REQUIREMENTS FOR VETERANS TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Veterans may qualify for Social Security disability benefits in addition to their VA disability payments.  Here are the basic requirements for veterans to qualilfy for Social Security:
  • has a severe mental or physical impairment (service connected or non-service connected) that has (a) lasted 12 consecutive months or is expected to last that long, OR (b) is expected to result in death.
  • not presently working at substantial gainful activity.
A veteran does not necessarily have to receive VA disability to get Social Security disability.  However, if the veteran is receiving VA disability payments, getting Social Security disability will not reduce the VA benefits.

Expedited Claims for Veterans:  If a vet has a 100 percent permanent disability rating from the Veterans Administration, Social Security will give an expedited decision on a disability claim.  Decisions can often be obtained in as little as 14 days, compared to the usual 4 months required to get an initial decision.

A question we hear a lot:  If I have disability benefits with the VA will Social Security automatically find me eligible for Social Security benefits?  The answer is no.  Social Security has their own rules for disability which are not identical to the VA rules.  The veteran must meet the Social Security guidelines for disability.  The expedited decision process referred to above does not guarantee a favorable decision - just a quicker decision.  If the decision is unfavorable, an appeal is necessary, just as it would be in any other case.


 
 THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Social Security Disability Specialists & Counselors
7027 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108
"Across from Bridge Street - in Research Park"
PHONE:  (256) 799-0297

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