If I have been deemed unemployable and receive benefits as a result, does that mean I can’t work at all?

Sgt George Anderson — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 16:58:22 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2022 5:54 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 17:54:21 -0400

Nothing steady. Odd jobs here and there, perhaps. You know who could answer this question for you? The VSO that you have been working with.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 1 at 2022 1:37 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 01 May 2022 13:37:46 -0400

If you are rated Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, the answer seems to be no. Check with either the advocate at the VA or your VSO. If you are rated 100% but not unemployable, you can work all you want.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made May 1 at 2022 7:36 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Sun, 01 May 2022 19:36:22 -0400

I have the same rate. no you cannot work

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made May 1 at 2022 9:19 PM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Sun, 01 May 2022 21:19:57 -0400

No it doesn’t. You should have 2 disability ratings. If you get a steady job, full or part-time, you will lose your unemployable rating but maintain the other, lower percentage of disability pay. Example: I am 70% permanently disabled BUT 100% unemployable. If I get a study full or part-time job I will lose my 100% but still receive my 70% disability pay.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made May 2 at 2022 12:55 AM

SMSgt Bob W. — Mon, 02 May 2022 00:55:01 -0400

Depends.

Response by TSgt John Sorensen made May 2 at 2022 1:22 PM

TSgt John Sorensen — Mon, 02 May 2022 13:22:15 -0400

I'm in pretty much the same position here. I've been VA rated at 70% disabled but unemployable so I get pension and benefits as being 100% disabled. I was also 100% disabled for Social Security benefits before I turned 65.
I was afraid to take any sort of full-time job or even do volunteer work because then some government paper pusher would see that as being able to work and I'd lose the benefits I have come to rely on for support.
I've heard there is some sort of limit on how long you can hold that status before it becomes permanent, but I can't find the exact details on any of the VA web sites.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 2 at 2022 2:25 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 02 May 2022 14:25:33 -0400

Generally speaking, yes, it means you cannot work.

There are a couple of exceptions though. Working for your family (like working on the family farm) is acceptable, up to a limit. Also, odd jobs, as MSG Private RallyPoint Member mentioned, are usually OK. Finally, part-time jobs with significant accommodations for the disabled (think Goodwill or similar) may sometimes be allowed.

Before you embark on ANY of these, though, check with the VA. Make sure you know the specifics of the job - expected duties, expected hours, rate of pay, duration (day labor, one week, one month?), accommodations they will make / have made, if they are recieving federal or state funding to accommodate / employ disabled people - before talking to the VA. Because they matter. A lot.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Mar 15 at 2024 10:54 AM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:54:14 -0400

You can earn up to what Social Security allows for anyone on disability. Not a penny more.