ptsd Should I file or should I wait?

[wablackwell]

 Hello, I put in an Intent to file for PTSD last September. I have been waiting to file because of my place of employment. Here is the story, I have been working at White Sands Missile Range now for as a DOD security guard. Over the last year they temporary disqualified me as a security guard due to the severity of my PTSD and assigned me to ADMIN duties. During this time over the last year I have been evaluated by the base doctor and psychologist to see if my condition improves enough to go back to work as A security guard. Well, It has not improved and have now permanently disqualified me from my job as a security guard. They CPOL office searched for an alternative job for me and found nothing in which I am qualified for. I have now been told that I will be losing my job soon. I will be putting in for disability retirement from government service. So back to my question. Should I wait until I have lost my job to file my PTSD claim or should I go ahead and do it now? I feel I will get a higher rating if I wait until I lost my job so I can add that to my Claim. Also do you think I should Apply for TDIU? Appreciate any thoughts on this topic. Thanks

[Meddac]

The fact that you were disqualified because of your PTSD screams for you to file now. The VA isn't interested in your job status for the PTSD claim. Just obtain the evidence that you were disqualified and the reason. File now.

VA will take interest in your job status for TDIU. You can file that now if you have a definite date of unemployment and evidence from your employer that you will be terminated on that date (VA form 21-4192 from employer should help here).

TDIU should also not be affected by medical retirement.

Edited April 8, 2016 by Meddac

[TALON II FE]

"The VA isn't interested in your job status for the PTSD claim"

I agree with everything except this statement.  It DOES make a difference, it is part of the Rating Criteria for anything falling under the umbrella of Mental Illness.  I still believe you file now for VA and then start looking at SSDI, .possible  

[wablackwell]

3 minutes ago, TALON II FE said:

"The VA isn't interested in your job status for the PTSD claim"

I agree with everything except this statement.  It DOES make a difference, it is part of the Rating Criteria for anything falling under the umbrella of Mental Illness.  I still believe you file now for VA and then start looking at SSDI, .possible  

It is a requirement that I apply for SSDI when I file for Federal disability Retirement (OPM rules). I guess I have a lot of claims to do.

[ArNG11]

1 hour ago, wablackwell said:

It is a requirement that I apply for SSDI when I file for Federal disability Retirement (OPM rules). I guess I have a lot of claims to do.

yes you do.  I had to do similar.  File for SSDI when you file for OPM disability.  Whether you get approved by SS doesn't matter, you shouldn't as you still work, that is the letter you need to provide OPM as proof for filing, you don't have to be approved for SSDI just have to have an application in.  When you stop working that is the hard date you will use.  The day you stop working, go into the SSA office again and file for SSDI.  It is confusing but, that is the process.  

Edited April 8, 2016 by ArNG11
correct info

[ArNG11]

The hard date for stopped work is date the VA will look at for IU.  I agree with Meddac, file now. The 21-4192 for you can send to OPM personnel.  Don't use the base address, use the business address where they conduct official transactions.  You should have that information.

[flores97]

Wablackwell, I agree, FILE NOW. Just the fact that you have been disqualified from your duties for the past year will help. Do not wait until you are terminated, but I would see if your employers would be willing to provide a statement for VA detailing your difficulties and the fact rhat you will be losing your job. That would help tremendously. Good Luck to you!!