Navigating Social Security & VA Disability: A Veteran’s Guide
For many who have served, the challenges of a service-connected injury or illness can extend long after military life. Fortunately, two distinct but powerful benefit programs exist to provide financial support: Social Security Disability (SSD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation.
While both programs help people with disabilities, they have different purposes and rules. Understanding these differences and how the programs can work together is key for veterans looking to get all the benefits they have earned.
The Core Difference: VA vs. Social Security
The biggest difference between VA Disability and Social Security Disability is how they define “disability.”
- VA Disability Compensation: This benefit is only for veterans whose disability is directly connected to their military service. The VA gives you a disability rating from 0% to 100% based on how severe your condition is. You can still have a VA disability rating and be able to work.
- Social Security Disability (SSD): This program is for anyone who has paid into Social Security through their work. To get SSD, your medical condition must be so severe that it completely stops you from working for at least 12 months. This is an “all-or-nothing” system, you are either considered totally unable to work, or you are not.
Can a Veteran Receive Both? Yes, and Here’s Why
A common mistake is thinking that getting one benefit will stop you from getting the other. This is not true. In fact, many veterans successfully receive both VA disability and SSDI benefits at the same time.
Your VA disability payments will not reduce your SSDI benefits. This is because the programs are completely separate and are funded in different ways. The SSA does not consider your VA disability payments to be “earned income” from a job.
- Learn more with our article: What You Should Know About VA Benefits and Taxes
The Application Process: Two Separate Paths
Be ready for two different application processes. The VA and the SSA are separate government agencies and do not share information automatically.
- VA Disability Application: This process focuses on connecting your condition to your military service. You will need to show medical records from your time in service, civilian medical records, and other proof that your condition was caused or worsened by your military duty. You may also need to attend a VA exam.
- Social Security Disability Application: This process focuses on your ability to work. The SSA will look at your medical history, work history, education, and age to decide if you can do any kind of work. The SSA will also ask you to sign forms so they can get your medical records from your doctors.
A 100% P&T VA Rating Can Speed Up Your SSD Claim
This is a key advantage for veterans. If you have a VA disability rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T), the SSA will put your SSD claim on a faster track.
- What to Do: When you apply for SSD, be sure to tell the SSA representative or write in the “Remarks” section of your online application that you are a “Veteran rated 100% P&T.”
- Why It Helps: While it does not guarantee approval, this special status shows the SSA that another government agency has already determined your disability is very severe and not expected to improve. This can cut months, or even a year, off the normal SSD waiting time.
Medical Records Are Key for Both Claims
Both the VA and the SSA rely on medical records to prove your disability. You are responsible for making sure they have all the information they need.
- Tip: You can access your VA medical records online at the VA’s My HealtheVet website.
- Important: You need to provide records from both VA and civilian doctors to show a complete picture of your health.
Know the Rules
- Cause Doesn’t Matter for SSD: For your SSD claim, the SSA does not care if your disability is related to your military service. All that matters is how severe your condition is and how it affects your ability to work.
- Common Denial Reasons: Be aware of why SSD claims are denied. The most common reasons are not having enough medical evidence, or earning too much money from work.
Get Professional Help
Whether you’re just beginning the process applying for disability benefits or have been denied and are fighting for your benefits, we can help.
Trajector Disability offers comprehensive support throughout the disability claim process. Our team of experts can help you determine your eligibility, gather all necessary evidence, prepare and submit your application, and guide you through the appeals process if your claim is denied.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with our team of experts.
FAQs
Can I receive both VA Disability and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits at the same time?
Yes, veterans can receive both VA Disability Compensation and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits concurrently. These are separate programs with different eligibility criteria, and receiving one does not generally reduce or disqualify you from the other.
How does a 100% VA rating affect an SSD claim?
A 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) VA rating can speed up the processing of your SSD application. It shows the SSA that your condition is considered very severe and permanent by the VA, which puts your claim on a faster track.
What is the main difference between VA Disability and Social Security Disability?
The main difference is that VA Disability is specifically for disabilities service-connected to military service, while Social Security Disability (SSD) is for any severe medical condition that prevents any type of work, regardless of its origin, for a prolonged period (12 months or more).
Will my VA disability payments reduce my Social Security benefits?
No, your VA disability payments will not reduce your Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. The two programs are independent, and your VA payments are not counted as income by the SSA.