Question:
I am 60% TDIU and P&T does my spouse qualify for a ID card. If so, we were turned down for it at the Coast Guard Academy. They said I have to be 100% disabled. Just confused, thank you.
Jim's Reply:
Let's see if we can sort it out...
The TDIU rating is a 100% rating that can be either permanent or temporary. To be awarded TDIU usually requires that the veteran be at least 70% rated with one rating being at least 40% or to have a single rating of 60%. Although the single 60% rating is a bit unusual in my experience, I'll assume that you have a single 60% VA disability rating and that from that you were awarded TDIU as a permanent rating.
If all that is correct you and your spouse are eligible for ID cards that allow on-base privileges and more.
This can get crazy complex like so many things related to our benefits but in a nutshell you need to find a military base with an ID card office and take the papers you received from VA there with you. I'm not sure if the Coast Guard Academy has the appropriate facility to process the ID.
You'll run into this a lot with a TDIU rating. People look at the underlying rating (60% for you) and think you aren't 100% disabled. However, the TDIU rating is a 100% rating...you just have to jump through hoops to show it. You can print your own benefits letter over at your eBenefits account and leave out the 60% part and that will save you a lot of grief.
Your spouse is also eligible for CHAMPVA and you'll have the same challenges getting her set up there. Good luck sir.