How did you decide to go on disability?

[Freida]

these were things he's done to others while most of the people here were on the receiving end of "things"

Yea -- that is so hard. Even doing everything he did for the right reasons, to save others, whatever, it still things he had to do. It makes me so sad for him

 

[LuckiLee]

Update: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, @Freida!!! I told J about the unemployment office and how they could help him. He went today and when I got home from work he said "now I don't want to hear I told ya so".... Lol. Well he got there and there were two veterans who worked there and immediately knew he was a veteran too. And they walked him through everything. Work. School. Bills. Child support. Etc. Apparently there's a difference between disability and COMPENSATION. These guys know their sh*t! They are working their azz off for my guy. Making phone calls, paper work, information gathering... All of it. I am furious with the VA! Totally gave him the run around and a bunch of B.S. He's starting a "boot camp" on Monday to get things rolling. I'll keep you informed and I can't express my gratitude to you enough. I'm gonna put a thread in the military forum just to let people know a few things... Again THANK YOU!!

 

[LuckiLee]

Well crap. There isn't a military forum anymore. I'll put it in employment...

 

[Freida]

YAY!!!!!!! I am so very, very happy for him!!! (and you of course!)

happy dance!!!!

<image removed>

Yes - keep me posted --- cause you now I'm totally vested in it now!

 

[blackemerald1]

^^ lol @Freida that is just how I imagined you! :)

 

[Freida]

LMAO!!!

 

[shatter eyes]

I decided not really by choice since i was ina crash and couldnt work. Even when i try to return i was not allowed. I paid into disability and taxes so it was easier to accept and feel less like a mooch.

 

[LuckiLee]

Update: The government moves about as fast as a.... Government. Ha! Super slow. So he's applied for ssdi and his military pension. They say it could take up to six months to get rolling. WTF! Anyways he's been dealing with all that bs and still not working. (fine by me) He had an appointment at the VA with his primary care physician today and he's getting him back in the CWT (compensated work therapy) program possibly by next week. He did this about six years ago too. It literally saved his life. His anxiety, depression and nightmares are pretty bad right now but he realizes it and is trying to keep it all in check. I think he's handling it great. Considering everyone keeps adding crap in his stress cup. So that's what's been goin. I hope you're all doing well. XO

 

[Freida]

So he's applied for ssdi and his military pension. They say it could take up to six months to get rolling. WTF

Yep my disability company is putting me in for ssdi and it's moving like a slug in molasses. They hired a company to do it all (since they are the ones who actually take the money) and said only 33% get approved the first round and 50% the second. It's like the VA all over. But if I get it then it backdates to when I applied sooo...

he's getting him back in the CWT (compensated work therapy) program possibly by next week.

They pay you to go to work??? I'm gonna have to look that up!

Has he given any more thought to a service dog? It really is a game changer. :hug:

 

[LuckiLee]

Yes, @Freida. They don't pay much though. It's tax free and shouldn't cause problems with ssdi or his pension. Last time he worked in the hospice unit with so many of our heroes from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. It took a toll on his depression so he had to leave them. They will find him a position in maintenance or something this time around.

 

[LuckiLee]

Update.

Alot has been going on around here but not much has been accomplished.

He's been off work since September and finally starts the CWT program tomorrow. The program is usually a year long then they can hire you. They're planning on hiring him after a couple of months as long as his meds keep working like they have been. ?

He's rated 70% disabled through the VA (for now) and they will most likely raise it to 100% when they include his medals and meds. ?? This should be approved within a few months. (Maybe @Freida would know more?)

He also applied for SSI and SSDI. It sounds promising but could take up to a year for approval. (It's been 4 months so far).

He's been feeling so much better. New meds, doctors, T's and the most important is a new T group of guys who are ALL Special Forces. He's even served with a couple of them.

If anyone has any useful information please feel free to share. The more info we have the better.

Did anyone hire a lawyer? Should we? I'd hate to just throw money away if we don't have to.

Much love to all of you!! ❤

 

[Freida]

when they include his medals and meds. ?

I havent heard of that...?? I'm at 70% ptsd and just went back to try to get them to add the fibro and unemployabilty.
That's the route most people are going because getting a straight 100% is really hard now. It includes things like you can't sign your name. Unemployability kicks in if you are 70% or more -- they pay at the 100% rate. I'm going back for appeal #2 - and my VSO is having a fit because there is a risk of downgrading each time you ask for an appeal.

the most important is a new T group of guys who are ALL Special Forces. He's even served with a couple of them.

This ^^^^ is going to make all the difference in the world. I am so happy for him

Did anyone hire a lawyer? Should we? I'd hate to just throw money away if we don't have to.

I've gotten mixed opinions on this. Most of the people I've talked to have gone to their state senator or representative -- the outcomes are all over the place . Same with lawyers -- I've heard to be really careful because some of the flashiest websites have no idea what they are doing. If they deny me again I'm going to talk with this group...
Social Security Disability | Appeal | Insurance | Benefits | SSDI they are the people handling my SSN stuff and they also have a section for VA claims.

keep me posted! :hug: