
Celebrating all Veteran’s This November 11
Tips on Social Security Disability Insurance and VA Disability Benefits
Veterans are honored each year on November 11. This serves as a tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces to that risked their lives to protect our country. November 11, 1919 is the date that Armistice Day was celebrated by President Woodrow to honor the fallen soldiers one year after World War I. This has been declared a federal Holiday with federal government closings established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Many veterans depend on VA disability benefits but can also be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. The veteran must apply for each separately, although veterans may be able to receive SSA benefits while waiting on VA benefit approval because their compensations are not affected by each other.
How Does SSDI and VA Disability Compensation Compare?
See the Social Security Disability and Veterans Affairs Disability — How Do They Compare? fact sheet for a side-by-side comparison of the differences between SSDI and VA compensation.
Basically, if a person cannot work due to a severe medical condition that lasts longer than one year, then federal law says that Social Security needs to pay these people disability benefits.
The VA pays disability compensation to veterans who have a service-connected disability resulting from a condition that was incurred during or aggravated by active military service.
Therefore, connecting veterans with SSDI is a crucial step to create stability for veterans and their families.
Can Veterans Receive SSDI Benefits While Still Receiving Military Pay?
If you are performing considerable work, you probably will not be approved for SSDI. However, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get military pay and Social Security disability compensation simultaneously. You may qualify for SSDI payments if you are currently receiving treatment and/or working in a therapy program, to which the SSA will evaluate the work you are doing.
Expedited Processing For Veterans
Veterans get a lucky break because they usually qualify for programs from the SSA that accelerate disability decisions, says SoarWorks.
- 100% Permanent and Total Veterans Initiative
In March 2014, SSA introduced a new initiative to expedite the processing of applications from Veterans who have a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating from the VA. To receive expedited processing, Veterans should identify themselves as a “Veteran rated 100% P&T” when initiating the SSI/SSDI application, and should provide the VA rating notification letter to SSA. - Wounded Warriors
Veterans who received disabling mental or physical health injuries while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001 are eligible for expedited SSI/SSDI application processing. The injury does not need to have occurred during combat operations. When initiating the SSI/SSDI application, Veterans should inform SSA that their injury occurred while on active duty.
If you are a Veteran that became disabled serving in the U.S military, The Lowery Law Group will help you navigate the benefits available to you.
Contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.