Can You Work Part-Time and Maintain 100% VA Disability Rating?
Many wonder if it's possible to work part-time and still retain a 100% VA disability rating. The answer varies depending on the type of disability and how it is assessed.
Psychiatric Disabilities and Employability
For psychiatric disabilities, the ability to work is a critical factor in determining the disability rating. If a person can work, it's considered an indicator of better overall health and condition. For instance, if a psychiatric condition is considered unemployable, this factor alone can push the rating to 100%. However, if you begin working part-time, the unemployable status is removed, which reduces the rating. This is because the VA assumes that you are in a position to work more, thus your condition is less severe.
One example is a psychiatric disability case where an individual is rated 100% due to being unemployable. However, if this person starts working part-time, they lose the 100% rating and drop to 90%. The message here is clear: the ability to work, even part-time, can impact your VA disability rating. It is important to understand that this doesn't necessarily mean your condition improves, but rather that the VA considers you capable of finding or maintaining employment.
Non-Employability Factors
Not all disabilities have an employability factor. Some disabilities such as blindness or amputation are considered fully disabling, regardless of employment status. This is perfectly illustrated by Max Cleland, a triple amputee from Vietnam who was rated 100% disabled. His job status didn't affect his rating as the assessment was purely on the extent of his physical impairments.
The Reality of Disability Distribution
While the VA disability rating focuses on the damage suffered in the military, this does not always account for civilian employment. An example with a leg injury due to saving a life is telling. A soldier saved a life but in doing so, his leg was severely damaged. Despite this, he was able to work full-time and eventually received a 100% rating due to his ongoing health issues related to the accident. Despite having a job, he continues to suffer from skeletal problems and walks with a limp.
The same applies to a different individual who was discharged with a 100% rating but only because of the 'unemployable' status. If he were to start working part-time, the VA would reduce his rating to 90% and potentially scale back on medical benefits. The 100% rating provides comprehensive coverage for everything, which would be compromised by a reduction in rating.
Another person faced a severe health issue where their gallbladder had surgery, resulting in a massive infection. The experience was harrowing, with a medical bill of $42,000, fully covered by the VA. This underscores the extensive and expensive medical care that 100% disability status provides.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while part-time employment can affect your VA disability rating, it is crucial to weigh the trade-offs between maintaining full coverage and potential reductions in benefits. Consulting with a VA disability expert can provide much-needed guidance in navigating these complex issues.
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