80% rated, on STD/FMLA mental health leave right now, sole earner -- help w/ questions
Hey reddit, long time lurker, first time posting (throwaway). I've been separated nearly a decade + some years and rated 80% combined:
- 70% MDD with anxious distress
- 10% lumbosacral strain
- 10% tinnitus
- 0% hearing loss, left ear
My depression and anxiety has knocked me down hard over the last couple months I’m trying my best every morning.. On top of that we've had family crises (mom diagnosed with cancer, sister attempted off herself the same week we found out). I'm currently out on short term disability with FMLA running at the same time.
I know the math says my conditions can't combine to 100% and I know TDIU is an option on paper, but it's just me and my wife, no dependents, and I'm the only solid source of income (wife’s job is inconsistent).. so I'm hesitant about anything tied to unemployability due to having no money is going to make me more stressed out. Do I just have to bite the bullet and push through this if I don’t want my wife and I to struggle?
Questions now:
- Is there anything I should be filing or requesting RIGHT NOW while I'm on leave?
- Is an increase on the MDD realistic for someone in my position, or am I wasting my time?
- Anything I'm not thinking of (secondary claims, etc.)?
Thanks in advance. Trying to do this right while I have the leave time.