The veteran’s question, “Those of you rated 70-100% P&T for mental health and employed, what is your job?” has become quite popular on the discussion boards. It was posed by a vet who is mulling over a return to school for a master’s degree; this question resonated with many others who have walked that same road.
“Is it even possible to work with this rating?”
Starting the discussion, the vet stated, I have been rated between 70 and 100% permanently and Totally (P&T) disabled for mental health issues with no employment. I am solvent and have saved for grad school, but I am uncertain about returning to work. My therapist actually discouraged me from becoming a peer counselor, which would have been my dream job, due to the potential for emotional stress to set me back.
Adding to the conundrum, the veteran said he recently had the misfortune of being ruled ineligible for the VR&E program, which usually helps disabled veterans pursue education or career paths that suit their abilities. However, he is determined to move forward. “I can finish a master’s in under two years,” he said, “but I don’t know what kind of job won’t make my mental health worse.”
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Therapy vs. work week
One of the chief concerns for the veteran was whether a full-time job would interfere with his ability to keep up with therapy. “A traditional 9-5 would clash with my VA appointments. It’s not like the VA offers therapy after hours or on weekends,” he stated.
This is a common tension for many veterans. The kind of consistency required to undergo mental health treatment can be quickly derailed by a rigid work schedule.
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Real jobs, real answers
The responses have been as diverse as the veterans themselves. Some expressed their comfort in solitude. One said, “Rancher/Farmer. I never see people. All my friends are animals.” Others embraced the home. A Marine vet said proudly, “Professional househusband and Cat Dad.”
It is not an easy thing for many who are currently working. A Navy veteran who is also an RN said, “Don’t recommend.” To this, another vet, a school nurse, concurred, “Better than bedside, but still hard with mental health issues.”
Some have taken jobs that allow some flexibility or are perceived to be less stressful. A commentator talked about working in medical imaging; another cited specialty education. But even these veterans said this type of job had a definite mental toll, particularly concerning extra impositions such as those of ADHD.
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Advance purposefully and cautiously
The original poster had also pointed out the decision. Apart from personal ends, he would also save money: move out of state and establish a better life. Even so, a decision becomes hard in the absence of examples of safe and satisfying jobs for veterans with significant mental health issues.
His viral post opened an important discussion that is probably happening for a lot of veterans in their heads or their bedrooms. For now, he is listening and learning as he weighs up the next step.
Your mind’s as good as your paycheck.
