I have searched and have come up with some stuff but like with many things it is conflicting.

Lil Background
I am rated totally and and permanently disabled at 80% by the VA. I currently work 14 hour days many stressful days. I love my job and work but sometimes I watch the news and say why bother busting my hump, especially when a 14 hour day is harder for me than say a sprite young exec. I also travel a lot to crazy places. Next week Senegal, India, Indonesia. I have no idea how long the trip will be. So now I have to make sure my heart meds are good and I have enough.

I have been told over and over by the VA that I need to file and I would be rated at 100% that I shouldn't be working. I think they are alarmist but my wife says my health is suffering. She is a smart cookie.

Anyhow, what happens when you go on 100% VA disability? Do you also qualify for Social Security? I wanted to retire at 48 and I am 44 now. I figure if I start now the gov't will take 4 yrs at least to do the paperwork. If I were to retire before all of my stock vests I'd need to keep a income of at least 10K monthly after tax...

I know someone will shortly be along to curse me out for this. Please just save it. Not interested. I am asking folks who KNOW about VA benefits a question. All the conflicting info is baffling my little brain.

Like can you or can't you work if you are rated 100%? If you can work at 100% I am all over it. I do like to work but not if it is driving me to an early grave.


PS ALL of my medical problems are duty related.

I can answer a small part of your question - there is no direct connection between VA disability and Social Security disability, and the criteria for each is markedly different. Each agency makes it's own determination.

I can also tell you that you'll receive more bad information then good with your question on this board.

LOL Yeah and interestingly enough I just found a good site where a DAV rep and moderator is laying it all out.

For example there are different ways they can reach 100% and that has a big impact on whether you can work or not. And you don't have to be 100% rather to get 100% payment... All confusing but I think I have it. Thanks for helping though I do appreciate it.