should I use ssdi as evidence for tdiu?

[ikory]

I was just awarded 80%.
60% loss of use of right hand. Smc
20% left shoulder damage.
20% right partial foot drop.
I also have a nerve disease that any activity that is prolonged can make the service connected nerve damage worse.

Quit job January 2013 after I fell and dislocated right knee and no longer could drive. It kept dislocating after that and VA gave me a wheelchair and only needed it for a month tho. Knee is fine now but I blame fall on weak ankle that is service connected.

I applied for ssdi in summer 2013 for right foot and hand and was granted. However I called ssdi and was told they also included hypertension which I never even mentioned once. I could only find one doctors note that said I had high blood pressure but next doctor report had it normal. Confused as why that would be a reason. I assume the VA will use this against me?

I am also in school now and have some documentation I have fell because of my service connected drop foot. I have doctors proof and communications with professor how they were going to work with me as I could not make it to class.

I am about to apply for tdiu and trying to see what evidence I should submit. Should I leave out ssdi because they mention hypertension? I was going to get my former boss and emergency rooms visits to show why I stopped working. Also going to include email with professor to paint a picture that making it to class has been impossible at times. Thoughts?

 

[Dcmd124]

I was just awarded 80%.
60% loss of use of right hand. Smc
20% left shoulder damage.
20% right partial foot drop.
I also have a nerve disease that any activity that is prolonged can make the service connected nerve damage worse.

Quit job January 2013 after I fell and dislocated right knee and no longer could drive. It kept dislocating after that and VA gave me a wheelchair and only needed it for a month tho. Knee is fine now but I blame fall on weak ankle that is service connected.

I applied for ssdi in summer 2013 for right foot and hand and was granted. However I called ssdi and was told they also included hypertension which I never even mentioned once. I could only find one doctors note that said I had high blood pressure but next doctor report had it normal. Confused as why that would be a reason. I assume the VA will use this against me?

I am also in school now and have some documentation I have fell because of my service connected drop foot. I have doctors proof and communications with professor how they were going to work with me as I could not make it to class.

I am about to apply for tdiu and trying to see what evidence I should submit. Should I leave out ssdi because they mention hypertension? I was going to get my former boss and emergency rooms visits to show why I stopped working. Also going to include email with professor to paint a picture that making it to class has been impossible at times. Thoughts?

I see one major issue with the TDIU claim. Other members can correct me on this, Maparker, etc. If you are claiming TDIU, I believe the VA looks at school as employment.

I would absolutely include that you have been awarded SSDI. It further illustrates that you are unable to work.

If there are other service connected contentions that were not rated properly, I would request an increase on them as well along with your TDIU claim.

I filed a TDIU claim along with other contentions. I was awarded 100% P&T Schedular therefore my TDIU claim was moot.

Take care and good luck to you.

 

[Jason Perry]

Yes, I would include that you have been awarded SSDI.

 

[Combat Eng]

Word of advice, contact your PCM and get a consult with Occupational Therapy and get you a AFO brace, it will make you life easier dealing with that drop foot, I suffer drop foot as well and it helps me from tripping myself up

 

[Warrior644]

I was just awarded 80%.
60% loss of use of right hand. Smc
20% left shoulder damage.
20% right partial foot drop.
I also have a nerve disease that any activity that is prolonged can make the service connected nerve damage worse.

Quit job January 2013 after I fell and dislocated right knee and no longer could drive. It kept dislocating after that and VA gave me a wheelchair and only needed it for a month tho. Knee is fine now but I blame fall on weak ankle that is service connected.

I applied for ssdi in summer 2013 for right foot and hand and was granted. However I called ssdi and was told they also included hypertension which I never even mentioned once. I could only find one doctors note that said I had high blood pressure but next doctor report had it normal. Confused as why that would be a reason. I assume the VA will use this against me?

I am also in school now and have some documentation I have fell because of my service connected drop foot. I have doctors proof and communications with professor how they were going to work with me as I could not make it to class.

I am about to apply for tdiu and trying to see what evidence I should submit. Should I leave out ssdi because they mention hypertension? I was going to get my former boss and emergency rooms visits to show why I stopped working. Also going to include email with professor to paint a picture that making it to class has been impossible at times. Thoughts?

Yes, I would include that you have been awarded SSDI.

Indeed, as did I (e.g., included a copy of the SSDI award letter and SSDI determination letter) when I submitted my VARR request while still on active duty in the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process in the US military.

That said, the resulting effect is an evaluation for a Permanent and Total (P&T) disability enhanced rating via the DoVA D-RAS while they are currently adjudicating to finalize my DoVA overall ratings as a military disabled veteran. Take care and enjoy life to its fullest!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!