Question:
I am currently on permanent unemployabilty income. I was given this while in PTSD treatment. I want to try and work again but I am not sure how to go about this. I am also concerned that once I get into the workforce, I will not be able to handle it and mess everything up. Is there are trial time I can work and see how everything goes?
Jim's Reply:
The VA doesn't have a formal return to work program like the SSA does. However, returning to work for the TDIU (unemployability) veteran is pretty simple. You just do it.
You don't need to notify anyone or ask permission. VA will track your SSA and IRS records to see if you're making more than the allowed ceiling of the federal poverty level and if you are, they'll send you a letter asking about what's up? The process seems to take a couple of years to catch up so no matter whether you're successful or not, you wouldn't hear anything for a while.
If you work for a while and can't manage it, no problems. You can go in and out of the work force as often as you need to so long as you don't earn more than the federal poverty wage limit.
Many people believe that work is the best therapy of all so if you can do it, go for it! Good luck.