Jim,
I was just awarded 70% for PTSD and looking to file for IU. My Psychiatrist at the VA advised me to file for 70% (which I did and got) and he wants me to stop working due to the stress my job causes. He told me that he would grant me IU if I was awarded 70% for PTSD. My question: can the Physiatrist I see at the VA grant IU or will I have to go back through the C&P review again? Please advise.
Reply:
The award of a benefit is made at the VA Regional Office (VARO). The individual VA employee who makes an award is called a Ratings Veterans Service Representative (RVSR).
The RVSR will review your application for TDIU and consider your eligibility and the circumstances that would affect your qualifications for such an award. Any medical record created by VA caregivers will be considered. There will be a C & P exam scheduled.
The fact that you are working currently is likely to be a barrier to an unemployability award. The rules for the award are pretty clear that if you can participate in gainful employment, you should. Quitting a job so that you can collect a benefit for being unemployed is frowned upon.
The doctors and other health care providers at your VA Medical Center do not make decisions about awards. Their opinions may be considered but they have no other input into an award decision.