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Question:

Do you loose your VA disability after the academy if you accept a job in law enforcement?

I recently had hip surgery and the army is telling me that I may qualify for around 45% disability. My last question was if there a cap for the amount of disability that I can receive from the military and still be able to get a job in law enforcement. From those answers I think I can attend the academy but will I loose my disability once I become an active officer? I am just looking for general info but if anyone knows specifics I will be returning to Florida after my tour is over.

Answers:

1) I do not believe you lose your benefits. I think that is yours for life. But also know that the police department will be hesitant to hire your with the disability or will not pay for any injuries caused because of your disability. Its a double edged sword.

2) I really dont think you can loose your V.A. benefits. they may be reduced but not lost. I have been disabled for 8 years and believe me if I could go back to work I would jump at the chance. The police department may deny any type of liability if your hip is ever injured but even with that you can make a lot more money working for the police than you can by being laid up on disability.The retirement plan and benefits are really good too.. go for the police job and dont worry about the V.A. Under the rules for S.S.I disability are as followed. you have 9 months that you can work with NO penalty. You can work for a total of 36 months if you dont make up to $100 a month less than your disability is. The 36 and 9 month rule is not consecuative. another words it only counts for months you actually work. after 36 months of working you must either NOT work or work and loose you monthly income but you still may be eligable for medicare.(health insurance)... I hope that helps

3) I don't know. But I gotta ask. If you are able to complete the academy & the physical requirements involved, just what makes you think you deserve disability pay? Police officer training is quite rigorous, so how, exactly, could you truly claim you are disabled?

4) No. I'm getting 20% for a delaminated meniscus, that they repaired before I separated and high blood pressure they gave me after 12 years. I contacted them several times to tell them that my knee was functional and I was a cop now, but they said don't worry about it and that eventually they may call me in for an exam and reduce the disability then if they need to. The main reason was because the meniscus was sliced up, permanently damaging it for the rest of my life, so I would be entitled to it. For those that are pissy about it....It still friggin hurts.

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