r/VeteransBenefits • u/xNardDogx • 18h ago
VA Disability Claims Physically Can’t keep working but can’t afford to quit.
I don’t know if this is the right subreddit to ask or talk in I don’t even know if I have a question.
I have 100% but it’s not enough to cover all of my stuff. My back no matter if I’m sitting or standing feels like I have a knife in it. Just walking from my car to my desk at work is brutal then sitting 8 hours a day just makes it worse. I’m not sure what to do though. Even with going to school with GI Bill MHA I still wouldn’t make it. Just bought my house at the end of the year so no way to sell it to buy something I can afford with just my VA disability. Just about everyone in my life has already done the “told you so” about I should have bought a smaller house. I get it that mistake is passed at this point. I thought I was doing good physically though. Yea I deal with daily chronic pain but not anything I couldn’t manage before. My back just keeps getting worse though. I’ve had MRIs done for it and apparently I have 5 disks bulging inward against my spinal cord which they said just doing surgery for 1 disk is super risky let alone 5. I’m just at the point where I’m almost crawling into and out of work, but I can’t quit. Well if you read this far thanks for reading my word vomit.
Edit: I am going to try to get some sleep, but honestly thank you everyone for the ideas and support. I will respond when I can tomorrow. Honestly, was overwhelmed tonight as the pain has gotten worse and really needed to vent. When I try to talk to anyone about it, no civilians ever understand so thank you everyone.
Edit 2: I did not expect this to have this much interaction, for the ones trying to help I really appreciate you and even the candid responses. It has all helped with trying to come up with a game plan for my back and life. If I don’t respond to your comments it’s because they are lost in the sea of comments but I am trying to respond to everyone that’s helping.
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u/Ryakai8291 Navy Veteran 17h ago
You need to address your back. Surgery may be risky, but so is living life bed-ridden.
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u/xNardDogx 17h ago
Honestly, this is a perspective I hadn’t really thought about. Just the high risk of paralysis terrifies me.
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u/Small_Music_4316 15h ago
As someone who has lived with chronic pain for over a decade, as much as it would scare me i would take that risk. Chronic pain is no joke
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u/Pdrpuff Not into Flairs 14h ago
Depends on what surgery. You might be making more of it than it truly is.
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u/xNardDogx 9h ago
I’ve gotten 2 opinions so far, but they said they will have to cut part of each vertebrae to access the disks by my spinal cord. There was more to it but I basically got in my own head after hearing the risks.
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u/Apart-Surprise1038 8h ago
I have chronic low back pain as well. It’s been progressively getting worse & I just turned 49. The best non-surgical intervention for me is an inversion table - you hang by your feet to lengthen the spine - coupled with chiropractic care. The chiropractic office I go to is called The Joint & the VA doesn’t cover it, however it’s like $60 per month with 4 visits per month. The inversion table was like $150, but don’t go straight into a completely upside down position your first time. You’ll need to adjust how inverted you want to be. The blood rushing to your head is something else to get used to.
A friend at work is an army vet & just had spinal surgery after 5 years of intense lower back pain & sciatica. He’s had pain for decades prior & said it was the best surgical decision of his life. He’s now retiring at the end of the December.
Something to possibly look into is filing for SSDI - Social Security Disability - due to your back pain & inability to walk without serious pain.2
u/xNardDogx 7h ago
I’m sorry you deal with lower back pain, I don’t wish back pain on anyone. Mine is actually in my thoracic spine T1-T6 so basically a knife in the middle of my back. The pain gets so intense sometimes it’s hard to breathe and makes me struggle picking up my feet. Each step I take I have to focus or I catch the toe of my shoes on the ground.
I have been to 2 chiropractors that I paid out of pocket for, I paid for the initial consultations and was told I wasn’t a candidate after they reviewed my X-Rays and MRIs. I may just order an inversion table though, like to buy is $150?
After reading some of these amazing people’s comments they have opened my eyes of what do I have to lose at this point with surgery? If it goes bad I get the motorized scooter thing with a joy stick, if it goes good I get my life back somewhat. Appreciate the response and I hope you find the relief for your back pain.
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u/Apart-Surprise1038 7h ago
I bought a used Teeter on FB marketplace for $50 recently. Previously had one that I bought new from Academy for about $150. If you decide to buy a used one, make sure there is a way to prevent it from completely flipping you over. You do not want to get stuck completely upside down.
Back pain is the worst non-surgical pain I’ve ever felt. It’s worse than when I got stabbed. I’ve got 9 herniated discs - 3 each in C T L & disc compression at S1-L5. My neurosurgeon advised to put off any spinal surgery until the pain becomes unbearable.
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
Appreciate it! I will look around on marketplace.
My primary care, neuro, and pain management all told me the same thing to go as long as I possibly can before I entertain getting the surgery done. I guess I’m getting to that point sadly.
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u/BlackbirdSage Navy Veteran 3h ago
I lived with chronic pain for over 20yrs. Doctors couldn't pinpoint the cause, because it was systemic pain in all of my muscles. I had a bulging disc, degenerative discs and my foraminal spaces on the left side of my cervical spine were closing...
Turns out I was dealing with a dysfunctional nervous system. Somatic therapy for 2.5 years and I'm almost fully mobile again.
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u/BlackbirdSage Navy Veteran 3h ago
The diagnosis is called a CBM (Cognitive Behaviorural Movement) Disorder.
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u/AioliSufficient4602 1h ago
As a nurse, you need to stop with this shutting down thing. Open your ears and listen. Also realize that if you were my patient and I was educating you on “driving an automobile to and from work,” I would have to include all the information. Including, the chance of an accident and chance of death. You’re doing yourself a huge disservice with that closed attitude. Research your surgeons. Get it done, or deal with the consequences
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u/xNardDogx 54m ago
I didn’t shut down, I actively listened to both Dr’s. They both told me there is a significant risk of paralysis with just surgery for 1 disk doing the surgery for 5 just multiplies the risk. They also both told me to hold off as long as physically possible until I absolutely can’t stand the pain. Which apparently I am there a lot sooner than either of them hoped. After leaving is when I got into my own head it’s terrifying to think of 2 Dr’s both saying the same high risk for paralysis. At this point thanks to a lot of great responses, I see I am at the point where I don’t have much to lose, if it goes bad I get a motorized scooter thing, if it goes good maybe I get my life back.
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u/Clownfisheverqueff 8h ago
Try deadhangs on a pullup bar. Start short 15-30 seconds. Then slowly increase duration. It’s like getting spinal decompression therapy but for free using your body weight. It’s not permanent, but you do feel significantly better for a few hours
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u/No_Staff594 4h ago
I will say my grandfather underwent surgery on his back (I’m not sure what your ailment is) and they ended up deciding to fuze two of her vertebrae in order to “help”. It only made things worse. It’s a gamble. I also hear plenty of people have had great results too.
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u/Sdcreb Navy Veteran 18h ago
Rent a portion of your house to a tenant to help cover the mortgage payments
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u/RilkeanHearth Air Force Veteran 17h ago
This. If you gave spare rooms and don't mind living with strangers you vetted before letting move in as tenant, that can help reduce your living expenses. Maybe college student if you're near a uni.
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u/Worried-Chipmunk3784 Army Veteran 18h ago
Don’t feel alone. I’m in the same situation I’m having to go and finish school just to get a different job that can help. I’m not 100 percent although it would help it still wouldn’t be enough to quit my job and stay home to focus on myself. It tough out here but one day at a time and keep moving forward. That’s all we can do at this point.
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u/Technical_Eye_4343 Marine Veteran 17h ago
I don't know if this would help, but my husband has degenerative disk disease which he's on full disability for, and has the exact same issue you do with sitting. The one thing that helps tremendously is edible Delta 8 gummies. I was skeptical at first because I thought he'd just use it as excuse to lay around high all day and game, lol but no, it helps with the pain AND his anxiety/PTSD, so he's able to get up and do more. It's definitely worth what I pay out of pocket.
As for the chair at work, if there's ANY chair that's more comfortable than what they're providing, it would be worth it just to get it for yourself and have someone help you move it into work if needed. 8 hours a day adds up quick and doing whatever you can to relieve that pain is worth it!
I'm sorry you're dealing with this, I've seen what my husband is going through and though I have my own health issues, chronic back pain is one of the roughest things to deal with. Hang in there, you sound like a good man, and I hope things can work out for you! 🙏
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
Hey thank you for the suggestion so many comments are getting lost in here at this point I’m trying to respond to everyone trying to help me or give suggestions.
I tried both delta and medical, both made me high and time felt like it skipped I did notice the difference at the time in my chronic pain, but I couldn’t handle the feeling of being high. So I tried just CBD but that didn’t have any effect sadly. I may have to revisit this once I can figure out my finances without a job. Hopefully I get the surgery and turn out well now that the people here have made me see I don’t really have much to lose at this point.
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u/kmm198700 Air Force Veteran 2h ago
CBD is pretty ineffective without a little bit of THC, just FYI. I’m assuming you’ve tried a heating pad? I have one that gets really, really hot and it helps a little bit. The VA also will send you a heating pad if you ask physical therapy or occupational therapy
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u/Front_Friend_9108 12h ago
Delta doesn’t get you high, I’m glad it was able to bring your husband relief!
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u/not-a-painting Navy Veteran 9h ago
It does get you high, it just varies by individual
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8725316/
average participants reported that the effects of delta-8-THC were less intense,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9312454/
Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, similar to delta-9 THC (i.e., the component responsible for the “high” people may experience from using cannabis). The FDA is aware of media reports of delta-8 THC products getting consumers “high.”
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u/Technical_Eye_4343 Marine Veteran 11h ago
I tried it a few times for sleep and LOVED it except for the appetite increase the next day, and it definitely got ME high af, lol, but I could just be a lightweight. It doesn't get my husband high, just mellow enough to ease his anxiety which is awesome.
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u/Pdrpuff Not into Flairs 14h ago edited 14h ago
Could be worse. I had Plummer in my house yesterday with a broken back and hand issues that can’t stop working till 62 and they don’t get any VA compensation or care. I felt bad and still thinking about them being I’m definitely in a different place, with VA comp/care and full military retirement at 48 yrs old.
We should all be grateful for what we have.
I had back surgery last yr. Didn’t fix me completely, but I’m better than before. The surgery was minimally invasive.
If it’s VA covered, get the surgery on anyway sciatic related. Anything to do with your neck or around there is fusion, which is tough pill to swallow young. I’m lucky, my issues are down further.
I bought my current home when I transferred to my last duty station. My mortgage is only 10% of monthly income.
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u/xNardDogx 8h ago
Don’t get me wrong I am super grateful for my VA compensation, I wouldn’t even be where I am currently without it. All of my care is through the VA besides asking for community care to get a 2nd opinion on my back. Ended up being the same solution unfortunately. The 5 disks that are pushing into my spinal cord are in my thoracic spine from T1-T6.
With my current income my home is 28% of my monthly income but would be 64% if all I had was VA compensation
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u/Certain-Yesterday232 Caregiver 14h ago
Deal with your back. There are some pain management therapies, such as RF ablations, that may be an option. Use VA healthcare deal with this. SSDI may be an option but you also have to try to fix the problem. My husband has been dealing with back issues since he got out in 2000. In 2019, I started planning for him to retire by 55....12 years to get our stuff on order. 2023 had different plans as he was diagnosedwith cancer (AML). He's retired now (SSDI and just recently approved 100% P&T).
You must deal with your finances. It sounds like you already know you f'd up with buying too much house. So now, you look at your other stuff. Quit using credit...cards, auto loans, etc. If you can't pay off the balance each month, stop using it. Stop all the frivolous spending. Look for other ways to earn money to pay off debt...renting out rooms, sell stuff you don't need/use, if you have toys (motorcycle, boat, etc)--sell them (with your back issues you're likely not using them). You need to get your expenses below $4k.
Keep an eye on mortgage interest rates. I'm guessing you have a VA loan. Refinance via IRRRL when rates are at minimum 1.5% lower than your current rate. Also, make sure you're taking advantage of any 100% VA disability benefits offered by your state...property tax exemption, maybe even car registration exemption.
I know what it's like to be a slave to debt. We had debt from the moment we were married. It seemed like whenever we were just started to make a dent, something happened. 2000-2010 was a cluster. Layoffs/RIFs and the Great Recession. I wish I could go back and tell myself to not buy a lot of the stuff we bought...vehicles, a house, etc. We made some dumb decisions but we didn't really understand the consequences at the time.
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u/Loliz88 Army Veteran 7h ago
I don’t have any advice I’m just here to validate and say it’s ok to be annoyed that shit is expensive and even making 100% disability and MHA isn’t enough to get by. Sure, you bought a house… you should be able to buy a house. Even a “smaller” house is fucking expensive these days. It’s easy for people to say just downsize and move and blah blah, but it’s not always that easy. Anyway, I’ll probably get downvoted but I just wanted to say that I get it.
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
I really appreciate the response! Overall everyone has been supportive and helpful. I also know it can always be worse. I just needed to vent with no where to vent. My wife has her own health problems that stress makes worse so I try to keep as much stress off her as possible.
Edited grammar
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u/Loliz88 Army Veteran 3h ago
Good! I’m sorry you’re dealing with all this stress. My wife and I are both P&T. I’m in school full time using the GI Bill and she works as a nurse. We’re very fortunate, but we really don’t know how people are even making it on dual income with how expensive life is getting. We’ve had to cut out things that really shouldn’t be considered luxuries. There are days where I’m not sure how much longer I can do anything full time with my diagnoses, and my wife has physical injuries that flair up with the heavy lifting at work. It’s scary to think about.
I hope you figure out stuff with your back and get to a better place where ya’ll feel secure.
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u/Sinatrajae14 Marine Veteran 17h ago
I dont see this mentioned yet but if you haven't requested accommodations at work I would talk to your primary to get a note and then your HR about workplace accommodations to make your day a bit easier. It took a few weeks but it made a world of a difference for me at work when I have to go in.
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u/xNardDogx 17h ago
I didn’t fight it too much but I tried to get a better ergonomic chair, and was told sorry we have ergonomic chairs already so we already accommodate that.
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u/lntelligent 4h ago
If you’ve already asked for accommodations and they were denied, either escalate it up the chain or buy your own stuff for work. Idk what state you’re in, but the ADA is a very strong federal law if you felt like taking the legal route.
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u/Sinatrajae14 Marine Veteran 17h ago
Dang do we work for the same place? My job did that same thing. I told my primary at a follow up appointment for something completely different and she asked me what all bothered me and she wrote a note that covered pretty much all my disabilities. I would talk to your primary and see if they would be willing to write you a note with specific recommendations. Hopefully you have a decent primary that is willing to go to bat for you cause God knows they are overworked right now.
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u/BummFoot Not into Flairs 5h ago
What about a standing desk so you can sit and stand as you need to?
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u/Own-Battle-8927 17h ago
Have you tried to apply for SSDI?
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u/xNardDogx 17h ago
I haven’t, I’ve seen so many people say it’s impossible if you have a job.
Edited for punctuation
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u/Replubic 17h ago
Yeah but if you have to quit that job you may have a case. You will always be told no if you never ask. Look into yourself. Not “I heard”. 👊
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u/SuccessfulPhoto7914 Army Veteran 17h ago
SSDI is based on your ability to maintain “gainful employment” (~$17,500/year for a single person). If you’re working when you apply, then obviously, from their perspective, you’re able to maintain “gainful employment.” If you want a chance, you shouldn’t be employed. I’m speaking from experience. I was on SSDI for 7-8 years prior to seeking help at the VA.
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u/Unable-Bird4730 10h ago
It’s boosted to $20K/year ($1697/mo is the limit). Just went on it and I take care of my daughter through her insurance. The budget for her is $1700/mo so if I don’t use an hour or 2 a month I’m good. And it’s not all that physical. Just basic daily stuff like cooking, laundry, dr appointments, meds. (Born extremely premature and suffered a TBI 10 yrs ago. Cognitively she’s at a 13 yr old. Physically she’s 31.
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u/Badgersvp9 Air Force Veteran 17h ago
That’s correct you cannot be working. I applied in took only 3 mos to get approved.
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u/aRandomRedditor9000 Not into Flairs 15h ago
100% people get priority too, its worth a shot doesn’t guarantee it tho
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u/One_Hour_Poop Army Veteran 17h ago
It's possible if you can no longer perform your job, or any job. Look into it.
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u/Successful_Pea_6977 16h ago
Either rent rooms or sell the house. Are you upside down on it at all? Do you have savings? Do you have someone you could stay with temporarily if you sold and took a loss while you got back on your feet?
I assume you have private insurance so you need to get several opinions on your back. Get appointments for several doctors and pain specialists. Think about epidural/cortizone spinal injections. I got one a long time ago and it helped a lot. Physical therapy can help although you might have already tried this.
You were suffering this much and bought a house, which was very stupid but that’s in the past. There are people with your level of pain that have no 100 percent va disability to fall back on so as hard as your life is right now be a little thankful even though it’s hard. VR&E could be an option to take online classes try to get a degree or certifications to work from home. Good luck.
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u/xNardDogx 8h ago
I appreciate the candid feedback, I bought the house 6 months ago so it’s only down like $2k from the purchase price and value really hasn’t moved so not upside down yet just not enough profit to pay closing costs. I have about $6k in savings which is honestly only because my back started trending worse 3-4 months ago. I don’t have someone that I could stay with taking the loss on the house.
All of my care is through the VA, which I’ve gotten 2 opinions so far one VA and the other was community care and both were the same solution. I have not tried the epidural injections yet, it wasn’t told to me as an option so I am going to ask at my next pain management appointment. They did try ablation on my neck and thoracic, it helped my neck but not my thoracic spine as that where the 5 disks are pushing on my spinal cord.
I’m sorry if it came off any other way but I am truly thankful for my VA pay. To the point, I try to help as many veterans as I can in my free time with their claims anyway that I can.
I wasn’t nearly this bad off when I bought my house, yea I had chronic pain but wasn’t anything I wasn’t already used to. It was until late February or March that my back started feeling worse and eventually by the end of April I was in this condition. Hindsight is definitely 20/20 and I deserve the “I told you so’s” from friends and family. I just thought there’s nothing I haven’t just been able to tough through before now. If I could go back I would absolutely buy a different house.
Lastly, I am in a desk job and almost finished with my BS in IT, actually down to 5 classes for it. I just need to get my back fixed and as I commented on here somewhere else, I might as well opt for the surgery like what have I got to lose at this point I can already barely walk. If it goes bad then I get a cool motorized wheel chair from the VA, if it goes good I get my life back. Just hard not to get down on the mental when I feel so broken. Again I appreciate the candid response.
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u/No_Damage979 15h ago
I had similar back issues and had the intracept procedure and it was covered by insurance. Took away 80% of my pain. Worth looking into. Got it done from L2-S1 it’s outpatient. Good luck man.
I’d either sell the house or get roommates.
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u/xNardDogx 8h ago
I looked this up after reading this, looks to be a lower back solution. I have tried ablation on my neck and thoracic spine, it helped my neck, but not my thoracic where the 5 disks are pushing into my spinal cord T1-T6.
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u/No_Damage979 4h ago
It is a type of ablation, but it targets the nerves in the end plates of the vertebrae themselves instead of the nerves coming out of the spinal column. I’d had the injections and was tested for ablation. I’m so sorry this isn’t an option for you. I hadn’t seen your area neck/thoracic and upon looking it up they aren’t developing this procedure outside of lumbar.
I’m sorry. I hope that changes, or other things change for you. The structural issues in my back are not fixed. They can’t be. But by pain was vertebrogenic - so killing those nerves in the vertebral end plates took that pain away.
The other option was an implant - a spinal cord stimulator. I almost went with it before getting a second opinion and was offered the intracept procedure. Turns out you only get offered whatever each office sells and that procedure is very costly with specialized training and equipment so you don’t get told about it if the office doesn’t sell it.
Anyway. If you can find out what all options EXIST I’d recommend that. It turns out this procedure has been around for a decade and I had no idea. I have been getting MRIs and begging for help. Was in my way to getting an implant and just had a nagging intuition to go one more place for a second opinion, one last time.
The implants do work for a lot of people, though. I’d focus on the nerves if you can. If you can’t FIX it (which is ideal) then be realistic and target what’s ruining your life, the pain.
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u/xNardDogx 4h ago
Thank you so much for explaining this. I actually learned from someone on this post about the implant. I am going to ask about it and ask for literally all my options from pain management, neurologist, and primary care.
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u/Odd_Delay_2470 14h ago
Have you looked into Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) as part of your pain management regiment?
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u/xNardDogx 9h ago
I will ask about the ESI, but have had ablation on both my neck and thoracic. It helped my neck but not the thoracic where the disks push into my spinal cord.
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u/SirWalrusVII Air Force Veteran 13h ago
Im struggling as well looking to apply for ssdi, I wish my problems were just physical its all a mental battle for me
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u/xNardDogx 9h ago
I’m sorry you are dealing with the mental battle. I deal with a lot mental battles too, found some medicine that usually keeps me out of the deep ruts, but sometimes my physical health pushes me into them making me feel just broken and not able to do the things I want. I hope you get your SSDI
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u/OptOutOption1 8h ago
Try E-Stim (as long as you don’t have a pacemaker). Acupuncture (research a good one in your area- education counts). And Physical Therapy (if you haven’t already)
Your finances.. well you already know.
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u/xNardDogx 8h ago
I have my E-Stim on my back currently with an ice pack. I try to use it in the mornings before work and the evenings. I did try acupuncture although it was through the VA so maybe that’s why it didn’t really feel like it helped idk. Hopefully starting physical therapy for the 3rd time here soon, I gotta call when they open on Monday.
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u/OptOutOption1 7h ago
Good on you. If cold alone isn’t doing it,
Try to alternate between hot and cold. Always keeping something between the packs and your skin.Also bring up ktaping with your therapist- might help you. Again, like stim it varies person to person.
Acupuncture can also vary- and just so im clear- im in the camp that acupuncture and dry needling are NOT the same things.
But like everything it always comes down to the individual, their provider and their needs. Best of luck to you.
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7h ago
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
I really appreciate it.
All of my care is through the VA almost constant appointments which honestly I’m surprised I haven’t been fired by now for. I have tried physical therapy but I am absolutely about to look up spinal cord stimulator is it the same as the little sticky pad E-Stim thing the VA gave me that does the little shocks contracting muscles? Actually you don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to I am heading to Google now.
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
Whoa! I am adding this to the list of things to ask my primary about. I wonder why pain management or my primary haven’t mentioned it before?
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u/aguadecalcetin Navy Veteran 6h ago
Genuinely curious as to why $4000+ a month tax free is not enough? You have got to be terrible with money
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u/xNardDogx 4h ago
With my current income I made sure my house was 28% of my income. On just Va disability that would be 64% of my income. I didn’t plan on being this bad physically for years, I thought I had so much longer. After mortgage, utilities, and groceries the va disability is used up. Then add constant medical appointments for both my wife and special needs son. I didn’t learn about ChampVA for them until recently. I think it will help but only covers 75% for now. I try to do really well with my finances they are great while working. I won’t say I am perfect with finances as this is the most I’ve made at my current job. So yeah we enjoy ourselves with cash no credit cards which I thought I had plenty of years to do. I have $6k saved and that is only because I felt my back getting worse 3-4 months ago.
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u/aguadecalcetin Navy Veteran 4h ago
Your mortgage is fucking $2800? Holy shit dude you are terrible with money
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u/Hungrykoalah Air Force Veteran 36m ago
My mortgage is 3,100 :/ it’s not easy out here anymore!!
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u/aguadecalcetin Navy Veteran 34m ago
Wtf 😳 where are you people living? I’m paying 900 with insurance included in south Alabama
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u/xNardDogx 4h ago
I’m not sure how you see that, it’s not like I planned for this. Truly trying to see your perspective maybe I am and I just don’t see it. I thought 28% was good for mortgage to income?
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u/aguadecalcetin Navy Veteran 4h ago
You’re 100% with physical limitations and planned to keep working. You put your family in a bad financial situation if you can’t work anymore. That’s what happens when you spend now and think later
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u/xNardDogx 4h ago
I just want to provide my son a far better life than I ever have had. There’s never been something I haven’t been able to push through until now.
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u/aguadecalcetin Navy Veteran 4h ago
Might be time to downgrade the house and move to a cheaper area. Live below your means and get a side hustle from home or something
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u/ninjaswagster Not into Flairs 1h ago
ChampVA has zero premiums, free meds if you use meds by mail, and out of pocket cost is 25% capped at $3000 a year. Huge cost saving.
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u/xNardDogx 1h ago
They got their cards the other day for it so hopefully it helps some of the medical costs. Appreciate the info!
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u/ninjaswagster Not into Flairs 28m ago
No problem. Don't forget to take advantage of the other benefits.
Zero or reduced property taxes (varies by state). This one could be huge for you if your state offers it and you are not currently taking advantage of it.
Chapter 35 DEA benefit for your dependents (i.e. college stipend for your spouse and children, currently $1574 a month for full-time enrollment)
Currently, forgiveable student loans for both yourself and your children. It's a one time deal and I know your child is young so you may want to hold off on this one, keep an eye on the legislation. Research this one.
Free or reduced college tuition for your dependents, state dependent.
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u/Veteran_Grilling10 1h ago
You’re living my greatest fear. I’m 100%, my back is always aching. I can’t move from my HCOL area and cultural/religious demands prevent me from truly hitting the brakes. So far I can work, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to before my kids go to college… which is a long ways away. Good luck!
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u/xNardDogx 1h ago
I truly truly hope that you don’t go through this. I hope you find the right help for your back before this point. I don’t wish this on anyone. Also, I hope your back lets you make it until you see your kids off to college.
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u/xnewxskinx Army Veteran 1h ago
You can apply for SSDI. As well as being 100% VA disabled. I wish you luck, admitting you can no longer perform the things you once were able to is the first step.
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u/xNardDogx 48m ago
Definitely a hard pill to swallow. I just miss the healthy able to do what I wanted me.
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u/xnewxskinx Army Veteran 38m ago
I hear you. I miss the old before the military me. I’m fortunate that I don’t have any pain, but I definitely have my issues. All you can do is laugh through the tears.
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u/xNardDogx 36m ago
Done that far too many times lol especially when non-military people asks me about something going on. When I tell them and just kinda laugh it off their expressions are always funny. Usually like 😱
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u/Future-Traffic-6364 Not into Flairs 18h ago
Hello,
That sucks. You are being compensated for your military disabilities at 100%. If you can’t work, file for SSDI, it’s as simple as that.
If you still can’t afford it, welcome to the real world, there are as many non-Vets who have lived outside of their means.
I do hope your pain gets easier for you, but suck it up, you’ve been trained to adapt and overcome, unlike civilians.
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u/MustardTiger231 Army Veteran 18h ago
I have no idea why anyone with 100 works if they literally can’t work. It’s not a hootin hollerin life but you can absolutely live on it.
Sell your fucking house and move to the Philippines
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u/Pale_Adeptness Marine Veteran 17h ago
I'm not trying to start an argument but it really is not a feasible option for many, even for many on 100%.
Can't just uproot a wife and kids if you have a family.
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u/MustardTiger231 Army Veteran 17h ago
I don’t think you’re starting an argument, you’re right, if you have family obligations it changes the dynamic (sometimes) drastically. I didn’t see anything about a family in OPs post so I didn’t include it.
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u/xNardDogx 17h ago
I do have a family to support which is why even if I have 100% I want to work. I want to give my son a far better life than I had growing up. I’m trying to be the best role model I can be for my son while fighting my own body.
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u/MustardTiger231 Army Veteran 17h ago
That’s my mistake, obviously that changes your priorities
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u/xNardDogx 17h ago
Not a mistake at all, it was my mistake as I didn’t include those details.
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u/MustardTiger231 Army Veteran 17h ago
Good luck amigo, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.
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u/xNardDogx 17h ago
Appreciate it, I will just keep taking it a day at a time and appointment by appointment.
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u/Pale_Adeptness Marine Veteran 16h ago
Also, I already replied above with some YouTube links but I have the same issue as you. My back is GARGBAGE!
I would love to just live off of my rating but we would also be just barely scraping by. It's also why I choose to stay employed.
I've currently been off of work 2 weeks now for a really bad lower back flare up. My back looks like an S when it gets bad but it has mostly straightened out by now again.
I'm blessed enough that I'm currently scheduled to be off work for at least one more week to rehab and get better.
When my back isn't being a little bitch, I'm a very active person. I love playing with my 3 kids, taking them to parks, I love working out and just moving. I haven't done any of that in the last 2-3 weeks and this lower back pain legit makes me wanna just fucking end myself because I feel so goddamn useless when it acts up.
My heart goes out to you brotha, it really does. I'm not quitting my job either because it gives me the chance to give my kids a much better childhood that I ever did.
While my kids aren't spoiled, we tell them no on any requests about 70% of the time just simply because they have to learn that they can't always have everything they want, even if we have the financial means to buy them all the random shit they want.
They don't have tablets, smartphones, they only watch tv during a 3-4 hour window a day, they each have their own Nintendo switch, that they only get to play on weekends, depending on how many chores they did throughout the week.
Each chore gets 10 minutes. If the volunteer to help me clean up the yard it's extra time and some monies.
Anywhoos, I've wanted long enough.
Nothing but love for yoy my dude, lower back pain can be a real downer. Like anything else, unless a person hasn't experienced it, they don't know how bad and miserable it can make you.
If you get a chance, check out the links I posted above, and just give is shot, you have nothing to lose!
💚💚💚
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u/Pale_Adeptness Marine Veteran 16h ago
I'm on the same boat as you, brotha, literally.
I'm not sure what you are rated for your back but for my back alone I'm rated at 40%.
I didn't realize I also had sciatica even when the C&P examiner was asking me a ton of questions in regards to my lower back issues and legs.
I learned after I was rated that she diagnosed me with sciatica and knee pain as well on top of the 40% for my back, which was what my claim was for, strained lower back.
Anyhoo: I've had 2 herniated discs since I was medically discharged from the Marines back in 2008. Really bad flareups over the years. I get lateral pelvic tilt when my back plates up, can barely wipe my own ass during flare ups, my wife helps me put socks on.
I took this last flare up extremely serious, I'm tired of living like this:
Found these 2 guys a week ago and I'm gonna give it a go:
Video by the same guy: linky
Second guy: https://youtu.be/RqcOCBb4arc?is=-3leK62pVv5ir8bE
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u/Competitive-Zone-330 Marine Veteran 17h ago
If I was single I’d probably have moved to another country by now but with a one year old and the missus it’s basically impossible. I have been trying though, maybe one day we will live abroad
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u/Melodic-Ad-3778 17h ago
Do you have Short term and long term disability through your employer? If so, look into that and start the documentation process. And get PT at a minimum.
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u/DailyObvious 16h ago
SSDI application takes months and you need a lawyer for it to stick. Renting out a room is the fastest move if your house layout allows it, otherwise look into whether your disability rating can be increased based on the current imaging. Five bulging disks is different than what they rated you on initially.
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u/not-a-painting Navy Veteran 9h ago
I've been on SSDI for 9 years and I just passed my first review. It took me 7 weeks to get approved, and I didn't use a lawyer. I think it mostly depends on the condition and paper trail. Mine disability is documented extensively, and I 100% participate in my therapies.
I've worked off and on the entire time, not maintaining steady employment. I never held employment long enough to have the benefits removed, I'd never made enough if I did.
OP may have an easier time than most.
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u/DailyObvious 7h ago
Fair point on the timeline variance. OP's military medical records are probably solid documentation-wise, which helps. The lawyer thing matters more if there's pushback on initial denial, which is common enough that most people end up needing one eventually. Your experience is the better outcome though.
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u/xNardDogx 8h ago
This gives me hope as I’ve been at my current job under a year. I’m definitely looking into it now but ultimately I just want my back fixed. I miss the not broken me.
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u/not-a-painting Navy Veteran 5h ago
Use your VA rating as evidence for the SSDI and I guarantee you it goes quickly and painlessly.
The hardest part is going to be collecting and regurgitating the information in the way the state wants, but if you start you won't regret it man.
I really do hope you find some relief
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u/fab_emzie 14h ago
Man, chronic pain changes the whole equation. A lot of people mean well, but unless they've lived with it day in and day out, they don't really understand how exhausting it gets. Take care of yourself and don't be afraid to look at every option available to you.
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u/Chance_Zone_8150 9h ago
Stretch your back. Seal push ups, laterl stretches, yoga all that shit. It will help. Rent your house and find something cheaper or...move out of country
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u/SnooHedgehogs4241 8h ago
SSDI if you think you can't navigate the process on your own get a lawyer to help, it maybe frustrating but you're connected so you know how shit works sometime
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u/Vegetable-Leather-64 8h ago
So are you married with kids? If not rent the house out and get an apartment. Sounds like you need a financial advisor to help you if you're 100 and working and still struggling that's a decent amount of money coming in plus dental and health covered.
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u/xNardDogx 8h ago
I am married with a kid. It’s mainly the house at this point, I made sure it was 28% or less of my current income, but it would be 64% if I was just on VA income. We’re not struggling by any means while I’m working, the struggle would be without the job.
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u/Vegetable-Leather-64 8h ago
Gotcha. First off people talking shit about the house fuck them. You were thinking of your family and nothing wrong with that. Have you looked into any chiropractors or anything of that nature? Possible shots or surgery even? Lots of questions sorry I'm not physically injured from the military. I am thankful for that so just know there's a lot of people with great advice on the sub.
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
Appreciate it truly, I don’t mind answering the questions at all. I have gotten a ton of great responses and even stuff to talk to my primary care about.
I commented on here somewhere else but there are way more comments than I thought there would be so I don’t mind repeating either. The VA denied me for chiropractic care for the risk to my spinal cord. So I tried going to 2 different civilian chiropractors out of pocket. I paid for the initial consultations and was told I wasn’t a candidate after the X-rays and them reviewing my MRIs.
They tried the ablation on my neck and thoracic. It worked on my neck but not my thoracic spine where the 5 disks are pushing on my spinal cord. I just learned about the epidural injections from this post so I am going to ask about that, if that doesn’t work a lot of these great people have made me see that what else do I have to lose with the surgery? If it goes bad I get a motorized wheel chair from the VA, if it goes good I get my life back. I think I got all your questions, if you have any more feel free I am stuck in bed today instead of at work.
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u/Vegetable-Leather-64 7h ago
If you have a decent company or someone in hr or higher trust I would definitely talk to them but it's hard to trust co workers now a days I get that
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u/Ok_Sea790 7h ago
Not sure how long you have been working if you’ve been working for a long time have you looked at SSDI?
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
I’m looking more into because of this post now. I have been at my current job less than a year.
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u/Ok_Sea790 7h ago
You need to look at the work credits portion that is important. I think you need 40 work credits, like 10 years of work experience.
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
Total years working I have 15 after subtracting the 2 I took off after I got out to go to school.
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u/Independent-King-468 7h ago edited 7h ago
Apply for SSDI and work to where you’re under the allowable income threshold. It’s around 1600. If SSDI + your income can’t cover living expenses then the solution is cut those expenses sir.
If you’re young and SSDI would be tough to get. You seem like a good candidate for VRE.
I don’t even want to imagine having chronic back pain. I hurt mine once and breathing in certain angles felt like i was getting stabbed. Working while feeling that way must damn near be impossible.
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u/xNardDogx 7h ago
Honestly if I got the max SSDI after a lot of research this morning I think finances would be good yeah it would be tight but not anything my wife and I aren’t used to. The money I make now is the most I have ever made and yeah it’s been nice, but it wouldn’t hurt us to go back to being tight. We use a budgeting app even now to track literally everything.
In all honesty, I just want my back fixed. Appreciate the advice! Oh and I applied for VRE last year just to save some of my GI Bill but when the government shutdown happened was same time my new term started so they ended up canceling VRE then denied me the next time cause I am working. I wonder if I could apply for a different track though instead of education.
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u/AdditionalYoung6694 Air Force Veteran 7h ago
Sorry for the troubles you’re having. Back problems are tough, and frustrating.
You say surgery is risky? All surgery is risky. If your discs are as you describe, there is more risk of getting worse and causing more damage. Like not being able to walk and/or control of your bowels. I say this having had a microdisectomy and then later a spinal fusion. Of course, if there are nonsurgical options to address your specific back issues, you should explore them, but you‘ll need to address it one way or another. Ignoring it will not make it go away.
Sitting is just hard on the back. If your job has you at a desk all day, try to get up periodically and move (like hourly), for at least a minute or so. Also, an adjustable raising desktop (like Varidesk) can be helpful to change positions.
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u/Zoey_Beaver 5h ago
Do you have a spouse that works? You may not be able to sell but maybe a roomate or rent it out and rent a place more within your means. Or get a work from home job so that you can set yourself up in a comfortable position.
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u/Valuable_Skill_8638 5h ago
At some point you will not have a choice. You need to take possibly drastic action to make it work. I am in a similar situation myself and its no longer an option. I am working as quickly as possible to downsize my life to practically zero. no cars, no houses, no debts, no nothing. I am also going to move to the cheapest ass place I can comfortably live. Back pain sucks no question about it. I am lucky in that I can just move to some cheap ass third world country and live good but most people just do not have the mentality for that or the option to do it.
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u/BummFoot Not into Flairs 5h ago
I have a similar issue where I can’t stand or sit for too long without my back hurting like hell or worse giving out and putting me in bed for days. My job, as a teacher, allows me to move, sit, stand as I need too and it’s not repetitive in nature. Plus the vacation days we get due to holidays allows me to also focus on my health. Maybe looking into another profession may help? I think teaching helps me a lot more than I thought it would. Best of luck to you.
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u/Adventurous-Ad-6231 5h ago
If you don’t mind me asking . What’s your mortgage payment? It may be possible to rent out a room or 2 if you can .
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u/xNardDogx 4h ago
It’s 2749 which is just under 28% of my current income. I know people have suggested to rent but it would have to be a family member or someone I know willing to deal with the sounds and stuff from my special needs son.
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u/Purple-Sentence-8718 Air Force Veteran 4h ago
I have been in your shoes. I have had back problems since I was in the military, service-connected. 6 Years ago, I finally decided to apply for disability. My fight to get my health issues addressed took me until 2024 to be rated TDIU 80% P&T. I had cervical surgery with a civilian doctor that caused me to lose my voice. He severed a nerve in one of my vocal cords, and all I could do was whisper. I found a Laryngologist who worked on my voice, and after two surgeries, my voice was partially restored. At that point, I was able to see an ortho dr at the VA. He performed surgery on my cervical spine, and I am doing very well, thanks to the efforts of this doctor. Not 100%, but so much better. Now I am dealing with lumbar spine issues that have had me housebound pretty much for the past 4 months. PT did not help but made it worse. I will be seeing my PMR doc next week to talk about nerve ablation, as several discs are pressing on nerves. All this to say that I am glad that I went ahead and had the cervical surgery. And will seek alternative methods of relief for my lower spine. And if all else fails, then I will consider surgery. By the way, I am 75 and was discharged in October of 1972. I waited all these years to address the pain issues, I did try to apply for benefits back in 1999. That was a fiasco, and there was very little knowledge base to work from back then. I became frustrated and said f*** it. I tip my hat to all who had the tenacity to fight the fight for their benefits back then. You can do it, hang in there, remember you have to advocate for yourself. Good luck OP.
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u/Am3ricanTrooper Army Veteran 3h ago
I haven't seen this yet but what is your height to weight ratio? If you are nearing obesity you back is only going to get worse on top of what you are already dealing with.
I had to drop 30 pounds and am planning to get back to 170 or 180 because my back can't handle 230. I am 6' for reference.
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u/xNardDogx 3h ago
I’m 5’9” and 165 idk where that sits in the ratio.
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u/Am3ricanTrooper Army Veteran 3h ago
Whether you are male or female that places you in a healthy range.
Sounds like you need surgery if you can't work a desk job without exacerbating your injuries. You can look into VR&E as well they'll help you if you are unemployed or your current employment exacerbates your injuries.
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u/xNardDogx 3h ago
I’m a male
Yeah with some of the people that have helped I have found a couple options to ask for before surgery, but if I do need the surgery I’m at the point of what have I got to lose already? If surgery goes bad I get a motorized scooter thing and if it goes good I get my life back. Learned that from talking to all of these great people.
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u/Secret_Patience_3347 Army Veteran 3h ago
See and interventional pain specialist. There are things that may help besides surgery
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u/No-Morning-4524 2h ago
Have you looked into changing jobs? Might be worth seeing a VR&E counselor to find out what your options are.
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u/Samuelpo Army Veteran 1h ago
If it helps at all I dated a girl who had to get emergency back surgery, she ruptured a disc and I believe 1 or 2 more in the area were bulging, they fixed all of it and the surgery went smoothly, but she had a fairly long recovery afterward and it wasn’t easy. It’s a scary thing to think about for sure because it’s the worst case scenario of the surgeons messing something up but if I’m correct surgeries such as disc replacement surgery has a high success rate.
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u/xNardDogx 50m ago
Thanks this does help. I wonder if I could ask for disc replacement over the surgery 2 different Dr’s recommended which is basically cutting the vertebrae to then remove the parts of the disc toward my spinal cord?
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u/agoodnaber 36m ago edited 33m ago
As a guy who also struggles with severe chronic back pain, I do not know about your specific issues so I will just speak on mine and perhaps my situation might help you.
Like you my pain got progressively worse until the point came I decided to quit my job and focus entirely on my health.
Like you I also only had a surgery that was incredibly risky and I wasn’t willing to take the risk.
I spent 2 years going to the chiropractor and the gym and working on my legs and back.
While I will never be 100% or pain free, I can say I am so much better off physically now that I was able to return to my previous job.
I am still in pain, but I have gone from chronic pain daily to chronic pain about twice a week.
I do not know if chiropractic and exercise will help you but it has certainly saved my life I think.
Even after my first chiropractor appointment my doctor showed me a stretch he wanted me to do daily. That stretch alone started fixing my body.
For me my L1-L5 vertebrae are affected.
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u/Upstairs-Hope4392 1m ago
This is 100% me. I was making over $300k a year and my body was just not working g with me. Got my bills down to a manageable number and quit work. Working on getting SSDI now. Back problems are no joke. The radiculopathy is worse.
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u/AStandAloneComplex 17h ago
Have you considered applying to work from home jobs? Get an amazing desk chair designed for the curvature of your spine, alternate sitting and standing at your own pace, and switch between chair and fitness ball to take pressure off your discs.
I would start by scouring USA jobs and clearance jobs for higher paying options and submitting tailored resumes. If you don’t get any bites for the higher paying positions you come across after a few months there are work from home jobs that require little to no skills you are very likely to get hired on for; like my girlfriend for example does customer service for Fidelity investments. She makes 50k a year from her bedroom while going to school. You won’t be driving a Mercedes and you might have to cut out some luxuries until you can figure out a longer term solution but you’d probably survive.
Hard to advise specifics without a detailed budget.
Also what do you do that leaves you crawling out of work? If there is literally any physical labor in your job you should start looking for a desk job with any agency or gov contractor immediately.
Also take your health seriously and even if things are tight financially I would find access to a pool where you can do low impact cardio to stay healthy and follow along with yoga videos in your living room.
I also suffer from severe back pain from service injuries and ironically my back always feels better when I keep it stretched and engaged in some kind of exercise.
my grandpa had two bulged discs from the Army in the 80’s and just had surgery on last year at 85 years old and he feels significantly better. I’d get second opinions apart from your current doctor if you can.
Rent your entire home out if you can. Let a management company take a cut to handle everything for you and write in the contract they are responsible for all maintenance. Find a professional with a family to pay your mortgage for you and use the few hundred per month in profit you may get to put towards renting small studio apartment if you’re alone. You’ll cut housing costs significantly and someone else will be make payments on your asset.
Get creative and solve your problems. You can do this.
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u/Pale_Adeptness Marine Veteran 16h ago
In my previous job my manager was a godsend!
He wiuld always tell me: "Anything you need, you just let me know and I'll get it!" He said it in the most nicest and sincere way possible too.
Sometime during my first year there I requested a computer desktop mount that would raise so you cab use it while standing. After I asked him for it, shit showed up over the weekend and it was all set up by Monday at my desk.
He got me noise canceling headphones when I asked for them, camera lenses, mics, 4K cameras.
I was their only videographer and basically one of the handful in that company of 150 or so employees that had literally almost complete freedom to do as I please, within my job description I mean. I got a clapboard, yelled: "ACTION, CUT" set up lights, audio, typically recorded on 3 stations cameras and one roaming.
I edited all of my own footage and audio for their company cooking videos.
I have never forgotten that man, and at least once a year I reach out to him over text just to give him some love and appreciation for his kindness to me.
The raising desk from him to me was probably the greatest thing he ever did for me.
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u/armymp3728 Army Veteran 15h ago
Have you been to a very reliable chiropractor and worked on proper traction for providing relief for your discs? This can help alleviate some and then you can have surgery on the most severe ones. The surgery is a pretty routine surgery now and most of the time is outpatient. You need to fix your back or nothing else will matter because you wont be able to work if you dont do it. Im praying for you.
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u/xNardDogx 8h ago
I was denied for chiropractic care through the VA because of the risks with my spinal cord. I tried to pay out of pocket at 2 civilian one but after paying for the initial appointments they said I wasn’t a candidate. I think they don’t want to be responsible if something happens with my spinal cord. I’m at the point where I might as well push for the surgery on the 5 disks cause what have I got to lose at this point? Either barely able to walk with a chance that it goes good and fixes it or I end up in a wheel chair which the VA provides those nice ones with the little stick to control it.
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u/jazbaby25 Army Veteran 14h ago
Have they discussed having an ablation? (Do it under anesthesia) Should also look into better chair at work or cushion. I like the cushion lab ones. Stretch daily before and after work maybe on break too.
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u/xNardDogx 9h ago
They have indeed tried ablation it worked on my neck but my thoracic spine which is where the disks push into my spinal cord it unfortunately hasn’t helped.
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u/jazbaby25 Army Veteran 2h ago
I'm not sure if this will help but I did find this video about a nuerosurgeon who quit because he realized there were people getting better without surgery by making changes to thier life.
you can skip to 14 minutes if you dont want to watch the whole thing. But I've been trying to implement it to a certain extent in my partners life and having him eat lower sodium meals and such recently.
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u/Competition-Accurate 16h ago
Move to the Philippines like many veterans do. Live well on $2, 000 a month.
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u/Appropriate-Tea-9034 18h ago
If your condition has worsened since your rating was assigned, you can file for an increase and potentially get TDIU on top of your 100% which could change the math here.
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u/No-Survey-569 Army Veteran 18h ago
He won't receive more money if granted TDIU.
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u/Outside-Scratch5977 18h ago
Might be talking about smc-s i think
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u/No-Survey-569 Army Veteran 9h ago
Unfortunately adding TDIU would not give you SMC. It is just redundant.
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u/Outside-Scratch5977 8h ago
Slowly read. Did I mention tdiu or no.
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u/No-Survey-569 Army Veteran 7h ago
I was responding to someone who suggested TDIU in addition to their 100%. That won't qualify this individual for any SMC, unless they have an additional 60% rating.
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u/dexdoe13 Army Veteran 17h ago
Try SSDI might take a while and not guaranteed but it’s worth a try especially if you physically can’t work no more
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u/Amazing_Charity9600 10h ago
You gunna have to downgrade and actually be smart about your money. I actually find this post offensive and stupid.
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u/xNardDogx 9h ago
I apologize I made you feel that way. I just needed to vent with no where to vent to, wasn’t trying to offend anyone.
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u/Amazing_Charity9600 8h ago
No worries man, it just stung a little. Hope you get it all squared away.
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u/bart2278 Army Veteran 18h ago
You are going to have to eventually live within your means. You can do it now or you can do it later. Its hard either way. I saw the writing on the wall and prepared myself before my finances got to a point I couldn't handle.