Did I screw myself out of an LE career?
Hey all, so I’m a USMC veteran going to school on the GI bill and I aspire to possibly to go into city or state law enforcement if not apply to law school. I recently filed for and got rated 80% disabled by the VA. Most of the claims were normal stuff for an infantryman (back, knees, shoulder, tinnitus) but a majority of that rating came from depression and anxiety. I made it very clear when being evaluated that I am NOT a risk to myself or others and do not have any thoughts of self harm. I also don’t believe that the percentage they rated me for reflects its daily effect on me, but I won’t lie I don’t mind the extra income. I did not tell any lies or try to “cheat the system”, I simply did what my advisor told me to and”described how it is on my worst day”. Now I understand that because of HIPPA and all that it’s really not supposed to hinder me from employment but I also know that departments research your background very extensively and ask a lot of questions regarding your mental health. While I definitely have some hard days I do not believe (nor do the medical professionals I have seen) that I am a risk to myself or others. Could this rating screw me? My goal is to go city or state law enforcement.
TLDR: VA rating for depression and anxiety (NOT a threat to myself or others) and want to work in law enforcement, is this possible?