Good afternoon, all. I have a question for those who have gone through the PEB process and subsequently filed for VA Individual Unemployability.
I am in the later stages of IDES for Fibromyalgia and MDD. Over the past year and a half my ability to work has decreased greatly. I am unable to both work more than a few hours a week and manage the number of weekly medical appointments I have. I'm just trying to make it through each day at this point. I do not see how I can manage my medical care and work a normal job. I am considering filing for VA IU and I believe my docs would backup this claim (I have always been a workhorse but have slowly been widdled down to barely working at all.) This is not something I take lightly, but as I look at job postings and knowing I cannot work more than three hours without sleep (one of a list of limitations), my employment prospects are bleak. My question is timing: The VA is currently rating my IDES claims (I have been found Unfit), when is the best time to file for IU? Do I have to wait until the process is complete and I am out of the military? My worry is the long wait for the claim to be processed and time without a full paycheck. I am certain I will not be receiving 100% and would like to get the ball rolling on IU as soon as possible.
Thank you all for your input/advice.
I am in the later stages of IDES for Fibromyalgia and MDD. Over the past year and a half my ability to work has decreased greatly. I am unable to both work more than a few hours a week and manage the number of weekly medical appointments I have. I'm just trying to make it through each day at this point. I do not see how I can manage my medical care and work a normal job. I am considering filing for VA IU and I believe my docs would backup this claim (I have always been a workhorse but have slowly been widdled down to barely working at all.) This is not something I take lightly, but as I look at job postings and knowing I cannot work more than three hours without sleep (one of a list of limitations), my employment prospects are bleak. My question is timing: The VA is currently rating my IDES claims (I have been found Unfit), when is the best time to file for IU? Do I have to wait until the process is complete and I am out of the military? My worry is the long wait for the claim to be processed and time without a full paycheck. I am certain I will not be receiving 100% and would like to get the ball rolling on IU as soon as possible.
Thank you all for your input/advice.