Many veterans in Findlay assume a VA disability rating automatically qualifies them for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Others believe they must choose between VA disability compensation and SSDI. In reality, neither of these assumptions is true. The good news is that our experienced Social Security attorneys are here to answer any questions you might have about how these programs work together.
It is possible to qualify for both VA disability benefits and SSDI at the same time. These programs operate under different systems and use different standards when evaluating disability claims. If you are in this position, let a Findlay veterans SSDI benefits lawyer guide you.
Although both programs involve disabilities, VA disability compensation and SSDI serve different purposes and follow different eligibility rules. A Findlay veterans SSDI benefits attorney can help you understand the important differences.
VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments to veterans with service-connected disabilities. The condition must relate to military service in some way, even if it wasn’t diagnosed until after that person’s service had ended.
The VA assigns disability ratings ranging from 0% to 100%. A veteran may qualify for benefits even with a partial disability rating if the condition connects to military service. At 100% disabled, a veteran will receive the maximum amount of benefits available.
SSDI works differently, starting with the fact that they aren’t limited to those who have served in the military. Social Security does not require a service-connected condition, but you must meet the government’s definition of disabled to qualify.
A veteran may qualify for SSDI because of physical injuries, mental health conditions, neurological disorders, or chronic illnesses, regardless of whether military service caused the condition.
Unlike the VA system, SSDI does not use percentage-based disability ratings. Social Security generally asks a broader question: Can you maintain substantial employment on a consistent basis? The applicant must also meet work credit requirements through prior employment and Social Security tax contributions. This is because these benefits are only intended for people who have paid into payroll taxes during their career. Receiving VA compensation does not reduce SSDI benefits in most situations because the programs operate separately.
The Social Security Administration does recognize certain circumstances involving veterans during the SSDI process. With the help of a Findlay veterans SSDI attorney, you may be able to speed up the process of securing benefits if you’ve already qualified through the VA.
Social Security may expedite disability claims for veterans who became disabled while on active military duty after October 1, 2001. This expedited process does not guarantee you’ll be approved, but the chances are good you’ll get an answer sooner than you might have otherwise. There are also times when a veteran with a 100% rating can receive expedited benefits through SSDI, too.
Veterans receive SSDI denials for many of the same reasons as other applicants. The SSA could argue that the medical evidence lacks support, the condition is not severe enough, or that you can still perform some type of work.
A denial does not mean the veteran lacks a valid claim. In fact, many people ultimately get the benefits they deserve after their claim is initially denied. There is a process for appealing, and you have the right to hire an experienced Findlay veterans’ SSDI benefits attorney during that stage.
As a veteran, you deserve to be treated fairly when filing for SSDI benefits. At Schaffer & Associates, we will work tirelessly to help you deal with your denial and get you on the path to success. Contact a Findlay veteran SSDI benefits lawyer right away.