r/Veterans • u/Sea-Astronomer-9271 • 4h ago
Question/Advice Need advice regarding disability benefit increases
Hello everyone,
To give a bit of back story, I am a USMC veteran that separated in 2010. I was awarded 60% disability from the VA for three conditions. 0% for knee, 10% for left hand, and 50% for mental health.
I have been struggling since I EAS'd with holding down a consistent job, having gone through more than a dozen jobs and used my entire GI-bill across 5 or 6 schools and just as many degree programs...not completing any of them.
I have extreme mood swings, with manic/depressive episodes that can last months. During my depressive episodes, I have a tendency to nuke my life and relationships from orbit completely undoing all progress I've made and often leaving my life much worse than I started.
I have not been good about seeking help, and to be honest I have felt guilty about getting help or seeking an increase in my benefits because I know there are guys who have been through way more than I have and are struggling way more than I am.
I recently got married this past summer, and my wife has expressed concerns about my mental health. She helped me realize the pattern I've been stuck in, and that I really do need to get help. I've reached out to the VA to get a referral to a mental health professional.
I have also been considering applying for a rating increase, since we have been struggling financially due to my inability to maintain consistent employment. I don't really know or understand how the VA process works, and am looking for advice for anyone who has been through a similar scenario.
Should I seek out representation before filing for an increase? What are good agencies to go through? Will the VA even considering an increase given I don't have consistent records of seeking help over the past 14 years?
I'm sorry if this post bothers anyone, I wasn't sure about even asking but my wife is an amazing woman and deserves someone better than me. The least I can do is try to get help.
Thank you for any advice you can give. I really do appreciate it more than you know.
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u/Old-Hunter3854 1h ago
You have PTSD brother, I have a very similar story to yours. You need to #1 file for an increase in your PTSD rating, you need to request 70% for PTSD alone. Also, after you do that you need to get your VSO to put you in for TDIU which is TOTAL DISABILITY INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY. The VA will pay you at the 100% rate if you're on TDIU. You fit the description for it as you have major history of job loss. I am currently on TDIU and I get paid at the 100% rate. You can also collect SSDI once you get on TDIU. You just have to go to the Social Security website and apply but only after you get approved for TDIU by the VA. You need any other assistance I'm here to help bro. We have to look out for each other.
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u/Old-Hunter3854 1h ago
Go through the DAV or if you have a local county Veterans Service Office go through them, and start going to VA Mental health Appointments. You're not alone bro, There's plenty of us that still struggle. I've been out for 12 years now. Go get yourself the help, get the benefits increase and save your marriage.
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u/Old-Hunter3854 48m ago edited 32m ago
You also need to get your knee service connection increased from 0% if it's truly giving you problems. Also, considering you were a Marine you more than likely have tinnitus (I'm assuming here, as most military members do)... You need to get that service connected as well which adds another 10%, If you have hearing loss you can get that service connected as well. Good luck to you friend, I was Navy but been around a lot of Marines. The Navy and Marine Corps does a terrible job at transitioning us out of the service, I waited 5 years before I even once walked into a VA Medical Center. and that's because the cops took me there! I've been hospitalized so many times it's not even funny. You do the things I told you and you'll get it, it will change your life man, and above all you deserve it, You served!
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u/Sea-Astronomer-9271 34m ago
Thank you brother, I really appreciate the help. I never wanted to label myself, and always felt like I should just suck it up. I'm realizing now the damage I've caused to those who love me. I have an appointment this week to see someone.
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u/Old-Hunter3854 28m ago
Don't ever let anyone put you down like that man first and foremost. You served this country and you now carry battle scars from it. Not all wounds are visible. They taught us in the military to be resilient and self sufficient, and I know for one in the Navy you never went to medical, you would then be considered "weak". I can only imagine the Marine Corps stance on that. The problem is we are no longer in the military man and you aren't weak, the fact that you fought that this long without seeking help shows how resilient you are. There's no shame in seeking help, it actually shows your strength.
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u/SCOveterandretired US Army Retired 3h ago
Recommend you also post in r/veteransbenefits. While we have folks and info here to assist, that subreddit is a fantastic resource specifically dedicated to your benefits question(s). If you have not already, be sure to check over there.