then it is more difficult for the VA to reduce you. However, if you do not send in Employment Questionnaire you may find yourself getting reduction letter. No way in hell do I believe a vet can work full time and continue to get TDIU and SSD without a problem. If you are 100% schedular that is a different story with VA, but not with SSD. If you claim to be totally disabled how can you work? You may have a 100% rating if you are double amputee and you can work all you want, but if you are 100% for PTSD then you can't officially work full time for more than poverty wage. If you read the rating schedule it is clear. I am not be a wise guy just telling the facts as I see them. I would not risk TDIU or 100% rating by working if it is not allowed by the nature of my disability.

I was TDIU for about 8 years when I raised issue of SMC "S" as in Bradley V Peake. I got "S", but I think I am one of the few here that has got it on that basis since I am TDIU and not 100% schedular. I have file a number of claims in the last 10 years for increases. I say that if you have some potentially fatal illness or injury that is SC then file for it. If you are Vietnam Vet and have AO condition file.

John

John

[MPsgt]

For your TDIU to be protected you must be TDIU for 20 years like any other rating. If you are over 55 and have been total for 5 years then it is more difficult for the VA to reduce you. However, if you do not send in Employment Questionnaire you may find yourself getting reduction letter. No way in hell do I believe a vet can work full time and continue to get TDIU and SSD without a problem. If you are 100% schedular that is a different story with VA, but not with SSD. If you claim to be totally disabled how can you work? You may have a 100% rating if you are double amputee and you can work all you want, but if you are 100% for PTSD then you can't officially work full time for more than poverty wage. If you read the rating schedule it is clear. I am not be a wise guy just telling the facts as I see them. I would not risk TDIU or 100% rating by working if it is not allowed by the nature of my disability.

I was TDIU for about 8 years when I raised issue of SMC "S" as in Bradley V Peake. I got "S", but I think I am one of the few here that has got it on that basis since I am TDIU and not 100% schedular. I have file a number of claims in the last 10 years for increases. I say that if you have some potentially fatal illness or injury that is SC then file for it. If you are Vietnam Vet and have AO condition file.

John

John

Thanks for the correction and narrowing it down.

[rosypalm]

P&T is different than TDIU. You may work if you have P&T.

[Gastone]

MINGO: It appears that you just got possible "gainful employment" with the VA sometime in 2013. What was the primary issue/s that got you the TDIU Award?

I just recently got my IU award on appeal at a DRO Informal Hearing 06/27/14. 3 SC issues, 70,50 and 30. My past 3 years of research indicate that the VA gives you (12) months after you obtain "Gainful Employment" to maintain said employment. If you maintain the employment and earn in excess of current US Poverty level for 1 person, approximately $12K or so, watch out for the Knife. It might be cutting time. What does your VSO Rep advise? You can always appeal a cut, but why would you want to put yourself through that? Be proactive, get educated on your TDIU Award. Don't trip on your Jon---, copy that?

Semper Fi

Gastone

[Mingo]

Marginal or Protected Employment/Sheltered Employment: The work I do could not be more sedentary than sitting and reading a computer screen, if that were not true just sitting at home surfing the internet would the same as that....or sitting and watching TV or playing video games all day could be just as strenous as reading electronic medical records. There is one example of Sheltered Employment of working on a family farm....I do not have family with a farm.

I have to get up and stretch a few times per hour due to neck, back, leg pain. My requirements have been adjusted for my condtions I suffered a severe stroke on active duty and I have constant, severe tinnitus and cognitive disorder.. I have a constant high pitch noise in both ears that really makes it hard to read and focus and my work does not allow for any mistakes and I am on a productivity schedule. Sometimes when I write with a pen/pencil I spell words backwards or begin with the second letter in a work. I can be looking at something right in front of my face on a comper screen or in a book and not see what I am looking for so it takes me longer to read and process sometimes.

Question is without having any family what other setting for disabled veterans would be more appropriate than reading medical records for the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION as far as a sheltered environment isn't that kind of one of the funtcions of the VA to help veterans that is? Better to be doing something of value than be ruining my liver in a bar all day wich later would require more VA medical care, right?

Again: I have submitted all the required forms and written statements my case was just reviewed and finished Aug 24, 2014.

It is not possible to be more upfront about this than I am, I submitted a question last week via IRIS and am still awaiting a response.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Mingo (see edit history)

[killemall]

Upfront or not...unless its in writing that your in a sheltered work environment. ...your gonna get screwed and loose your tdiu.

You have to make a decision and very fast!

Do you want to get reduced back down to 90% and make 2k a month plus lets say 2k a month from your job for a total of 4k a month.....

Or do you wanna keep your tdiu and make 3k a month not working?

You gotta decide quick because once they see that you have been working for a year...they WILL cut your tdiu...

And jeeze your ssdi too.

Man your playing with fire!!!!

[Buck52]

Why would you want VA to cancel your TDIU? In the first place? I am missing something here?

Are you trying to get 100% rating with your TDIU?& still work?...Um your rated at 90% but there paying you at 100% TDIU and told you that will not change....It will change if you continue to work.

that's what everyone is telling you...be glad to get what the VA gives you.

The person you mention that works as a county commissioner getting TDIU ...is luckly the VA ain't caught on to him.

If you work like everyone has mention that's a good way to lose it...VA checks with SSD if you pay FICA taxes...then they know your working obviously...

TDIU to me is a previlage that you earn from medical problems occured while in the service & that keeps you from working.

& if your getting 20% for tinnitus your the first veteran I know that gets that 20 %?

US vets that get it deserve it.(not saying you don't) I just hate to see a veteran lose what the VA gives him /her after we all struggle to get what we can get ...I Know I'm very blessed to get it.. I don't know what in the world I would have did without it. it came in handy for this family.

Edited November 2, 2014 by britton (see edit history)

[jbasser]

Here is the think you must decide.

IU means no work. It doesnt state partial work. The reason for IU is your disabilities keep you from working and if you can work, even sheltered is considered employment.

I have seen greed ruin a lot of vets.

Bottom line.

[Buck52]

jbasser or John 999

I think one you mention sending in an employment questionnaire every year? to let them know your not working...I use to send it in every year after I got my TDIU P/T with no future exams...I got a letter From My VARO bout four years ago and they said I don't have to send in the questionnaire ..So I stopped sending them that's been about 4 years ago or so I been getting TDIU now for about 14 years.

Now here is what kinda worrys me I turn Retirement Age this year so I filed for my SS Retirement (on the years I did work prior to my sc disability's so I never had the full aledge years the SS requires...My wife happen to land a good paying job about 5 years ago and makes A Heffty income...they take out her own taxes ect,,ect,,

Well what worry's me is the SSA told me in a letter if our combined income is over 32.000.00 year then I have to pay tax on my SS Retirement. (my wife makes that alone) & I realize my VA Comp is non taxable.

I just hope the VA don't see I pay taxes and think I'm working??..I know how the VA can mess up things for the Veteran..do either of you guys know what will happen? I maybe worrying for nothing..but you guys seem to be the ones to ask about stuff like this .

As Fellow disable veteran I slute you guys...

Thank you both for helping our Veteran's.

Edited November 3, 2014 by britton (see edit history)

[iceturkee]

a vietnam vet who has done work for my slumlord received Iu from the VA and continued working. he got caught and they took it away from him. according to the slumlord, he appealed and got his IU back. i find that hard to believe but there it is.

i was awarded IU 3 years ago. in my award letter, it said i could do meanial work if it didn't succeed a certain amount, maybe it was the poverty level i don't honestly remember.

i would ditch that job ASAP! you are asking for trouble and a giant headache.