Question:
I have a 100% IU rating through the VA for PTSD and a 10% rating for my back they are both service connected. I am wondering if I am able to do work from home (legal and or real estate), in person, or online and not charge or to be able to accept donations instead of charging outright?
Jim's Reply:
Yes and no. Right out of the gate...the proposal to accept 'donations' rather than charge people smacks of fraud. You're talking of pretending to not have an earned income when you would have one and VA doesn't like that. So...no, that isn't a good idea.
But yes, you are allowed to have an income although at the top end your income from work can't be more than the federal poverty level.
If you set up (incorporate in your state) a legit business and pay any owed income taxes, the VA will know what your income is by matching your VA file with the IRS and the SSA. If you do not exceed the poverty guideline for your region, you'll have no problems. If you did exceed the poverty level, you'll hear from VA.
When you speak of not charging any money, that's called volunteering and it's legit to do that. I volunteered at the VA clinic I used for years and if you look around you'll see that many VA volunteers are TDIU vets who need something to do even if they can't work. Some are there 40 hours a week just as if it were a job and as long as they aren't earning an income, it's fine by VA.
I'm a fan of working. I think that productive work is good for us whether we are earning an income or not. If you're able to, go for it!
Good luck!