Disability Benefits for Veterans

Many people may not realize this, but social security disability benefits are available to disabled veterans, regardless of which war he or she served and how long ago it was. Many wounded or disabled veterans will also be eligible to receive benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA), and if this is the case. If you are a disabled veteran, it is imperative to speak with a disability lawyer immediately to determine the best way to maximize the benefit payments you deserve. Call a law firm today to speak with a member of their legal team. In the meantime, the following information can provide some details.

Disabled Veterans

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are several reasons why a veteran may qualify for social security disability benefits. Because, as the SSA points out, “the effect of military service can be profound and lasting,” any number of emotional, social, health and financial issues may mean that a veteran could qualify for social security disability with more ease than a civilian.

In certain situations, in which a wounded warrior or veteran has a 100 percent permanent and total (P&T) rating, the case is often expedited so that the applicant can begin receiving benefits within a timeframe that works best for him or her.

Both the SSA and the VA pay disability benefits to veterans. Qualifications for each fund are different, however, and “a VA compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits,” states the SSA. Receiving VA compensation will not affect whether or not you are able to receive Social Security benefits.

In the past, if a person has a disability rating of 70 percent or more by the VA, SSA would likely approve the application for disability benefits. However, in 2017, the agency changed its rules to no longer consider VA disability approvals when determining whether an applicant qualifies for social security disability benefits.

To qualify for SSA payments, a veteran must: 

  • Be unable to do substantial (enough for a livable wage) because of the medical condition
  • Have a condition that has lasted for more than 12 months or is expected to do so

 Receiving VA disability benefits is additional to any other VA benefits a service-member can qualify for, such as life insurance, home-related benefits, and education benefits.

Let a Disability Attorney Help

If you are a veteran or wounded warrior who is trying to apply for social security benefits, you need a skilled disability attorney like a social security disability lawyer in Richlands, Virginia, to help you get the benefits you qualify for. Call today to find out how an attorney can help. 

Thank you to the experts at the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into disability law.