Army Vet Travis With Multiple Disabilities Seeks Disability Grant And SSDI Help

by Travis Rock
(Newport News, VA, USA)

My name is Travis Rock. I am a 28-year-old male combat veteran who served seven and a half years in the Army in Iraq.

I have two children, a four-year-old and an eight-month-old, both girls. I have been married for five years but am on the brink of losing my marriage.

Disability Issues

My disability issues started in the middle of my deployment to Iraq in 2011.

Upon my return to the United States, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, bi-lateral hearing loss, tinnitus and chronic migraine headaches.

I also suffer from severe memory and cognitive issues. Over the last three years, each one of my disabilities has become more severe.

I have also been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease in my back, and I suffer from depression.

My official disability status at the time of this writing is 40% disabled per Veterans Affairs.

Financial Hardship

Finances have become a major problem. I was working but due to being admitted to a psych ward and an inpatient treatment facility, am no longer able to do so.

The only source of income I have is my Veterans Affairs disability, which only covers about half of my mortgage, leaving zero dollars for utilities, food or other expenses.

I do not have finances needed for vehicle maintenance or fuel.

I have been prescribed multiple medications, all of which are paid for by the Veteran Affairs.

Income Efforts

I cannot hold a conventional job due to my disabilities.

I receive Veteran Affairs disability, as well as a short-term disability from the company that I was previously employed with.

I have not applied for SS benefits yet, but plan on doing so hopefully with some help.

I have never applied for a grant due to lack of knowledge but am hopeful to do so.

Specific Needs

I am seeking help in finding and obtaining any benefits that I can, including a therapy service dog, grants, SSI/SSDI, and any other way I might be able to bring income into my household that is condition friendly to my disabilities.