The brave men and women who serve in our armed forces deserve to be taken care of at all times, but they need extra support when they’ve been harmed as a result of fulfilling their duties. This can take many forms, but perhaps the most beneficial among them is that which provides Social Security disability benefits. These benefits can provide significant financial support when a medical condition, either a specified injury or illness, renders you unable to work, which is far too often the case for our veterans.
But these benefits aren’t automatically given to veterans who suffer disabling injuries or suffer from disabling medical conditions. That’s why if you’re in a position where you’re unable to work, you need to know how to build your case.
What conditions qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
There are a lot of medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits. Some of them are related to concentration and focus, while others are related to catastrophic injuries. You may even qualify for disability benefits if you’re having trouble sleeping, as is often the case with those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
How do you go about proving that you qualify for disability benefits? You may want to turn to each of the following for assistance:
- Medical records: Your medical records may show the extent of your injury or illness and your need for ongoing treatment. They can also be indicative of how long your condition is expected to last, which can be key to your claim. Just make sure that you’re following your doctor’s recommendations.
- Your employment records: These records will show whether you have the requisite work history to qualify for disability benefits. It will also demonstrate whether your income is below the threshold to acquire SSD benefits.
- The disability bluebook: Every disabling medical condition has its own qualifications that the patient must meet before obtaining disability benefits. Therefore, before you proceed with your claim, you’ll want to review the requirements for your condition and gather evidence that speaks to each element.
Do veterans receive any preferential treatment?
They do in some regard. For example, veterans who suffered a disabling condition while on active duty after October 1, 2021, can have their claim expedited. The same is true for those who have a 100% permanent and total disability rating from Veterans Affairs. Disabled veterans can also receive additional help when it comes to working toward employment or even starting a business.
In other words, as a veteran, you can get a lot of support as you try to find a way to cope with your disability. You just have to know where to turn for help and how to effectively navigate the process. That can be difficult to do, especially when you’re just trying to get by on a daily basis.
That’s why legal teams are here to help
If you’re facing a tough situation because of your disability, you need to carefully consider seeking the disability benefits to which you might be entitled. The process can be fraught with complicated legal issues, and you don’t want to jeopardize your claim. That’s why you might want to discuss your circumstances with an attorney who is able and willing to fight for what you deserve.
To learn more about what the disability claims process can do for you and how an attorney may be able to help, please research your representation options and consider reaching out to those who you think are best for you under your circumstances.