Can you get 100% disability for PTSD and still work?

Asked by: Dr. Alayna Abernathy  |  Last update: January 2, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (18 votes)

Despite a 100% permanent and total disability rating, the VA recognizes that some 100% permanent and total (or “P&T”) veterans may still choose or be able to work. Many employers seek veterans because of their specialized skill set and proven work ethic.

Can I work if I have 100% VA disability for PTSD?

Working is considered incompatible with being rated 100% PTSD ('Total occupational and social impairment'). The VA would likely propose a reduction in your rating if you succeed in being gainfully employed in the workplace .

What grants are available for 100% disabled veterans with PTSD?

For veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other service-connected disabilities, there are two types of disability housing grants available to assist with home modifications: the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant.

Can you work with 100% mental health disability?

Unless a person is rated as IU, or is rated 100% Schedular for a MENTAL DISORDER, they are free to work at anything they can do. Max Clelland, a former head of the VA and a former US Senator from Georgia collected 100% S/C throughout his career.

What is the best state to live in for 100 disabled veterans?

Oklahoma has the best 100% VA state benefits. Oklahoma also has a cheaper cost of living and mild winters plus legal weed.

👷 Can I Keep Working with a 100% P&T VA Disability Rating for Mental Health? #PTSD #Veterans

34 related questions found

What are the hidden benefits of 100% VA disability?

What Other Benefits Are Available to Individuals with a 100% Rating?
  • CHAMPVA Benefits. ...
  • VA Health Care Benefits. ...
  • Long Term Care Benefits. ...
  • Commissary and Exchange Benefits. ...
  • Educational and Employment Benefits. ...
  • VA Home Loan Guarantee. ...
  • Free Tax Return Preparation. ...
  • Student Loan Forgiveness.

How much money actually goes to the disabled American veterans?

As such, we are very mindful of the use of the donations we receive and make sure they are used as efficiently as possible to fulfill our mission of ensuring all disabled veterans have the right to live their lives with respect and dignity. In 2023, 83.3% of our contributions directly benefited veterans and families.

Can I still work if I'm 100% VA disabled?

If your 100% VA Disability Rating comes because you qualify for the 100% rating specified for a single (or combination of multiple) service-connected conditions using the Schedule of Ratings, then you have NO limitations on your ability to work.

Can a 100 disabled veteran get food stamps?

Yes! According to a 2016 USDA memorandum, if you receive temporary or permanent VA disability compensation you are eligible for SNAP and the "time limit" will not apply to you...regardless of your disability rating.

How much is SSDI for 100% disabled veterans?

Beginning December 1, 2024, individual veterans with a 100% disability rating can get $3,831.30 per month from the VA, while the maximum SSDI amount for 2025 is $4,018—although the average monthly SSDI check is much lower, at $1,580.

How do veterans get free iPads?

Digital divide consult

VA's Connected Devices Program. Provides eligible Veterans with internet-connected tablets at no cost so they can access VA care through telehealth.

What is a VA hardship payment?

What is VA financial hardship? “Financial hardship” for purposes of requesting expediting of your VA disability claim means that you, the veteran, are unable to earn enough income to pay essential expenses such as housing payments or medical expenses relating to your disability.

What to say to get 100% PTSD compensation?

The standard for receiving a 100% rating for PTSD alone is stringent: total occupational and social impairment. That's characterized by symptoms like: Gross impairment of thought processes or communication. Persistent delusions or hallucinations.

Can I lose my 100% percent permanent and total VA disability?

If you have a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) rating, it's unlikely you'll be re-evaluated or have your rating reduced, unless you've done something to trigger a VA review of your case. This can occur when: The initial 100% P&T rating was found to be based on fraud.

How hard is it to get disability for PTSD?

To qualify under these standards, the post-traumatic stress disorder must be severe enough that you are considered disabled from performing your previous job, or any other type of substantially gainful work. SSA will look at the physical and mental demands of the work you have done in the past 15 years.

What do spouses of 100 disabled veterans get?

Benefits for the Surviving Spouse of a 100% Disabled Veteran

For 2024, the base rate of compensation for a surviving spouse is $1,612.75/month. Under certain circumstances, the spouse may be entitled to additional compensation.

Can you get food stamps if you make $2000 a month?

Gross monthly income — that is, household income before any of the program's deductions are applied — generally must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line. For a family of three, the poverty line used to calculate SNAP benefits in federal fiscal year 2025 is $2,152 a month.

Does my VA disability count as income?

These benefits are not taxable on the state or federal level. This tax-free status applies to your disability payments as well as grants for items such as wheelchair ramps in your home or motor vehicle adaptations to accommodate your disability.

Can I work with a 100 PTSD rating?

No Income Limits – Veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating can earn any amount of income from employment. There are no restrictions on how much they can earn without affecting their VA disability benefits.

Do 100 disabled veterans get free dental?

No Cost Dental Care Veterans with a 100% disability rating can receive dental care at no cost. This includes a comprehensive range of dental services, such as preventive care, fillings, crowns, and dentures.

What is the difference between 100 VA and 100 P&T?

The primary difference between a 100% rating and a 100% P&T rating lies in the permanence and security of the benefits. A 100% rating can be reduced if the VA determines that the veteran's condition has improved, while a 100% P&T rating is stable and not subject to reexamination.

How does a veteran get 100% disability?

Achieving a 100% VA disability rating requires demonstrating complete and total disability through medical evidence, with certain severe conditions like loss of limbs or blindness automatically qualifying.

Does DAV really help veterans?

Each year, DAV helps more than a million veterans in life-changing ways. There are 20 million U.S. veterans, and each one has been affected by their service. From health problems to employment issues, DAV helps our heroes overcome obstacles in positive ways.