Top Veteran Questions Answered: Reddit’s Most-Asked VA Disability Questions

Look, we get it. The VA disability system feels like it’s designed to confuse you.

We’ve been spending time in veteran communities on Reddit, and we keep seeing the same questions pop up. Veterans helping veterans, which is amazing, but sometimes the advice is all over the place.

So we thought, why not put together the real answers? These are the questions we see daily from veterans who are frustrated, confused, or just trying to figure out their next move.

1. What Do I Do If My VA Appeal Gets Denied?

Your appeal got denied. That gut punch feeling? We know it well. But here’s the thing, a denial isn’t a dead end. You’ve got three solid paths forward, and picking the right one depends on your situation.

Can I file a supplemental claim after my appeal is denied?

Yes. If you’ve got new and relevant evidence, file a supplemental claim.  New means it is evidence the VA hasn’t seen before, and it’s relevant if it addresses one of the main reasons VA denied.  For example, if VA denied because there was no diagnosis for migraines, then your doctor drafts a letter confirming your diagnosis, the letter is both new and relevant.  This is your fastest option, averaging about 125 days. These should be fresh medical records, buddy statements from someone who served with you, or an independent medical opinion that connects the dots the VA missed.

What’s a higher-level review, and when should I use it?

A higher-level review means a senior VA employee takes a fresh look at your case; same evidence, fresh eyes. Choose this when you’re convinced the VA made a mistake but don’t have additional evidence to submit. Takes about 125 days on average.

Should I appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals?

The Board is your third option. You’ve got three lanes:

• Direct Review – Fastest Board option. No hearing, no new evidence.
• Evidence Submission – Submit new evidence but skip the hearing.
• Hearing – Present your case to a judge and submit new evidence. Takes longer, but some cases need that personal touch.

How long do I have to appeal a VA decision?

One year from the date on your decision letter. Mark this on your calendar, it isn’t flexible. If you miss this deadline, you will be starting from scratch, losing potentially years of back pay.

After a denial? Absolutely consider hiring help. Our VA-accredited advocates know exactly what evidence the VA needs. We’ve seen thousands of cases and know what actually works.

2. Is VA Disability Permanent or Can They Take It Away?

Short answer: it depends on what your decision letter says. Let’s break down what “permanent” actually means in VA world.

What does permanent and total disability mean?

Permanent and Total (P&T) means the VA decided your service-connected conditions, which are 100% disabling, aren’t going to improve. You’ll see an explicit P&T designation on your decision letter. Your benefits continue for life unless something major happens, like a fraud conviction, dramatic improvement, or skipping required exams.

P&T is the golden ticket. You also get commissary privileges, CHAMPVA for dependents, and most importantly, no more routine reexaminations.

Can the VA reduce my disability rating?

Yes, but it gets harder the longer you have it:

• After 5 years – They need solid evidence of sustained improvement
• After 10 years – They can lower your rating, but can’t eliminate service connection for that condition
• After 20 years – Your rating is pretty much locked in unless they catch you committing fraud

What happens if the VA wants to reduce my rating?

They give you 30 days’ notice in what’s called a Proposal to Reduce. If you request a hearing within 30 days, the VA will not reduce you until you’ve had a chance to show your condition hasn’t improved.  Gather every piece of evidence, including recent treatment records, doctor statements, and anything proving you’re still dealing with the same issues. Submit it before the hearing is held.  Veterans who fight these proposals win more often than you’d think.

Remember: this is the only time in the VA disability system when the burden of proof is on VA, NOT the veteran.  If VA cannot prove your condition has improved, they cannot legally reduce your rating.

3. Can You Work While on 100% VA Disability?

Yes. Working does not automatically affect your VA disability compensation. But there’s a big exception you need to know about.

Does working affect 100% VA disability?

For a standard 100% schedular rating, work as much as you want. Your VA compensation is based on how service-connected conditions affect your life, not whether you can hold a job.

What is TDIU, and how does it affect working?

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is different. Your rating might be 70% or 80%, but the VA agrees your conditions prevent you from holding substantially gainful employment. They bump you to 100% pay.

The catch: you can’t work a regular job. Marginal employment, making around $14,000 to $15,000 yearly, is generally okay, much higher than that, and the VA will likely take away your TDIU status.

What should I document about my disability and work?

Everything. Keep records of:

• Every accommodation your employer provides
• Sick days taken for service-connected conditions
• How symptoms interfere with work performance
• Times you left early for VA appointments

4. Do I Have to Tell My Employer About My VA Disability Rating?

No, you don’t need to mention anything. But sometimes you’ll want to. Let’s talk through when disclosure helps you and when it might not.

Is it illegal to not disclose VA disability to your employer?

Not at all. Your VA disability is personal information. Unless you’re applying for a federal position that specifically asks about VA benefits, you’re under no legal obligation to mention it.

When should I tell my employer about my VA disability?

Tell them when you need something from them. Accommodations, mostly. If your service-connected back injury means you need a standing desk or schedule adjustments for PT appointments, that’s when the Americans with Disabilities Act becomes your friend.

What should I never tell my employer about my disability rating?

Keep these private:

• Your rating percentage
• Your exact monthly compensation amount
• Detailed medical information beyond what’s necessary for accommodations

Say what you need, not what you get. “I need Tuesday mornings off for medical appointments” is perfect. “I get $3,800 monthly for PTSD and need to see my psychiatrist” is too much.

How do I ask for disability accommodations at work?

Be direct and focus on solutions. Don’t lead with percentages and diagnoses. Instead: “I work best with advance notice on schedule changes and need a quieter workspace for focused tasks.”

Put it in writing to HR. Keep copies of everything. Document their response. If they deny reasonable accommodations, you’ve got grounds for a potential ADA complaint.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Here’s the reality: the VA system is complicated on purpose. It shouldn’t be, but it is.

We’ve spent over a decade doing nothing but VA disability claims and appeals. Our VA-accredited advocates have walked thousands of veterans through denials, rating increases, TDIU applications, and Board appeals. We know which evidence actually moves the needle.

We don’t get paid unless you win. Your success is literally how we measure ours.

Ready to stop fighting alone? Contact Veterans Help Group for a free case evaluation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options clearly, and show you exactly how we can help. No legal jargon. Just straight answers from people who’ve been doing this long enough to be really good at it.

Fact-Checked and Reviewed by Donnel Beckles, VA-Accredited Managing Advocate

Every word in this article has been carefully reviewed by Donnel Beckles, VA-Accredited Managing Advocate at Veterans Help Group. Donnel has dedicated his career to veterans’ advocacy, helping hundreds of veterans and their survivors successfully navigate the VA disability system. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience with real claims and appeals.

Veterans Help Group has been fighting for veterans’ rights for over a decade. Our VA-accredited team has helped thousands of veterans secure millions of dollars in benefits earned through their service. Contact us to learn how we can help you get the benefits you deserve.

Resources For Disabled Veterans

• Denied VA Disability?
• Everything You Need To Know About A Buddy Statement
• How To Get Permanent and Total (P&T) VA Disability
• CHAMPVA Benefits For Dependents
• How To Get TDIU?