VETERANS DISABILITY OF HUNTSVILLE

WHAT IS SSDI?   SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. Since 1956, the US government has required most workers to contribute to a mandatory disability insurance plan administered by the Social Security Administration.  Workers contribute approximately 7.5% of their income (listed as FICA tax on your pay stub) and employers match that amount.  The money goes into a trust account under each worker's Social Security number. A worker must accumulate a certain number of "quarters of coverage" based on payroll deductions to be covered by Social Security (SSDI). Then, if a disability occurs, the worker can apply for disability benefits.  If the worker can meet the medical definition of "disability," benefits will be paid. What Are Basic Medical Requirements for Disability?   Assuming a person has worked long enough and recently enough to be covered, here are the basic rules for getting SSDI benefits: at least 1 severe impairment that is ...

VA DISABILITY RATINGS ARE NOT BINDING ON SOCIAL SECURITY During the last decade, I have had the privilege of representing dozens of disabled veterans in getting their Social Security benefits.  My success rate has been near 100 percent in these cases.   However, VA disability ratings are not binding on the Social Security Administration.  The VA may issue a 90 or 100 percent disability rating and Social Security can still deny benefits. The regulations governing VA benefits are different from those controlling Social Security disability benefits.  The evidence required by Social Security is also different, as are the procedures.  The key to winning Social Security disability is to prove the case according to their rules . Finally, I notice that Social Security initially denies most claims filed by disabled veterans.  I believe that's because the decision making process is flawed at the initial or application level.  However,...

As a disability advocate, my job is to get the facts required to prove your Social Security disability claim--and get you paid. The most important fact to be proven is that you are disabled according to Social Security's rules .  It is not enough to make the judge believe that you are disabled.  We must prove it according to the definition of "disability" found in the 20 Code of Federal regulations, Parts 1-99.  Proof requires certain medical evidence showing the nature, duration and severity of your impairment and how it impacts your ability to perform work-related functions. A second fact we must prove is when your disability began .  This is called the onset date.  This date will determine how much back pay you can get and it will determine when your medicare coverage will start. Other facts that we must prove include: that you are not now working at substantial employment.   that you have not worked at any substantial  employment sinc...

In many cases, the Social Security Administration allows veterans to avoid the long waiting time and get disability benefits much sooner. A case that could normally wait 18 to 24 months for a hearing, might be resolved in less than 90 days for a disabled veteran, especially if the veteran has a 100 percent VA disability rating. Veterans often qualify for both VA and Social Security benefits (SSDI).  One benefit does not reduce or cancel the other one.   Social Security has a totally separate process that must be completed to be considered for SSDI benefits. It is not uncommon to be denied, then approved on appeal.  In my experience, two-thirds of all denied veteran's claims are in error.  They never should have been denied, but were. My firm is experienced and successful in helping disabled veterans obtain favorable Social Security disability decisions.  We never charge a dime unless the claim is successful and back pay is awarded. Initial consultations ...

Disabled veterans should be receiving both VA benefits and Social Security disability benefits.  One benefit does not reduce or interfere with the other. Be aware that Social Security doesn't make it easy to get benefits and this is true even for veterans.  A large percentage of fully qualified veterans are denied--even though they meet all the criteria for benefits.  If this happens to you, appeal the denial immediately and go "up the chain of command " at Social Security. Also, there is a lot of bad information floating around these days about veterans and Social Security.  Be sure you know the facts before you decide to give up on Social Security benefits.  (Most of the cases that we win were denied earlier in the process). For example, you do not have to wait until you are out of military service to apply for benefits.  You may qualify for disability benefits while receiving active duty pay if you are unable to perform your militar...