u/TravelingBop

TL,DR:

• When should I apply for SSDI with Brown&Brown - the firm that was recommended to me by my employer's LTD insurance (DMBA - GRP)?
• Are there often very long gaps between when LTD ends and SSDI starts?
  • Is there anecdotal evidence that employers will bridge your LTD knowing you have n SSDI application initiated?
• What is the average experience with this?
• Do I go ahead and apply or wait on GRP to green-light me?

Background:

In my LTD orientation, I was told GRP would let me know when to apply, would assist me, and to use Brown&Brown. (I accept this as a good recommendation because it behooves them financially to have a successful SSDI program).

My concern is in knowing that it can take a very long time for an SSDI application to yield approval and payment. My LTD is approved through September. Now, I *might* be approved for more LTD but the unknown feels risky. I am leaving the US in September and want to complete the application/medical exams before leaving. In an effort to be proactive, I'm reluctant to wait on GRP to tell me to start the application AND I am uncomfortable asking because remaining on LTD is a much better situation financially due to the high salary it is maintaining - don't want to poke the bear in a sense.

This is meant to have a wee bit of fun and also to mine the brain trust unique to Veterans opportunities.

I have 2 degrees in music performance.

Spent 15 years in active duty and national guard bands.

70% VA rated - please don't be offended. I enlisted to do a job and was legitimately injured fulfilling my contracted role.

I went on to have a fantastic career: performing, teaching, found myself in higher education and even made it to Associate Dean for a college of 3,800+ students pursuing degrees in all areas of the arts.

Two years ago my service connected injuries took a massive downward spiral and I had a series of unsuccessful surgeries and treatments. Took FMLA in hopes of resolving said injuries. Now I am on LTD and will not be able to return to my work as a musician.

Yes - I have a claim in for a VA increase (hopeful).

Yes - I will be applying for SSDI (doubtful).

But I NEED to work! 25 years in music has wedged me into a very niche specialty. Higher Ed admin was fun but not where I want to go professionally. It was meaningful at my university working specifically in the arts programs. But I have developed a lot of skepticism about higher ed in the arts and want to extricate myself.

SO - LET ME HEAR IT! Without anymore from my CV, what strikes you for my future? What VA programs should I seek out for re-tooling.

A few more details: I'm 45F, used up my post-9/11 (well, there was a balance left but the deadline passed for using it), just sold my home, moving into a camper for a few months of travel, heading to SEA in November for a year-long "sabbatical" (that's what my CV will say), university pension vested, 401K healthy, no debt, but feeling worried that I can only distract myself for so long.

If I can't be a musician and can't be in higher education what crazy new professional adventure should I attempt? Open to more personal education and training. Wondering about Aaaa-EYE and being the "human in the loop" but literally no background EXCEPT a secondary specialty in music technology - very specific (read limited) to musicians. Open to "failing fast" with a mid-life brain.

*I'm always a little concerned about over-sharing. So, if you feel like I gave too much away, leave a friendly comment so I can edit out before the scammers drop into my chats.

Currently I am on LTD - approved until September 2026 through DMBA.

I am currently 70% VA service-connected rating - I have a claim in process for an increase.

I will never be able to return to my current career. I have no idea how I would retool into a new career - I have a super weird specialty.

When should I apply for SSDI? It is my understanding that if I have 100%VA it can expedite SSDI application. I was also told in my LTD briefing that my case worker would tell me/work with me at the appropriate time to apply for SSDI.

I am leaving the US for SEA on November 29, 2026 but my US address will be good for 1 year.

I'm looking for any insight into this process especially as I head overseas for a while.

If I have all the medical exams for LTD in addition to all my VA medical paperwork, will I still need to be in the area for medical exams for an SSDI application?