Posted on Jul 6, 2017
What happens to your disability compensation when you want to start working again?
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I am an OEF veteran that was awarded disability compensation for PTSD and a combat related seizure disorder. I have not been working but I have been using my Post 9/11 GI Bill to receive a degree. I am close to graduating and I am ready to start working on my career. Before I get a job, what are my next steps? I know I am supposed to report additional income to the VA. Then what happens? Thanks!
Posted in these groups: 
Disability
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Civilians
Civilian Career
Military Career
Disability Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Civilians Civilian Career Military Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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I am pretty sure that as long as you aren't getting the Total and Permanent you can work regardless of your rating? I'm probably wrong about that, but I'd check into those. The VA Disability is a lot different than SSI.
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SGT Dave Tracy
I don't pretend to know the ins and outs, but I remember one of the people conducting one of those required TAP classes I had to take prior to getting out was 100% rated and still able to work. Could simply be the kind of work one can do.
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CW3 Chris Davis
Christopher,
Yes you can continue to work unless the VA comes back with your rating and specifically says no work at all, which there are some cases that is true, however in many cases as long as the work being accomplished does not aggravate the disability in any way there generally is no problem with continuing to work.
Yes you can continue to work unless the VA comes back with your rating and specifically says no work at all, which there are some cases that is true, however in many cases as long as the work being accomplished does not aggravate the disability in any way there generally is no problem with continuing to work.
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As long as you are deemed as able to work then nothing. I'm 60% and still work.
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Think of the VA as a pension, and payment for injuries during military service. It's not like having SSI and you would have to report that. But with that said say I have a 20% rating for my back (which I do) I wouldn't go out and get a job breaking rocks.
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SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S.
It's more like workers compensating that civilians receive for work-related injuries.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
DO NOT THINK OF COMPENSATION AS A PENSION!
VA PENSIONS ARE 100% INCOME BASED.
VA PENSIONS ARE 100% INCOME BASED.
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Well it really depends or the type of work, type of category, and the level of your compensation.
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Kyle,
With what you have stated in mind unless you are 100% disabled and deemed unable to work then there should be no issues, what I see on the VA webpage and what I am familiar with is that you can work and still draw your disability pay which I know many that do,
"Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to Veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as a mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)."
Now with that said if you have a disability rating why didn't you utilize Voc-Rehab before using your GI Bill? Many Vet's do not realize that they can use it first then use their GI Bill to continue their education, or you can even look at jobs that require you to have your Masters Degree and only set your sights on them and go talk to the Voc-Rehab folks to continue your education that way, just a thought.
With what you have stated in mind unless you are 100% disabled and deemed unable to work then there should be no issues, what I see on the VA webpage and what I am familiar with is that you can work and still draw your disability pay which I know many that do,
"Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to Veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as a mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)."
Now with that said if you have a disability rating why didn't you utilize Voc-Rehab before using your GI Bill? Many Vet's do not realize that they can use it first then use their GI Bill to continue their education, or you can even look at jobs that require you to have your Masters Degree and only set your sights on them and go talk to the Voc-Rehab folks to continue your education that way, just a thought.
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The purpose of Service Connected Disability Compensation:
"Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses."
"Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses."
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I wouldn't think working would affect your VA disability. I'm 60% and work. And congratulations on the degree!
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So long as you are not receiving 100% based upon Individual Unemployability (IU) you don't have to do anything. IU is where you are rated lower than 100%, but paid at the 100% rate because of one of your service connected disabilities you are unable to maintain gainful employment.
If you are receiving 100% due to IU you must report it, if not don't worry about it at all.
If you are receiving 100% due to IU you must report it, if not don't worry about it at all.
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I was wondering how that works. Had a guy working for me full time as a MIllwright. And also collecting 100% disability.
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