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Q523:  Can a veteran with a 90% disability for a back injury work as an EMT that requires using his back?  He has gotten into physical shape since being discharged.  I’m no doctor but this young veteran looks like he doesn’t have anything physically wrong with him. Mentally is another question. 

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A1:  The simple answer is, yes. You are not a doctor. You have no idea what items he is rated for. He could have multiple issues that you can not see.  (RJ)  10/1/20

     

A2:  A back injury is not a fun thing you try to be normal but you will have to deal with a lot of pain because you do to much. You will not show the pain if it is at all possible you just take meds and cope. No one should ever judge anyone by what you see let his doctors do that. I had three back surgeries and I have greats days but I also have days when standing is all I can do.  (RH)  10/1/20

      

A3:  You stated that he had a 90% disability for his back.  The possibility of losing all or partial percentage is very high.  If he goes to work as an EMT. If he can perform the strenuous work, he' must be "cured". He needs to talk to a VSO to see if there is anything else to claim.  (LE)  10/1/20

      

A4:  While there is no 90% rating for the back, every veteran is different. The only thing that prohibits a veteran from working and earing more than the NPL is if he/she is TDIU (unemployable).  (DS)  10/1/20

         

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

       

A5:  Yes. Actually those with a 100% IU rating can work whatever job they want. It depends on each circumstance. Don't judge by appearance because YOU don't know the story. Not all injuries are visible.  (KD)  10/1/20

     

A6:  You answered your own question; "your no doctor."  The limits of what he can do or can't do, should have been established by his C&P exam.  The long established practice of "the VA" substituting there "opinion" for the opinion of an medical expert was finally stopped many years ago by the court of veterans appeals.  (MN)  10/1/20