Does the VA expect Vets to be honest with their employers about their disabilities? Is that why they created VA Form 21-4192?

[kent101]

I currently just take breaks without telling my employer about it. If they found out I would be fired because my breaks aren't a "reasonable accommodation". If I did get caught and fired without telling my employer about my disability then am I causing myself trouble if I can't work anymore because of my service connected disabilities? Because the form is going to ask my employer how my disabilities interfered with my employment.  Does the VA expect veterans to tell employers about their disabilities?

Edited September 12, 2017 by kent101

[saxman]

You should go to your Dr and ask him to fill out FMLA  for your disabilities.  This will protect you from your employer.

[Vync]

Hey Kent,
Like Saxman says, it is time to get FMLA form filled out. The only drawback of FMLA is that you are not paid for the time you need to take and it only lasts 12 weeks over a rolling 12 month window.

Another option is to request reasonable accommodation under the ADA. If you work for the government or a private employer with 15+ employees, they are supposed to fall under the ADA. Start by asking human resources about reasonable accommodation under the ADA. They likely will ask you to take a form to your doc to fill out which asks about the nature of your disabilities, limitations they cause, and any risks to you if accommodations are not provided. Your employer is not required to provide the exact accommodations requested by your doc, but they are required to provide an accommodation which is effective. Even though the ADA says reasonable accommodations must be provided expeditiously, there is no real way to enforce it. If the company retaliates or harasses you, the EEOC is supposed to help enforce the ADA, but they can take forever to do anything. Try to keep physical copies and written notes of any interaction with your employer, but the employer does not need to know this. Look up the Job Accommodation Network and call their toll-free number. They have people who can help guide you through it.

Good luck!