Decided to try and work on TDIU

[MarineLCpl]

Hi all!! 

It’s been a while, hope everyone is well!! For those who don’t have any background on me, I’m 80% TDIU for PTSD. At my last C&P, doc found no change in my condition, so benefits were continued, P&T status granted. 

That’s where the good news ends, unfortunately. I’m struggling with feeling very detached from society lately; certain unwelcome thoughts have entered…. I simply don’t know what else to do aside from getting out there and trying to contribute. 

I know it’s ill-advised for someone to try working on TDIU, and I understand the risks associated with it… But my VA benefits mean nothing if I’m no longer with us… I just know I can’t sit around and do nothing anymore, so I’m going to try getting a part-time job near my home. 
 

I have done my fair share of research on what might happen as a result of this… but I refuse to let my fear dominate me. Worst case scenario, benefits are stripped and my story ends. If they want to challenge me for it, so be it. But I will no longer feel ashamed for wanting to work… for wanting to be a part of the machine that keeps our economy alive…. To serve a purpose…

 

A bit unsettling that I may be digging my own grave here…. but when compared to another alternative I have in mind, it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea when all factors are considered…

 

My question is, should I retain a lawyer to be ready for VA shenanigans, or wait until they propose a reduction? I expect a call or letter after I report income… I get so caught up in the thought of fighting the VA that I don’t even consider not being able to handle work anyway…. guess I’m just holding onto faith that I can somehow live a normal life before my time is up. 
 

be well, everybody :]

[Rivet62]

12 hours ago, john999 said:

If you are over 50 you are just about unemployable anyway no matter college or training. 

Yes.  Even though the OP is talking about TDIU, the SSA rules about advanced age are realistic and could serve to help him decide.

https://cpollardlaw.com/social-security-disability-lawyer-virginia/age-impact-ssdi-ssi-claims-special-rules-over-50-55/

If he starts his own business then there are vets programs to do so, in addition to SBA help.  As far as I know, the IRS allows 3 years of net losses, and that may be the breather he needs to get established. Record keeping is best left to professionals imho.

Edited February 7, 2022 by Rivet62
Brain not working

[MarineLCpl]

Wow, thank you for all the responses!! There’s a lot to go over, but so think the majority are suggesting that maybe some volunteering may be a good place to start.

It’s my understanding that both volunteer work and paying jobs carry the potential to raise the question surrounding my “ability to work.” Some may be suggesting that volunteering is a loophole of sorts to actively contribute without raising questions about TDIU, but I don’t necessarily think that’s always the case. Whether I’m making money or not, to me, the risk is the same in this regard. That being said, I figured opting for a paying job may be the better choice. Having some extra income wouldn’t hurt, even if it’s 10 hours a week somewhere. VA disability is my only income right now. I applied for SSDI for PTSD in 2010 but was denied. Even though I was 100% TDIU for it, it still wasn’t enough for them. 
 

Regarding doing things at home, in my garage, etc; I have traveled this road before. I went to college from 2011-2016 through Voc. Rehab and got a degree in music. Since then, I have done selective “work” for people, usually over the course of weeks or months on a single project. I generated maybe 2-3k a year. I reported this income to the IRS as “hobby income” and never heard anything from the VA about it. While it’s nice to know I have this option, it doesn’t solve my isolation issue. 
 

When it comes to what I may expect from the VA? Reevaluation(mainly). These things have always been a nightmare for me due to all the horror stories I’ve encountered over the years. The thought of having a bad exam leading to years of VA shenanigans is not something I find comforting. After being deemed P&T in 2020, I found some ease in not having to worry about them anymore. Since then, I’ve focused on treatment and meds to remain stabilized, and there’s a good balance there currently. 
 

My good days are becoming less and less frequent, enough for me to be considering this risk. I have zero confidence that I could handle full-time work, but 10-20 hours a week, in a low stress environment? Maybe…

Best case scenario, I’m able to find a medium to contribute through that fulfills what’s missing in me…. maybe I develop social relationships that lead to less depression… plenty to things that could go right. 
 

Worst case, I hold down a part-time job and get called in. Maybe get a bad exam that starts a series of unfortunate events… 

I’m trying to keep in mind that my intentions are good. I should trust the VA would judge a situation like this appropriately. Who knows, maybe I’m successful enough at a job where I can ditch TDIU all together. But until I prove to myself that I can comfortably navigate the workforce again, I think of getting fired or quitting a few years down the line, and having to reapply for TDIU all over again, which may not be smooth. I don’t know, many things to consider here I suppose!! 
 

Few side notes, I’m 35 years of age. Also, the closest VA is over an hour away, facing heavy traffic to and from. Not the best thing for my anxiety  
 

 

[john999]

Who is going to report you for doing volunteer work?  If you get a 1099 or W-2 the VA has access to that.  If you have SSA earnings then the VA can get that, whereas nobody reports volunteer work.  You better think twice about any job that reports earnings.  If they just pay in cash and no report who is to know?  The VA is not really watching you like Worker's Compensation does ,but you have taxable earnings or SSA earnings then they can see that.  Work for cash and no reports I think is OK.