Question:
My husband is rated 100% permanent and total from PTSD. We are thinking if he did some kind of work, it would help him. Sitting around is not good. Can he do this and still keep the 100%?
Jim's Reply:
If he is rated as 100% disabled by the schedule, he is allowed to work as much as he is able to with no restrictions. If he is rated as 100% TDIU he is limited to earning no more than the amount of the federal poverty wage.
Pro tip: If he isn't able to find a suitable job, he should consider volunteer work. Volunteers can work as much as they want to and it won't interfere with VA disability payments. The next time you go to a VA health care facility and see a volunteer, that may well be a totally disabled veteran who was bored at home but couldn't retain gainful employment. I volunteered at my VA clinic and hospital for years when I lived close enough to do so. It was one of the more rewarding experiences of my life.
There are many volunteer opportunities in your community too. Just look around and he'll find something that fits. I also advise that when anyone asks, "So, what do you do for a living?" the answer is always the same, "I spent some time in the military and I'm retired now with a little pension." That's all the info anyone needs to hear, you shouldn't bother explaining any further than that. If someone presses for a conversation it's acceptable to politely decline and walk away.
A lot of VA counselors in the mental health arena advise their clients to try volunteering. Returning to meaningful work (and volunteering) in the right environment can't be beat. Give him a salute for me. Good luck.