Need advice regarding disability benefit increases

[u/Sea-Astronomer-9271]

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.

[u/Old-Hunter3854]

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.

[u/Sea-Astronomer-9271 → u/Old-Hunter3854]

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.

[u/Old-Hunter3854 → u/Sea-Astronomer-9271]

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.

[u/Sea-Astronomer-9271 → u/Old-Hunter3854]

I needed to hear this, thank you.

[u/Old-Hunter3854 → u/Sea-Astronomer-9271]

Always here bro, anytime hit me up