My question is, should he also apply through the VA for IU?
If he is unable to work, then I would say apply for it. I was medically retired and once I got out I applied for IU and I was granted it, but I applied for IU once I was retired. The below website is from the VA website and tells you the eligibility requirements for IU.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-individual_unemployability.asp
If he gets ssdi, would the VA grant him IU?
From my understanding is that they are both are two different systems and they both have different ways of rating for the condition to meet their criteria.
However I will tell you from my own experience before I was granted IU I had applied for SSDI many times and was denied I wasn't approved for SSDI until I had gotten out and got granted my IU rating. I was faster after I had been granted my IU in order to get SSDI, I don’t know if this is normal but it was my experience.
The other thing I would tell you to look into is this website tells you about disability benefits for wounded warriors and about veterans who have a 100% total and permeate rating:
https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/
While applying for IU, do you still get your benefits? While
I applying for IU and I continue to receive my VA benefits. You will be notified once a decision is made. The best way to file a claim and to keep on top of your husbands claims if you do decide to apply for IU is through the ebenfits website. You can also upload documentation and statements to support his VA claim.
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage
How long does that take? And, if he gets IU through the VA, then would that also help him get SSDI?
How long does it take can vary. That depends on the case load of your particular VA. My husband applied for IU in December and today we just got the decision of his approval for it and we are located in PA. It varies, but once you apply for it once his claim is started there is an estimated time line on ebenfits website, which can give you an idea of how long it may take.
I can tell you from my own experience that when I was applying for SSDI I had a rating of 70% and found it difficult and it wasn’t until I got out and had my IU granted and I then went eventually to 100% Total and Permeate rating and had reapplied for SSDI I was approved and it didn’t take long either but again that was here in PA.
I have a suggestion that if you and your husband do decide to apply for IU, I would suggest you write a letter to support his claim and uploaded it to ebenfits. The VA will take it into account, they did with my husband and it sometimes can be hard for them to be open and honest about what life is like. And if he is called in by the VA for a compensation and pension exam for his IU claim, I’d suggest that you ask to be allowed in so you can also let the physiatrist or physiologist that evaluates him anything that he may forget or that is relevant to his condition. Here is a website that can help you with a supportive statement:
https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/guides/statements
It is important that he continues with treatment for his PTSD and try to ensure that once he is retired there isn't a break in treatment. If you know where you will be living make sure you contact the nearest VA. If you do decided to file for SSDI before the IU you can try and ask his current treating doctor for his PTSD to write a letter to support his claim for SSDI if they are willing to do it. Also contact wounded warrior or prior to you getting out and see if they can provide you with a DISC this is usually a active duty military person that is assigned to assist you in your transition out. We would have been lost with out our DISC they are a wealth of information and guidance.