Can you hold a job with a permanent and total 100% VA disability rating?

2020-07-28T15:58:59-04:00

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 28 at 2020 4:09 PM

2020-07-28T16:09:32-04:00

If you're being paid for being "100% disabled" are you not committing fraud by acknowledging you CAN actually work?

That's what disabled means. NOT able. If you can work, you're clearly not "not able" (double negative intended).

Response by CPL Susan P Johnson made Jul 28 at 2020 6:05 PM

2020-07-28T18:05:06-04:00

Think about that question. You do not need to find a "full-time job" You need to create your own Job, Service, Mission.... You, like most of us Veterans have developed something you are good at. Tap into YOU...Redesign YOU. Sleep with a note pad beside your bed and re-write Yourstory..............It's your time to make Your His-story.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jul 28 at 2020 6:17 PM

2020-07-28T18:17:54-04:00

Yes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 11:11 AM

2020-07-29T11:11:55-04:00

Yes you can. The VA rating is not a cripple rating like many think it should be. SFC Michael Hasbun things are not that simple. I am pretty sure I could get a 100% rating right now if I wanted yet I still serve. I have been injured a good bit and survived a type of cancer that I will have the rest of my life. Luckily, with medicine I am relatively normal and can perform my duties but I will be taking chemo meds for the rest of my life. When I do retire I don't plan on staying home. I do look forward to returning to the work force. But saying you can't be 100% disabled and can't work is a bit extreme. I have attached a photo of Omar Avila. He is a veteran that is 100% disabled. He lost his leg and is cover in burns but he is still working and maintains a full time job.

Now to address the elephant in the room. I understand that some veterans do scam the VA and get a high rating due to just wanting to get paid. I can't even tell you how this is borderline encouraged by so may veteran groups. I recall being on a elevator at Womack AMC and a Vet group spokesmen was asking me if I was getting out soon. I told him that I am getting close. He told me to get a sleep study so I can get 50% disability. I politely told me I don't think I have a sleep issue and that I will just see how it will come out when I get my rating. Can a SM who did 2 years get 100%? Yes, absolutely. Just like the young SPC in my battalion that suffered a testicular injury on a jump and will never have children. These things happen. He was medically separated due to his injury. The question should be how you get it. If I did 2 years in the Army with no incidents that resulted in injury then I would be scamming the military if I was going after 100% disability.