Can I Get Both SSD And Veterans Disability Benefits?
Yes, you can get both Social Security and VA Veterans disability benefits. Disabled veterans often apply for both types of benefits. However, there are differences between Social Security and VA disability benefits.
Social Security vs. Veterans Disability Benefits
Social Security has two types of disability benefits. Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) require that you have worked. Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits don’t require that you’ve worked. However, you must meet certain financial requirements. The VA offers veterans disability benefits only for individuals who have served in the armed forces.
SSDI and SSI have the same definition of disability. You must have medical conditions that keep you from working. You must be unable to work for at least 12 months. Social Security doesn’t award partial disability. VA disability requires that your medical conditions are connected to your service. Unlike Social Security, VA disability does award partial disability benefits. VA disability compensation rates range from 10-100%, in 10% increments.
Can I work and receive Social Security or VA Veterans disability benefits?
If you are working, you may not qualify for Social Security disability. Social Security considers work earnings over a certain amount “substantial gainful activity” or SGA. If you earn over the SGA limit, you will not qualify for Social Security disability. For 2020, SGA is earnings S1,260 per month or more (before taxes). You can still qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you earn less than SGA. However, any work may make it harder for Social Security to approve your claim. Unlike Social Security, veterans can work while receiving VA disability benefits unless they receive Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU.)
Do my VA Veterans disability benefits affect my Social Security disability?
VA veterans disability benefits don’t affect your SSDI payments. You can receive both VA and SSDI payments at the same time. However, VA benefits will reduce your SSI payments. SSA considers VA benefits as “unearned income.” Social Security will deduct unearned income on a dollar for dollar basis except for a $20 exclusion. In other words, Social Security reduces your SSI benefits by the amount of your VA payments.
Social Security and the VA follow different rules. Getting approved for one doesn’t increase your chances of getting approved for the other. However, Social Security considers evidence from the VA. Similarly, the VA considers your Social Security records.
Expedited Social Security disability claims for veterans
Fortunately, Social Security can fast-track certain cases for veterans by expediting the process for veterans with a 100% VA rating. You should identify as a “Veteran rated 100% P&T: when filing your application. You should also provide your VA rating notification letter. Additionally, Social Security fast-tracks case for Wounded Warriors. You should tell Social Security that your injuries happened while on active duty.
Social Security application process
Firstly, Social Security considers their listing of impairments, known as the Blue Book. Secondly, the Blue Book has very specific medical requirements. Thirdly, it can be very difficult to meet one of the listings. Finally, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity or RFC. An RFC includes both physical and mental limitations.
- Social Security looks at your medical evidence to figure out your RFC.
- They ask you to attend an appointment with one of their doctors, sends you for an exam when they need more information about your conditions.
VA veterans disability application process
Veterans go through a VA-directed medical review. The VA uses military doctors and other health personnel to evaluate veterans for their disability. Similarly to SSDI, the VA may ask you to attend a VA claim exam, known as a C&P exam.
Get Help With Your Claims Today!
Hiring an experienced disability advocate can increase your chances of getting approved. Firstly, your advocate helps you with your application and can make sure you provide all the necessary information. Secondly, your advocate walks you through the process. Thirdly, they can answer all of your questions and help you understand all of the rules. Last, your advocate knows what it takes to get your case approved, you need an expert on your side.
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
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