Social Security Disability benefits for veterans: part 2

Our last blog post discussed how veterans may be able to benefit from Social Security Disability. They must meet the agency’s definition of disabled, however, along with some other conditions. Let’s take a closer look now at veterans with a 100 percent permanent and total disability rating from the VA system.

These veterans may apply for expedited disability benefits subsequent to a policy that went into effect in March of this year. It’s important to note, however, that the VA rating in and of itself does not qualify you for Social Security Disability. For that, you still have to meet the definition we outlined in our last blog post. This is the Social Security Administration’s standard for disability benefits.

When you do apply, it’s important to indicate your VA rating in your application. You’ll also need to supply a copy of your letter from the VA confirming your rating. From there, Social Security will need to track down medical records from your previous providers and may even require you to have an additional exam specifically for the purpose of obtaining evidence of your disability.

Unfortunately, it’s still possible that a legitimately disabled veteran will face a denied claim for benefits. Maybe you filled out a form incorrectly, or maybe a doctor missed some detail in your evaluation. Veterans and their families dealing with this outcome often find that a legal professional’s assistance in appealing their claim can prove invaluable. There is, however, a 60-day deadline within which an appeal must be filed, and your attorney will need time to collect evidence and build a case — so this is a decision which should not be delayed any longer than necessary.

Source: Social Security Administration, “Information for Wounded Warriors and Veterans Who Have a Compensation Rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T),” accessed on Oct. 13, 2014

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