Question:
Jim, I was recently approved for TDIU and it also came back P&T. I have been interested in getting some investments set up/playing the stock market with some of the back pay that I received, but am terrified that the VA will try to take away my TDIU if I do. Since I'm on TDIU, would trading stocks and bonds regularly be considered gainful employment and would any of the income I receive from dividends or sales of stocks put me in jeopardy of losing my benefit? Thank you in advance for your help.
Jim's Reply:
Investment income isn't the same as gainful employment in most circumstances. You can win the Lotto or inherit all of poor old Aunt Agnes' fortune or sell all your property for a fortune and there are no worries with TDIU. Investing can become self employment though and there are fine lines you may not want to cross. If you believe you may earn more than the poverty level in your region, you'd be well advised to get advice from a skilled attorney. On the other hand, if you manage your stock investments as well as I have over time, you won't have any excess income to worry over so why not?