Could the VA take my IU rating?

[MarineLCpl]

Hi, everyone.

I've posted and contributed to this board in the past and its members have always been extremely helpful. Assuming not all of you know my backstory, I'll provide a brief summary:

I was discharged from the Marine Corps in 2008. Initially got rated 50% for mental health. Applied for IU a few years later; it was granted and has been continuous for 8 years now. I was able to graduate from a college program through Voc. Rehab., but SC conditions remain the same. No improvement over the years and the impact on my life has been toxic. I sometimes neglect myself, no showers or oral health care for days on end. Literally tip-toeing around because I'm afraid of making noise and disturbing others. Urinating in plastic bottles because I can't bring myself to leave my room, and so on. The chances of me being able to secure employment, let alone maintain it, are slim to none. I'm embarrassed about this fact, but it is what it is. All my attempts at companionship result in me running away to wallow in my own misery. I worry about myself, and my future. No kids, no wife, no purpose.

I have days where I can't even get out of bed. Hard to imagine an employer "understanding" my reason for missing work. I've thought about pursuing an independent business from home, so lets use that as an example. I set up an office at home and advertise my services. I may receive work, I may not. Something like this could address a handful of my issues, but wouldn't suffice as a main source of income. I'd even take on free work at times, sort of like volunteering. My fear is that the VA would consider this employment and take away my IU rating, even though it's more of just a vehicle to an improved lifestyle. I remember reading that if your 100% permanent total rated, you can work without a reduction in benefits. Maybe this is what I need to pursue?

Something like this mini business idea would give me purpose, something to get out of bed for. But what it wouldn't do is generate anywhere near the amount of income I need to live on. I worry about the distant future as well. Because I don't have any taxable income, I cannot contribute to an IRA. This scares me. Everyone who works has a 401k, I have nothing. I've been putting money aside in a savings account every month to combat this, but I'm not utilizing increased growth potential. By the way, if anyone has advice/tips on saving for retirement due to these restrictions, please share.

Any advice on my situation would be greatly appreciated, and thank you to those who have taken the time to listen. I really think my idea could have a positive impact of my dreadful life. I really do. Have a great day/night, everyone. God Bless! 

 

-Marine LCpl

[Gastone]

Wanting to start a Self-employment business is one thing, being able to do it is something completely different. What did your VR Employment Assesment say about Self-Employment? Have you started a Business Plan yet, it has to appear viable before the VR Dept would even consider funding the start-up venture.

E-3, I think I mentioned previously from your posts you sound pretty fracked up. What makes you think you could handle self-employment after 8 yrs of being out of the workforce? You might want to try some Baby Steps at first to find something you can enjoy before jumping on the Self-Employment. Did it for 40 yrs, a lot of work and commitment is required, nothing to take lightly. 

[MarineLCpl]

11 hours ago, Gastone said:

Wanting to start a Self-employment business is one thing, being able to do it is something completely different. What did your VR Employment Assesment say about Self-Employment? Have you started a Business Plan yet, it has to appear viable before the VR Dept would even consider funding the start-up venture.

E-3, I think I mentioned previously from your posts you sound pretty fracked up. What makes you think you could handle self-employment after 8 yrs of being out of the workforce? You might want to try some Baby Steps at first to find something you can enjoy before jumping on the Self-Employment. Did it for 40 yrs, a lot of work and commitment is required, nothing to take lightly. 

It’s a matter of trying to make it work that’s most important for me. If I don’t do something, my health will continue to suffer. My idea revolves around taking on work at my own pace. This eleviates most of the pressures you find in the outside workforce. I was a good student for the most part and received above-average marks. This leads me to believe that I could achieve something like a small freelance business. As far as a plan goes, I would obviously start small; one or two projects a week. From there, I can start building on my weaknesses, eventually taking on more work. If I ever feel like it’s too much, I’ll slow down, period. It’s my plan to let clients know that I would be working at my own pace. Because of this, I’d likely charge less than a compatible competitor. For this reason, that’s why I’m afraid to do it. What Imnot so sure about is how much income I’ll be able to generate, hence my worries about IU being stripped. 

What’s my alternative at this point? Do nothing and continue to be miserable, fuel my demise? That doesn’t sound like a good plan at all and I would explain this to the VA. The whole idea behind the program is helping the transistion of nothing to something. I didn’t spend all that time in school for kicks, I have goals and aspirations. Are you saying it’s a long shot? I cansomewhat agree, but like I said, my options are dwindling and I’m not getting any younger. 

Edited March 8, 2018 by MarineLCpl

[Gastone]

True that, about the age and having to find something to do.

It's probably considered an "Old Wive's Tale" but I firmly believe that Men who retire early and don't find something to do that is not only physically but also mentally challenging, seem to croak earlier than guys that stay working at something after retirement.

You're pulling Tax-Free IU Comp, so get-by $$ shouldn't be a problem. If you have any skills that you enjoy and are proficient at doing, concentrate on them. Any way of earning $$ as a sideline?  Finding something you like to do and are good at, is an excellent way to start a sideline business.