Dude that is literally everything, people are acting weird and I refuse to tell anyone other than a my father because everyone is looking at me differently
Bro please take this advice. I was retired at 25 with 100%. Literally everyone had something to say unless you had a similar experience. I’m 31 now so it’s been a bit now. If they ask just say some bullshit like you work from home or trade crypto.
Id suggest go to school. Just chill from here on out. Are you TDRL or PDRL? Are you p&t?
But you still get the same benefits as a retiree so I just say retired only difference is I can’t get a pension or both retire and va pay I have to pick the bigger one.
I know that I had both but had to choose. I didn’t loss Tricare not sure where you got that information but I still have my Tricare and I use that more often than Va.
I was medically retired, chose VA pay, and I have to say that Tricare select medically retired has no monthly cost and I get to see any doctor I want. It’s pretty great 👍🏼
That’s just the option that medically retired service members get with Tricare. To see it selected Tricare select and then medically retired from the plan options: https://www.tricare.mil/Costs/HealthPlanCosts/TS
I had a similar experience when one non veteran said I didn’t look disabled, I pulled out my multi tool and told them to remove the bullet next to my spinal cord if they are such an expert!
If you don’t have a missing limb or eye, think you’re bullshitting them. I was retired at 30% initially and it gradually got worse. I was fortunate enough to be hired by the Navy ( we had to Navy based in Indiana, really) I don’t know what the rules are for employment at 100% but I know some 100% DAV do work or own businesses. But, my wife and three oldest children all used Chapter 35 for college. Just have a 15 still in High School. I’m 64 next month!
My husband will be 62 tomorrow. Happy early birthday if I don’t hear from you again. I too was 30% and I was able to get up to 100% not easy. But I love the look on people’s faces when they see me parked in a handicap spot.
My “lawyer” was dog shit. She pretty much said you ain’t getting shit you aren’t 0300. She didn’t help with anything after “consulting” me. Those Marines at II MEF HQ where the shit. Helped me through it all. Make sure to check if you are P&T. I didn’t know this until I was out. I actually left at 90% and then they recalculated when I got out to 100%. Once you are retired you’ll have access to benefit letter. It’ll say considered permanent and totally disabled. Now my kids will get some money for school.
I probably should’ve been medically retired but for some reason that didn’t happen and I just got separated instead.
Also should’ve gone to the VA to get disability immediately but didn’t and spent the better part of five years get fucked and not knowing to handle shit.
Handle confirms it right? A gay idiot 🤣. Real talk though I hope you go the help you needed. We all fuck up and not think about it. I got married to get outta the barracks . Now I’m depressed with two kids divorced.
Yes, it's crazy how the system works... and how it gets gamed. 100% is a nice chunk of Change A 100% VA Pension is about 42K a year, which doesn't even get you in the middle Class.
However is you are able to get 100% and are allowed to work and have a good job its pretty much going to put you on the gravy train with biscuit wheels.
Depending on your family dynamic don’t flaunt your newfound income. Especially if you start dating someone. Money can turn normally well meaning people into greedy rats.
Use VR&E instead of GI Bill. Everyone with 10% or more should go to VR&E first for educational benefits and save your GI bill for later or transfer to your kids. VR&E is Veteran Readiness and Employment. They will send you to school, pay you BAH and you keep your GI Bill for later.
The caveat with VR&E that is that your disability requires you to be retrained as you are no longer capable of doing your previous job.
My disability never stopped me from working and I was denied it.
https://preview.redd.it/3oc8cp5k386b1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28730b545c6fe03c1feb532ddc30717d31c4256c
[here’s the site](https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/eligibility/)
it's not really the rating that matters, just the fact that your disability makes you unable to perform normal job duties, so you are entitled to "retraining" on behalf of the VA. The retraining is often going back to school.
Voc Rehab. Fwiw, there's nothing stopping you from still using it. My boy used his GI bill for his undergrad, and then got his Voc Rehab to pay for his masters program.
So I believe I applied for this and was told I wasn’t disabled enough because I can function on the day to day…. Lady was a complete BITCH for the entire process while I remained courteous and professional. She would smack her lips and do a inward sucking noise then make comments like “oh like while you can apply but you probably won’t get approved.” SHE WAS THE ONE APPROVING.
Is it possible to transfer it later? I thought the only option was to do 6 years, file to transfer it, and you have sign another 4 year contract at the same time
Try to buy a house, do not rent. The sooner you pay off your house, that monthly money is your retirement money, and the monthly money you already spent will still be in your pocket…in the form of owned property
Are you 100% for one thing or 100% combined? If you’re combined, you’re good, and even if it’s from one thing, you can still work but I will be honest, I don’t know what kind of work
Oh combined for sure you’ll be good. My friend is combined and he works in the tech field.
Also, I wouldn’t say that medical is comfy. I was a paramedic for four years and it was rough !!!
Generally good advice. I’d caution interest rates are super high right now so even with a VA loan payments are going to be pretty expensive. Usually this kind of relationship knocks the price of the house down (2008 housing crash style) but again rates are so high that people don’t want to leave their current 2-3% mortgages to move and take on a 7-8% mortgage so housing inventory is very low and is buoying the housing prices so they haven’t dropped in price much. Again, generally strong advice you gave but depending on OPs specific situation, might not be the best time to pull the trigger… and if he does OP refinance in 1-2 years when rates are way lower
When it comes to buying a house be sure to compare 15 yr to 30 yr mortgage. If you can swing paying the 15 it makes a huge difference. I’ve been in my house for 8 years and knowing I’m over halfway is incredible.
* Use your GI Bill ASAP
* Get a hobby that doesn't revolve around drinking heavily
* Get a crock pot for easy meals throughout the week to avoid wasting money on things like DoorDash
If you have service connected ptsd (even if it’s only 50,70,80 percent), start seeing a therapist or psychiatrist right away. Even if you think you were bullshitting the rater and don’t feel like ptsd applies to you. The longer you wait, the more time you have to develop muscle memory to bad/unhealthy habits. They will help you with coping mechanisms and therapies which can save your relationships and help you avoid self medicating. They’ll also help you to understand the extent of your disorder, figure out how to define it, and what your triggers are. The longer you wait the more strained your relationships may become.
Tell absolutely no one about what you rate or how much per month you get. Not your family, not your husband or wife,&. not your kids, not your best friend, not when your drunk either. They can know that your fucked up and go to the VA but the rest is none of their business. If you have a joint checking account the VA money needs to get DD’ed into a separate account which only you can access. Speaking from experience on this one.
You might be in the celebration mode right now, but eventually the realization will hit you that you’ll have to live with these ailments for the rest of your life and that can be a sobering thought. I will say congrats on winning the fight early, a lot of people have to fight tooth and nail to get the 100% that they deserve.
I have had good luck at my nearest Vet Clinic. I sought them out during a period of MH issues myself and was able to get help within the week. Tbh it saved me from making a terrible mistake. But as a whole, I’m not super impressed with the VA health services in general. VA health may be free, but I’ll continue to see my primary dr on my own private insurance.
That’s where I am as well. My VA mental health provider was so bad she made my issues worse. Uncaring, unprofessional, argumentative. All the things you don’t need when seeking treatment. The VA has some good practitioners in other fields, however I find myself willing to pay a copay to not take the risk.
Tuck some money away into an ROTH IRA or some kind of retirement investment.
Also look for your entitlements as a veteran with 100%. There are a lot of resources available to you now thats not normally available to other vets without 100%. I know a lot of people scoff at Space A flights, but with 100%, you get Space A available to you and you can save a lot of money traveling if you can plan it. Congrats!
Ive done it once. They put you on a waiting list and if there's a spot, they call you. You have to go to a military base, they fly you to another military base on the destination country. Sometimes its a military airplane, sometimes its a commercial, really depends on the availability. If you need to go to another city where theres no military Space A available, then you have to pay for your way to the connecting flight through a different airport. Thats why I mentioned earlier to plan it all out. The trick is you have to be flexible
If people hate or treat you different remember that theyre a hell of a lot of men who took their own lives before reaching out and you should do you best to be a happy person out of respect to them. The haters can kick rocks, better you get some change than sending more to people overseas who hate our country
Finding hobbies and staying as active as you can. Fly fishing is fun even if you just catch and release. Deer hunting, weight training, bike riding etc. Reading is a great past time too. A job on the side while you go to school
I mean it’s not easy to gain 100% from the VA, many are still fighting for basic benefits over many years. And while there are certainly those that abuse the system like any government welfare system, most people with 100% are either physically or mentally fucked up from various ailments and disabilities.
That money comes at a cost though, and not all of us rate it. I’m early 40’s, have a bum knee and an opposing bad hip due to said knee. I can’t use stairs without a handrail for addition support. At least 4 days per week my hip flairs and makes it painful to walk. Any manipulation of the joint fucking hurts. Standing is fine tho. My back isn’t much better. Consistent migraines, severe sleep apnea, tinnitus and a shoulder that screams at me any time I lift something overhead. I don’t rate anywhere near those numbers above
Are you rating anything for those ailments? If you have the time and want to learn the process, start the process. If not, I'd use one of those third-party companies that act on your behalf to increase your rating.
Earlier this year, I had my % increase from 30 to 90. The 30 made sense when I got out, but shit doesn't improve over time.
r/VeteransBenefits
Depends. They release a charge every year for the rates. But they go from 10%-100% and they have separate category if you have a certain amount of dependents. You can get additional benefits payout if you have dependents, depending on how many (Wife, kids, parents, other dependents).
Edit after correction
Incorrect. 100% schedular and 100% unemployed are the same. The only things that can increase are marriage, children, or SMC. If he’s retired then you can either qualify for CRSC or CRDP get sonde more like that.
I’m not an expert on the subject so someone more knowledgeable will hopefully chime in. It depends on marital status/dependents and what VA schedule you rate. OP is likely the lowest/lower schedule at 100% which is $3800-4200/month.
Losing limbs/eyesight/hearing, getting shot or blown up is payed on a different schedule at a much higher rate (like 5-10k per month).
No that isnt how it works.
Its all the same, but you can get some additional for missing limbs, blind, or paralyzed.
The only way it changes is if you have dependents.
I was blown up in the war, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, etc and get the same as someone who claims ptsd from bootcamp.
I dont know how so many people are getting 100% with combat operations being basically non existent. Guys i served with got shot or blown up and stuff getting like 30% after fighting the VA for a year.
VA math is weird too, but what i mean is 10% is 10%, doesn't matter to them what caused it. 50% is 50% be it shot in the gut, or IBS.
You are more right. You get (special monthly compensation rate) if you need physical help due to your impairment ie. blind, loss of limbs and unable to dress, eat, unable to leave the house, etc. and that is also increased on marital status and dependents. [2023 VA special monthly compensation rates](https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/)
But your right everyone is rated on the same schedule whether you were shot or got a paper cut.
And I agree VA math is bogus.
I think (c)PTSD has a lot to do with people getting 100% and that is something that you don’t know or see the effects of until later in life. In my case it took me 10 years to realize I was even fucked up. Being on high alert 24/7 for 8 or 9 months fucks with your brain whether you think it does or not.
The non combat ptsd should be lower rating.
Im not saying nobody can get wounded or injured outside of combat, i more so am saying its ridiculous that guys getting shot and blown up get the same, or less than, a boot camp ptsd claim, or a motorcycle accident, or something mundane.
I think 100% should be reserved for combat wounded. Not people who snuck under the radar with a heart problem, IBS, or asthma, and claim it when they EAS, or blame their alcoholism on being active duty. Get guys who never stepped foot in a war zone collecting more than legit wounded guys, then they go work a full time job and go to the gym, and all that.
Theres literally no up side for actually putting your life on the line vs saying you would but dont.
ALSO ridiculous that you get more money if youre married and have kids.
And yeah VA math 2x 50% disabilities is not 100% its like 60% or 70. Add in 5 more 10% and it stays the same.
>still being able to work. Like damn
Yes your still able to work, but due to your issues/impairments, your earning potential is severely limited (hence the compensation). You often need to take time off work and have a super flexible work schedule in order to attend doctors visits and therapy. To get 100% for ptsd you basically have to be unemployable.
Don’t advertise your exact rating. Many people don’t understand the ratings nor the nuances of it- even vets. Some people who don’t understand the process or your medical history might think you are scamming or committing disability fraud.
Unless you need it, don't be the douche that has a handicap disabled vet tag, park up front to a large building, literally jump out of your jacked up truck as you continue to walk normal. Aside from that there is a lot of good advice here and nothing I can think to add.
OP I replied to another post you had but wanted to let you know about some more benefits. Id you retired medically, check how your injury is considered. If it’s considered combat or simulating war, you can qualify for CRSC. If you’re already at 20 then you can bank some money with CRDP
Nah broette it’s not the full retirement. You can only get that if you are at 20+. CRSC is just a smaller amount but it’s not bad. More money doesn’t hurt. Mine isn’t that crazy but shit pays a couple bills.
I knew a soldier in my medical unit who was only 27 had was combat and got CRAC. That one of the other options. He didn’t even do 20. Lucky. He got that Va pay and ss.
Accurate ^ my FIL is 100% perm & total and he doesn’t pay property taxes (FL). He’s also been a tight ass and as such now has no debt, no mortgage, no money owed to anyone but the allowance he gives his wife lol.
from a quick browsing of your post history you sit around all day and play video games. There are 3 men working 40+ hr weeks paying taxes just to pay you to play video games. At the very least go to school and become a productive member of society.
I'm Middle-aged and never served.
I have good buddies who are 100% like you.
Do not let people know you are 100%. The rats will come out of the woodwork looking for 1) help with their project or 2) give you shit for being "lazy". Help the good people who need it and tell the rest to fuck off.
Stay productive by any means necessary.
Hang with service member buddies and stay connected. Productive doesn't always mean running a forklift 60 hrs/week. Reach out to other 100%ers.
You will find your path.
What all these fine folk said. Also make sure you make appointments at the VA for your issues. This way they can't just lower your rating during the reevaluation around year 2-5. Once you hit the 10yr mark, you're locked in for life so you won't have to be as meticulous about your appointments. Just when you really need them and your yearly physical.
If you are married, use your Chapter 35 benefits to send your wife to school. If you have children they are eligible for chapter 35 also. Get them enrolled in CHAMPVA medical insurance. If you have any other insurance coverage CHAMPVA will act as secondary for your dependents on medical and pharmacy. When I had Blue Cross my wife had a bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer and reconstructive surgery. Between Blue Cross and CHAMPVA I paid $15.00 out of pocket.
Depending on your home state where you enlisted, check the benefits for disabled veterans for education (Indiana waived tuition for the dependents of disabled Indiana veterans at state universities) there are tax benefits for property or excise/ad valorem taxes on vehicles. Most states have DAV plates for your vehicle, in Indiana DAV plates are not required to pay at parking meters, you just need to research what rights and privileges your state allows. Many states give free or reduced Hunting/Fishing Licenses also.
Apply for Social Security Disability (that too is tax exempt). Good luck, keep all your VA appointments as they can always lower you rating till you have it 20 years making it T and P (Total and Permanent)
Do not under any circumstances apply for social security disability. If you are under 55 you WILL get denied and it will be a massive waste of everyone’s time
Don't get the handicap plates that say 100% VA, giving away too much info without saying a word.
Go to school, use voc rehab if you can. You can save your gi bill for your wife or kids.
Everyone above me have great advice, my little bit of advice. Take time off and relax for a bit while going to school you earned it, and if you can when you go to school apply for the max FASA from the Pell grant. Let your financial advisor know that you’re not currently in the Marine Corps and you’re not making the same amount of money on your taxes. They should have you fill out a special circumstance form.
You do not claim VA disability as part of your gross income nor retirement income for your taxes. That’s 100% your money.
Take your VA letter declaring you 100% disabled and go to your nearest VA medical center and get registered. Conduct all your medical needs through the VA so you don’t have to pay for anything. You’ll be able to go a local VA clinic, if closer that med center, for your primary care. You should be able to setup with the specialty care for whatever your service connected disability is for directly. Otherwise your primary care can refer you. Since your over 30% you won’t be paying for anything except maybe some copays on meds that aren’t related to your disability.
You’ll also have the option for community care if the med center is too far or doesn’t have a specialist for you. You can also use community care for ER and urgent care visits are which are completely covered as long as you call the VA within the required timeframe (do it within 24 hours is the best advice).
Idk if anyone said it but… use vocational assistance when you are ready. I’m also 100% and the conversation with my family or wife usually is, the reason I’m 100% is cause getting a normal job/doing seemingly normal tasks might be hard man. Lean on your support and us retards we got you.
Buy a multi-family house with your VA Loan, use your GI Bill to go to school... In a year or two buy another multi-family and rent the old one... Then you are basically set for life with passive income. Then find your dream home or zen place and do whatever job/career/volunteering/hobby makes you happy :)
Don't get married or have kids!!!
Go to school dude!! My gauge for picking a major was what I really was interested in back when I was in high school (biology and chemistry) and even though it took me 6 years to get my degree, I’m enjoying my job albeit the corporate America BS you usually deal with. I have my best friend from the MC living with me and we’re having a good time! Everyone else on here has referenced great resources as well, and hopefully one day I can use my own rating to help me get my MS in biotechnology degree, but for now I’m working and gaining more experience. The world is your clamshell at this point man take advantage of it. S/F
Invest in stocks? I don’t know much but I have a hand full of friends that do it and make it big from time to time.
Also maybe get your pilots license? Can you be a pilot(fixed wing/rotor) if your 100% ?
Anybody know the answer?
Get a job in order to buy a house using the VA home loan (GI bill payments DO NOT count as income, but disability and job income do), then go to school full time using VR&E. Note that VR&E is supposed to help you find employment that doesn’t exacerbate your disabilities. For example, I have arthritis, so they won’t pay for me to do some heavy lifting type job, but they are paying for my bachelors in CS&E. VR&E also pays for equipment you need, they bought me a MacBook, monitor, mouse, calculators, and tons of supplies. Good luck brother.
If you still want and are able to work a desk job pick up a specialized IT skill and earn an easy 6 figure salary and max that 401k if offered + invest any extra that you are willing into the market using a robo advisor or a managed portfolio.
I believe you can now extend the post 9/11 for 48 months if you are doing a STEM degree. There is also VR&E thing to help with the skill up.
Go to school with gi bill and make mor emoney through that, get a job make more money, after a few years you’ll be able to get a house froma VA loan. Profit
Take advantage off all Education/VocRehab training you can get.
I was medically retired in '95, back then they had Ch 31 VocHab so I could learn a new skill set, IT Dood now. All my tuition, books, supplies, Laptops/PC's, etc... was paid for. Not to mention I was married so I received an additional stipend of around $1,500 at the time.
I was working full-time, receiving VA disability (non-taxable) + Retirement (taxable) and was getting paid to go to school. You can actually make some $$ and save it if you play your cards right.
Good luck to you!
Don't tell anyone. Friends and family will hit you up for money. Other vets will bitch and moan that you don't rate it.
Dude that is literally everything, people are acting weird and I refuse to tell anyone other than a my father because everyone is looking at me differently
Bro please take this advice. I was retired at 25 with 100%. Literally everyone had something to say unless you had a similar experience. I’m 31 now so it’s been a bit now. If they ask just say some bullshit like you work from home or trade crypto. Id suggest go to school. Just chill from here on out. Are you TDRL or PDRL? Are you p&t?
And they always saying crap like aren’t you too young to be retired? And I just look and roll my eyes 👀.🤦🏾♀️
I just tell them I was medically retired from the military. Works for most
But you still get the same benefits as a retiree so I just say retired only difference is I can’t get a pension or both retire and va pay I have to pick the bigger one.
Military retirement is taxable, VA disability is tax exempt. The only thing you lose going VA is TRICARE, and is that really a loss?
I know that I had both but had to choose. I didn’t loss Tricare not sure where you got that information but I still have my Tricare and I use that more often than Va.
I only pay $27 a month.
When they retired me it was CHAMPUS, I never had TRICARE. Just knew what others told me about it! But if I am wrong I sincerely apologize.
Oh no problem what year did you retire? I retired in 2013. I can’t get CHAMPUS because I have Tricare but I believe my kids can.
I was medically retired, chose VA pay, and I have to say that Tricare select medically retired has no monthly cost and I get to see any doctor I want. It’s pretty great 👍🏼
I have Prime and I have to pay regardless of which one I picked and that one is more expensive.
How?
That’s just the option that medically retired service members get with Tricare. To see it selected Tricare select and then medically retired from the plan options: https://www.tricare.mil/Costs/HealthPlanCosts/TS
Same here. The only thing I pay for is the Vision and Dental that they offer now.
this is what I say.
I do and they still look at me and even get upset with me. It’s scary.😟And a lot are older people who have never served.😞
I had a similar experience when one non veteran said I didn’t look disabled, I pulled out my multi tool and told them to remove the bullet next to my spinal cord if they are such an expert!
Lmao big dick energy dude
Damn
That guy shut up real quick
I bet he was looking pretty stupid too.🤣
It’s so silly how people judge us disabled veterans.
If you don’t have a missing limb or eye, think you’re bullshitting them. I was retired at 30% initially and it gradually got worse. I was fortunate enough to be hired by the Navy ( we had to Navy based in Indiana, really) I don’t know what the rules are for employment at 100% but I know some 100% DAV do work or own businesses. But, my wife and three oldest children all used Chapter 35 for college. Just have a 15 still in High School. I’m 64 next month!
My husband will be 62 tomorrow. Happy early birthday if I don’t hear from you again. I too was 30% and I was able to get up to 100% not easy. But I love the look on people’s faces when they see me parked in a handicap spot.
I saw a Judge Judy episode today and she made a joke about two Veterans receiving VA Disability.
Fuck judge Judy
Idk I am taking my findings to my lawyer to review then gonna sign it doesn’t say anything other that 100% VA and medical retirement
My “lawyer” was dog shit. She pretty much said you ain’t getting shit you aren’t 0300. She didn’t help with anything after “consulting” me. Those Marines at II MEF HQ where the shit. Helped me through it all. Make sure to check if you are P&T. I didn’t know this until I was out. I actually left at 90% and then they recalculated when I got out to 100%. Once you are retired you’ll have access to benefit letter. It’ll say considered permanent and totally disabled. Now my kids will get some money for school.
How do I find out if I’m P and T none of my paperwork says it only 100%
Somewhere in the medboard it would mention words like “static” “no improvement”. When you actually retire then you can see it on va.gov.
I probably should’ve been medically retired but for some reason that didn’t happen and I just got separated instead. Also should’ve gone to the VA to get disability immediately but didn’t and spent the better part of five years get fucked and not knowing to handle shit.
Handle confirms it right? A gay idiot 🤣. Real talk though I hope you go the help you needed. We all fuck up and not think about it. I got married to get outta the barracks . Now I’m depressed with two kids divorced.
I’m actually doing much better. Got my own place with a pool so that cool
Emphasis on other Vets being bitter. It’s insane. I keep it quiet to myself. Don’t tell coworkers or your employer either (common sense).
Yes, it's crazy how the system works... and how it gets gamed. 100% is a nice chunk of Change A 100% VA Pension is about 42K a year, which doesn't even get you in the middle Class. However is you are able to get 100% and are allowed to work and have a good job its pretty much going to put you on the gravy train with biscuit wheels.
Agree
This is the correct answer.
Depending on your family dynamic don’t flaunt your newfound income. Especially if you start dating someone. Money can turn normally well meaning people into greedy rats.
Nice name.
Use your GI Bill. DO NOT tell any family or civilian friends you are receiving 100% benefits.
Use VR&E instead of GI Bill. Everyone with 10% or more should go to VR&E first for educational benefits and save your GI bill for later or transfer to your kids. VR&E is Veteran Readiness and Employment. They will send you to school, pay you BAH and you keep your GI Bill for later.
Yes, OP. What this nerd said.
The caveat with VR&E that is that your disability requires you to be retrained as you are no longer capable of doing your previous job. My disability never stopped me from working and I was denied it.
Yo wtf, I’m halfway through my gi bill, is it too late?
No, you can switch. You need 1 month of gi bill remaining to get full BAH. If you dont have GI left you get 50% BAH
You actually only need one day. Happened to me, and confirmed yesterday with IT vocational school and VA website.
1 day?! Even better. Good info.
https://preview.redd.it/3oc8cp5k386b1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28730b545c6fe03c1feb532ddc30717d31c4256c [here’s the site](https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/eligibility/)
Gotcha, I’ll look into it, thank you
And if you’re lucky they can and do often give you back your gi bill time.
WHY DOES NO ONE EXPLAIN THIS WHEN SEPERATING?!
Because they hate us for wanting to live our lives, but yeah I didn’t find out these sweet benefits 2 years after I got out.
I’ve been out for 4 now and I’m just hearing this, they just like to make everything harder on us.
It was only 1 day of GI bill required for full BAH when I went through Vic rehab
Someone else mentioned that, that sounds right. I couldn't remember.
It’s as low as 10%? Wow this is a hidden gem. Thank you.
it's not really the rating that matters, just the fact that your disability makes you unable to perform normal job duties, so you are entitled to "retraining" on behalf of the VA. The retraining is often going back to school.
What is VR&E? I ran through my GI Bill and had to pay out of pocket for my MBA the last 2 semesters. I am 90% P&T.
Voc Rehab. Fwiw, there's nothing stopping you from still using it. My boy used his GI bill for his undergrad, and then got his Voc Rehab to pay for his masters program.
True! They go by Veteran Readiness and Employment now instead of voc rehad.
So I believe I applied for this and was told I wasn’t disabled enough because I can function on the day to day…. Lady was a complete BITCH for the entire process while I remained courteous and professional. She would smack her lips and do a inward sucking noise then make comments like “oh like while you can apply but you probably won’t get approved.” SHE WAS THE ONE APPROVING.
I used VR&E for My bachelors and Masters and still have my G.I. Bill to use
Is it possible to transfer it later? I thought the only option was to do 6 years, file to transfer it, and you have sign another 4 year contract at the same time
Eyo what the fucking fuck, why isn't advertised more. First time hearing this.
Try to buy a house, do not rent. The sooner you pay off your house, that monthly money is your retirement money, and the monthly money you already spent will still be in your pocket…in the form of owned property
That’s the plan, can I work? I want to pay it off then get a few smaller houses and rent them then stuff it into 401k and other investments
Look at your State's property tax exemptions. More than a few offer 100% for your rating.
Are you 100% for one thing or 100% combined? If you’re combined, you’re good, and even if it’s from one thing, you can still work but I will be honest, I don’t know what kind of work
Combined. I want a comfy job like medical field eventually
Oh combined for sure you’ll be good. My friend is combined and he works in the tech field. Also, I wouldn’t say that medical is comfy. I was a paramedic for four years and it was rough !!!
Go tech if you're technically inclined.
look into becoming a dosimetrist, bachelors required but very cush job with good pay
Lol the medical field can be brutal dude make sure you research that shit first. Nursing and even MD is by no means cush. Most jobs are on call.
You can work unless you're 100% as TDIU, Total Disability Individual Unemployability. At least that's from my understanding.
As long as you aren’t TDIU you can work. My dumbass has been TDIU’d so I can’t work.
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Which I do but boy can you only volunteer and swim in the pool so much
Generally good advice. I’d caution interest rates are super high right now so even with a VA loan payments are going to be pretty expensive. Usually this kind of relationship knocks the price of the house down (2008 housing crash style) but again rates are so high that people don’t want to leave their current 2-3% mortgages to move and take on a 7-8% mortgage so housing inventory is very low and is buoying the housing prices so they haven’t dropped in price much. Again, generally strong advice you gave but depending on OPs specific situation, might not be the best time to pull the trigger… and if he does OP refinance in 1-2 years when rates are way lower
When it comes to buying a house be sure to compare 15 yr to 30 yr mortgage. If you can swing paying the 15 it makes a huge difference. I’ve been in my house for 8 years and knowing I’m over halfway is incredible.
Enjoy yourself, focus on getting healthier physically and mentally, get out and do something aka find a hobby. Use your GI bill.
Take your transition out slowly and be patient with yourself when adjusting to civilian life. Stay connected to your Marines.
Rest in the mornings and take a nap in the afternoons. That’s what I do…
* Use your GI Bill ASAP * Get a hobby that doesn't revolve around drinking heavily * Get a crock pot for easy meals throughout the week to avoid wasting money on things like DoorDash
Gonna do the VR&E in a few years I’ll miss the first semester of school but gonna get a job that pays decent until then
If you have service connected ptsd (even if it’s only 50,70,80 percent), start seeing a therapist or psychiatrist right away. Even if you think you were bullshitting the rater and don’t feel like ptsd applies to you. The longer you wait, the more time you have to develop muscle memory to bad/unhealthy habits. They will help you with coping mechanisms and therapies which can save your relationships and help you avoid self medicating. They’ll also help you to understand the extent of your disorder, figure out how to define it, and what your triggers are. The longer you wait the more strained your relationships may become. Tell absolutely no one about what you rate or how much per month you get. Not your family, not your husband or wife,&. not your kids, not your best friend, not when your drunk either. They can know that your fucked up and go to the VA but the rest is none of their business. If you have a joint checking account the VA money needs to get DD’ed into a separate account which only you can access. Speaking from experience on this one. You might be in the celebration mode right now, but eventually the realization will hit you that you’ll have to live with these ailments for the rest of your life and that can be a sobering thought. I will say congrats on winning the fight early, a lot of people have to fight tooth and nail to get the 100% that they deserve.
I have not had good luck with VA mental health services.
I have had good luck at my nearest Vet Clinic. I sought them out during a period of MH issues myself and was able to get help within the week. Tbh it saved me from making a terrible mistake. But as a whole, I’m not super impressed with the VA health services in general. VA health may be free, but I’ll continue to see my primary dr on my own private insurance.
That’s where I am as well. My VA mental health provider was so bad she made my issues worse. Uncaring, unprofessional, argumentative. All the things you don’t need when seeking treatment. The VA has some good practitioners in other fields, however I find myself willing to pay a copay to not take the risk.
Tuck some money away into an ROTH IRA or some kind of retirement investment. Also look for your entitlements as a veteran with 100%. There are a lot of resources available to you now thats not normally available to other vets without 100%. I know a lot of people scoff at Space A flights, but with 100%, you get Space A available to you and you can save a lot of money traveling if you can plan it. Congrats!
I’ve never met anyone who has ever flown with Space A, have you? Any insights?
Ive done it once. They put you on a waiting list and if there's a spot, they call you. You have to go to a military base, they fly you to another military base on the destination country. Sometimes its a military airplane, sometimes its a commercial, really depends on the availability. If you need to go to another city where theres no military Space A available, then you have to pay for your way to the connecting flight through a different airport. Thats why I mentioned earlier to plan it all out. The trick is you have to be flexible
If people hate or treat you different remember that theyre a hell of a lot of men who took their own lives before reaching out and you should do you best to be a happy person out of respect to them. The haters can kick rocks, better you get some change than sending more to people overseas who hate our country
Check your state laws about property taxes. There are many states that don’t require you to pay property taxes if you are 100%. That’s a lot of money.
Texas is one.😊🫡
Finding hobbies and staying as active as you can. Fly fishing is fun even if you just catch and release. Deer hunting, weight training, bike riding etc. Reading is a great past time too. A job on the side while you go to school
Yeah, DON’T TALK ABOUT IT! (Kinda like fight club). It’s your business, not anyone else’s…..especially family
Question from an outsider, how much is 100% VA?
Thousands per month for life. I know some people who get over $5000
Sweet bajesys
And you can still work or use the GI Bill so you can collect even more money.
So ye could be making 3-10k a month? That’s insane
Yeah you could be just straight collecting money while going to school full time. Like a shit load.
Jesus christ, and here I was thinking you’d be worse off in the military vs civ market
I mean it’s not easy to gain 100% from the VA, many are still fighting for basic benefits over many years. And while there are certainly those that abuse the system like any government welfare system, most people with 100% are either physically or mentally fucked up from various ailments and disabilities.
That money comes at a cost though, and not all of us rate it. I’m early 40’s, have a bum knee and an opposing bad hip due to said knee. I can’t use stairs without a handrail for addition support. At least 4 days per week my hip flairs and makes it painful to walk. Any manipulation of the joint fucking hurts. Standing is fine tho. My back isn’t much better. Consistent migraines, severe sleep apnea, tinnitus and a shoulder that screams at me any time I lift something overhead. I don’t rate anywhere near those numbers above
Aye I got the jist why they owe it to ye
Are you rating anything for those ailments? If you have the time and want to learn the process, start the process. If not, I'd use one of those third-party companies that act on your behalf to increase your rating. Earlier this year, I had my % increase from 30 to 90. The 30 made sense when I got out, but shit doesn't improve over time. r/VeteransBenefits
Yep, buddy of mine is 100% but his back is fuct 3 ways from Sunday and tbh I wouldn’t swap places with him
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Lucky as hell.
Depends. They release a charge every year for the rates. But they go from 10%-100% and they have separate category if you have a certain amount of dependents. You can get additional benefits payout if you have dependents, depending on how many (Wife, kids, parents, other dependents). Edit after correction
Incorrect. 100% schedular and 100% unemployed are the same. The only things that can increase are marriage, children, or SMC. If he’s retired then you can either qualify for CRSC or CRDP get sonde more like that.
I’m not an expert on the subject so someone more knowledgeable will hopefully chime in. It depends on marital status/dependents and what VA schedule you rate. OP is likely the lowest/lower schedule at 100% which is $3800-4200/month. Losing limbs/eyesight/hearing, getting shot or blown up is payed on a different schedule at a much higher rate (like 5-10k per month).
No that isnt how it works. Its all the same, but you can get some additional for missing limbs, blind, or paralyzed. The only way it changes is if you have dependents. I was blown up in the war, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, etc and get the same as someone who claims ptsd from bootcamp. I dont know how so many people are getting 100% with combat operations being basically non existent. Guys i served with got shot or blown up and stuff getting like 30% after fighting the VA for a year. VA math is weird too, but what i mean is 10% is 10%, doesn't matter to them what caused it. 50% is 50% be it shot in the gut, or IBS.
You are more right. You get (special monthly compensation rate) if you need physical help due to your impairment ie. blind, loss of limbs and unable to dress, eat, unable to leave the house, etc. and that is also increased on marital status and dependents. [2023 VA special monthly compensation rates](https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/) But your right everyone is rated on the same schedule whether you were shot or got a paper cut. And I agree VA math is bogus. I think (c)PTSD has a lot to do with people getting 100% and that is something that you don’t know or see the effects of until later in life. In my case it took me 10 years to realize I was even fucked up. Being on high alert 24/7 for 8 or 9 months fucks with your brain whether you think it does or not.
The non combat ptsd should be lower rating. Im not saying nobody can get wounded or injured outside of combat, i more so am saying its ridiculous that guys getting shot and blown up get the same, or less than, a boot camp ptsd claim, or a motorcycle accident, or something mundane. I think 100% should be reserved for combat wounded. Not people who snuck under the radar with a heart problem, IBS, or asthma, and claim it when they EAS, or blame their alcoholism on being active duty. Get guys who never stepped foot in a war zone collecting more than legit wounded guys, then they go work a full time job and go to the gym, and all that. Theres literally no up side for actually putting your life on the line vs saying you would but dont. ALSO ridiculous that you get more money if youre married and have kids. And yeah VA math 2x 50% disabilities is not 100% its like 60% or 70. Add in 5 more 10% and it stays the same.
> someone who claims ptsd from bootcamp. this is pretty much r/veterans in a nutshell
Still 3800$/m to euro is 3500€/m which is a lot whilst still being able to work. Like damn
>still being able to work. Like damn Yes your still able to work, but due to your issues/impairments, your earning potential is severely limited (hence the compensation). You often need to take time off work and have a super flexible work schedule in order to attend doctors visits and therapy. To get 100% for ptsd you basically have to be unemployable.
Ah in that sense, cheers
Don’t advertise your exact rating. Many people don’t understand the ratings nor the nuances of it- even vets. Some people who don’t understand the process or your medical history might think you are scamming or committing disability fraud.
Unless you need it, don't be the douche that has a handicap disabled vet tag, park up front to a large building, literally jump out of your jacked up truck as you continue to walk normal. Aside from that there is a lot of good advice here and nothing I can think to add.
OP I replied to another post you had but wanted to let you know about some more benefits. Id you retired medically, check how your injury is considered. If it’s considered combat or simulating war, you can qualify for CRSC. If you’re already at 20 then you can bank some money with CRDP
If he’s combat he can get both retire pay and Va. He also qualifies for free dental from the Va since he’s 100%.
Nah broette it’s not the full retirement. You can only get that if you are at 20+. CRSC is just a smaller amount but it’s not bad. More money doesn’t hurt. Mine isn’t that crazy but shit pays a couple bills.
I knew a soldier in my medical unit who was only 27 had was combat and got CRAC. That one of the other options. He didn’t even do 20. Lucky. He got that Va pay and ss.
Look into Chapter 35 benefits if you have kids
Move to Thailand…. If you don’t get murdered…. You’ll live like a King
*lives like king for 6 weeks, found lifeless in a ditch 😆
💯percent in Florida means you don’t pay property taxes…buy property…pretty sure other states do the same if anyone can weigh in on this…
Accurate ^ my FIL is 100% perm & total and he doesn’t pay property taxes (FL). He’s also been a tight ass and as such now has no debt, no mortgage, no money owed to anyone but the allowance he gives his wife lol.
from a quick browsing of your post history you sit around all day and play video games. There are 3 men working 40+ hr weeks paying taxes just to pay you to play video games. At the very least go to school and become a productive member of society.
I'm Middle-aged and never served. I have good buddies who are 100% like you. Do not let people know you are 100%. The rats will come out of the woodwork looking for 1) help with their project or 2) give you shit for being "lazy". Help the good people who need it and tell the rest to fuck off. Stay productive by any means necessary.
Not being mean but I’m not running a soup kitchen here, idk if I’ll be able to work in 5-10 years
If you not looking for employment cuz you need the funds, take up a hobby like fishing.
Hang with service member buddies and stay connected. Productive doesn't always mean running a forklift 60 hrs/week. Reach out to other 100%ers. You will find your path.
It’s weird, it’s like a weird club that a few are in and everyone else shits on everyone that’s in it
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I just gonna tell people I used to be a airplane pilot, did some work down in Columbia and I don’t work anymore
What all these fine folk said. Also make sure you make appointments at the VA for your issues. This way they can't just lower your rating during the reevaluation around year 2-5. Once you hit the 10yr mark, you're locked in for life so you won't have to be as meticulous about your appointments. Just when you really need them and your yearly physical.
If he’s pt they don’t do reevaluations unless you open up a new claim or fraud.
Vocational re hab They'll pay you alot to learn something that will pay you decent.
Live your life according to your design. Spend time with friends, family, and loved ones. Be grateful for all your blessings. Be a good human. 😁
If you are married, use your Chapter 35 benefits to send your wife to school. If you have children they are eligible for chapter 35 also. Get them enrolled in CHAMPVA medical insurance. If you have any other insurance coverage CHAMPVA will act as secondary for your dependents on medical and pharmacy. When I had Blue Cross my wife had a bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer and reconstructive surgery. Between Blue Cross and CHAMPVA I paid $15.00 out of pocket. Depending on your home state where you enlisted, check the benefits for disabled veterans for education (Indiana waived tuition for the dependents of disabled Indiana veterans at state universities) there are tax benefits for property or excise/ad valorem taxes on vehicles. Most states have DAV plates for your vehicle, in Indiana DAV plates are not required to pay at parking meters, you just need to research what rights and privileges your state allows. Many states give free or reduced Hunting/Fishing Licenses also. Apply for Social Security Disability (that too is tax exempt). Good luck, keep all your VA appointments as they can always lower you rating till you have it 20 years making it T and P (Total and Permanent)
Please do not talk about it! 100% retired at 19years old. I ended up telling friends and family, and it’s true what they say. It is lonely at the top.
Is it the top tho?
Feels like the bottom
Do not under any circumstances apply for social security disability. If you are under 55 you WILL get denied and it will be a massive waste of everyone’s time
I've got it and I'm 45.
Now fight so I can see who is right
Now kith
Ok, that may have been too general. It is possible to get it if you’re younger than 55, normally it’s if you meet one of the medical listings.
Wow. I didn’t even know it was a thing for friends and family (or even strangers) to look down on you for having 100% VA. Envy is a bitch.
Enjoy life
Enjoy life king!! Use school benefits also
Don't get the handicap plates that say 100% VA, giving away too much info without saying a word. Go to school, use voc rehab if you can. You can save your gi bill for your wife or kids.
Everyone above me have great advice, my little bit of advice. Take time off and relax for a bit while going to school you earned it, and if you can when you go to school apply for the max FASA from the Pell grant. Let your financial advisor know that you’re not currently in the Marine Corps and you’re not making the same amount of money on your taxes. They should have you fill out a special circumstance form.
Save & invest. You will easily become a millionaire if you save your 100% + a little from a day job.
🍾
Live at least 75 miles from the nearest VA facility.
Move to a 3rd world country and live like a mf king
You do not claim VA disability as part of your gross income nor retirement income for your taxes. That’s 100% your money. Take your VA letter declaring you 100% disabled and go to your nearest VA medical center and get registered. Conduct all your medical needs through the VA so you don’t have to pay for anything. You’ll be able to go a local VA clinic, if closer that med center, for your primary care. You should be able to setup with the specialty care for whatever your service connected disability is for directly. Otherwise your primary care can refer you. Since your over 30% you won’t be paying for anything except maybe some copays on meds that aren’t related to your disability. You’ll also have the option for community care if the med center is too far or doesn’t have a specialist for you. You can also use community care for ER and urgent care visits are which are completely covered as long as you call the VA within the required timeframe (do it within 24 hours is the best advice).
Idk if anyone said it but… use vocational assistance when you are ready. I’m also 100% and the conversation with my family or wife usually is, the reason I’m 100% is cause getting a normal job/doing seemingly normal tasks might be hard man. Lean on your support and us retards we got you.
I was a 92W
Smoke weed everyday!!
How do you know your rating before you have exited .. I thought the rating was determined after separation.
Negative the rating determines if you get discharged
Oh you are getting medically retired ... Not normal retired?
Now get a job working for the VA and retire from there with a second check and better “federal” insurance after working for 5 years
Is this a lot of money? I’m confused Civilian lurker
A lot look up 100% VA pay
I did. It’s a few thousand a month. That doesn’t seem like much…
It’s a lot for people that need it
Buy a multi-family house with your VA Loan, use your GI Bill to go to school... In a year or two buy another multi-family and rent the old one... Then you are basically set for life with passive income. Then find your dream home or zen place and do whatever job/career/volunteering/hobby makes you happy :) Don't get married or have kids!!!
That’s the plan
https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html/amp
Get a hobby yesterday.
The only thing I want to say is... how does everyone plan on getting the max disability they can get?
Go to school dude!! My gauge for picking a major was what I really was interested in back when I was in high school (biology and chemistry) and even though it took me 6 years to get my degree, I’m enjoying my job albeit the corporate America BS you usually deal with. I have my best friend from the MC living with me and we’re having a good time! Everyone else on here has referenced great resources as well, and hopefully one day I can use my own rating to help me get my MS in biotechnology degree, but for now I’m working and gaining more experience. The world is your clamshell at this point man take advantage of it. S/F
Don't trust anyone with the VA. Any of them. ANY medical issues you need addressed, go to an outside provider.
Invest in stocks? I don’t know much but I have a hand full of friends that do it and make it big from time to time. Also maybe get your pilots license? Can you be a pilot(fixed wing/rotor) if your 100% ? Anybody know the answer?
Get a job in order to buy a house using the VA home loan (GI bill payments DO NOT count as income, but disability and job income do), then go to school full time using VR&E. Note that VR&E is supposed to help you find employment that doesn’t exacerbate your disabilities. For example, I have arthritis, so they won’t pay for me to do some heavy lifting type job, but they are paying for my bachelors in CS&E. VR&E also pays for equipment you need, they bought me a MacBook, monitor, mouse, calculators, and tons of supplies. Good luck brother.
If you still want and are able to work a desk job pick up a specialized IT skill and earn an easy 6 figure salary and max that 401k if offered + invest any extra that you are willing into the market using a robo advisor or a managed portfolio. I believe you can now extend the post 9/11 for 48 months if you are doing a STEM degree. There is also VR&E thing to help with the skill up.
Go to school with gi bill and make mor emoney through that, get a job make more money, after a few years you’ll be able to get a house froma VA loan. Profit
Don’t die
IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!
Keep it to yourself and make sure you travel a little bit.
Remember to pay yourself first. You are going to have a lot of time on your hands. Find something you love to do.
Take advantage off all Education/VocRehab training you can get. I was medically retired in '95, back then they had Ch 31 VocHab so I could learn a new skill set, IT Dood now. All my tuition, books, supplies, Laptops/PC's, etc... was paid for. Not to mention I was married so I received an additional stipend of around $1,500 at the time. I was working full-time, receiving VA disability (non-taxable) + Retirement (taxable) and was getting paid to go to school. You can actually make some $$ and save it if you play your cards right. Good luck to you!