Question:
Hello, I have a P&T rating of 100% for PTSD. I understand that this means that I can work or go to school. However, I worry that trying to work or go to school would then be used as evidence of improvement of my PTSD. Is this reasonable? Does the VA do this? I have been hospitalized many times for suicidal ideation, and I worry that if it happens again, it would mean loosing any job I might have. I would hate to loose my benefits and then find out I can't hold down a job. Thanks for any insight.
Jim's Reply:
A Permanent and Total (P & T) rating means pretty much just that. VA isn't looking over your shoulder to see if you can work or not so if you are able, do go back to work.
The permanent assignment is given to a rating on the assumption that it's very unlikely that you'll be successful in returning to work. Even if you are successful the rating is there just in case.
I think that work is it's own reward so I encourage everyone to do whatever they're capable of knowing that your benefit is there if you stumble. If you're successful in a return to full time work, even then you've got no worries. VA recognizes that you earned the benefit and won't be coming after it.
Good luck.