tdiu Help Finding A Lawyer Before My Tdrl Meeting

[outdoorsmanforlife]

Hi, I would like some help finding a lawyer to look over my case. I am rated at the 80% but paid 100% for unemployability. I had a brain injury while I was in the Navy. Four years later the injury has gotten much better. I would like to get back in the workforce. But I'm afraid to leave the safety net of unemployability. I'm willing to pay a good lawyer to look over my file and give me my options. Thanks for reading.

[Vync]

The brain is an amazing thing. It has 'plasticity', which means that it can rewire itself, to a certain extent to overcome some issues.

You might be able to accomplish this without involving a lawyer. I am no expert, nor have I tried to help anyone come out of TDUI, but I don't think they will just take your word for it. You might need to get your physician to state you can work and then work with the VA.

I know there is a special program that Social Security has that helps folks in your situation do just that. I would be surprised if the VA did not have a similar program.

But before you do anything, definitely make some calls and get the scoop. Most importantly, make sure you have a job lined up. It would stink if you came out of TDIU status and then did not have a job, leaving you without money you need to live on. Find out how much the job might pay, explore your tax situation, and determine if it might be more beneficial to volunteer instead of actually coming out of TDIU.

TDIU does allow you to make a little bit of money as long as it does not go over their threshold, I believe "piddling" would be the term. I know you have to file earnings statements every year. If you make too much, the VA definitely let you know that you don't qualify for TDIU any longer.

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best of luck.

[RUREADY]

don't think you can work on tdiu but you maybe could get your rating up

to 100% than you could work. SSDI allows up to about $12,000 per year

maybe a little more

[Berta]

"I had a brain injury while I was in the Navy. Four years later the injury has gotten much better."

What is your rating for the ;brain injury'

and who said it got better....the VA????

Vync is certainly correct that the brain can often sort of heal itself.....parts of the brain can take over damaged different parts of the brain in some cases.

My concern is , is there actual medical evidence that this condition has gotten better and if so, better enough for VA to propose a reduction in any comp you get for it?

They cannot alter or reverse white matter lose, as well as cerebral infarctions.

[outdoorsmanforlife]

Can anyone suggest a Lawer to go over my legal options?

[Berta]

If you tell us more, we can advise you better.

What legal options do you mean?

Maybe if would be better if you got an Independent Neurologist to go over your medical records, to determine if your disabilities

might improve

[outdoorsmanforlife]

I would like someone to sit down and look at my medical records with me and discuss my options. I want to get back into the workforce and be a successful member of society. Not working for 4 years has made me feel like a worthless piece of crap. I'm faced with a delema in one hand I could be a bum and collect $3900 or work and get $1400 (80% va). I'd like to get a job or start a landscaping buisness but I'm afraid of failing. I'm willing and ready to pay a Lawer or speak to a vet rep. Please give me some suggestions.

[paul554]

If you're interested in starting a business I would recommend you go to voc rehab. They have a self employment track that allows you to collect your 100% unemployable rating while you attempt to start your own business. They also can help cover start up costs and expenses. This seems to me to be the safest route, since if the business is unsuccessful or if your disabilities prove to be a problem, you can fall back on the unemployable rating and have the VA documentation to show that it's the direct result of your disabilities.

[Berta]

I think I already posted a suggestion here somewhere.....in another thread.

I suggested that you get an opinion from an independent medical professional (Neurologist) as to whether you can work or not, and if your brain injury has actually improved.

I have a lay neuro background _one deceased husband ( US Army) had a brain tumor and my deceased USMC husband had brain trauma from strokes and multiple areas of brain damage due to transcient brain ischemia.

I commend you for wanting to continue to work. Both of them believed up until they died, that they could overcome their disabling problems.

You sound like my USMC husband...he became severely depressed when he received SSDI.

Also VA had declared him 100% P & T solely due to PTSD 3 years after he died and in 2012 they declared him 100% Under a Section 1151 stroke.he had in 1992.almost 20 years after his death.

He wanted to return to work too but never could. I hope that you can.

You got good advise here.

You could contact Bob Walsh...his contact info is here and we have done many blog radio shows for him...

I am not sure how Bob would be able to help.

But he is very user friendly and he is a fabulous veteran's lawyer for claims issues..

Robert P. Walsh

Attorney

2 Michigan Avenue West

Suite 301

Battle Creek, Michigan 49017



Telephone (269) 962-9693

Telecopier (269) 962-9592

E-mail: rpwalsh@sbcglobal.net

Edited March 8, 2015 by Berta (see edit history)

[outdoorsmanforlife]

Thank you! I will give him a call.