The brave men and women who serve in our military deserve to be treated with respect. They also deserve to be treated fairly when they’ve suffered harm as a result of their service. For example, many military service members end up experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, which can create flashbacks, irritability, avoidance of flashback triggers, feelings of excessive fear and guilt, difficulty sleeping and concentration problems. These issues can impact a veteran’s ability to live a normal life, including holding gainful employment.
As a result, our military servicemembers often find it hard to make ends meet. If you or someone you love is in that position now, then you may want to consider seeking Social Security Disability benefits.
How to qualify for disability benefits as a veteran
Those who seek to secure Social Security Disability benefits must look at the disability bluebook, find their qualifying condition, and file a claim that satisfies all the enumerated requirements pertaining to that condition. You have to be thorough here, otherwise your claim will be denied. So, be sure to gather relevant medical and employment records. If you think that your medical evidence falls short for now, then you might want to speak to your medical professional about additional treatment you can secure to develop the record needed to succeed on a Social Security Disability claim.
How do Social Security Disability benefits stack up to VA disability benefits?
These two programs are separate, and as such they each of their own requirements that must be met before benefits will be paid out. For example, to secure SSD benefits, your injury or illness doesn’t have to be directly related to your military service, although it can be. For VA disability benefits, though, you have to demonstrate that your injury or illness, or at least the exacerbation of an existing condition, was directly related to your military service.
Social Security Disability benefits have other requirements that must be shown, too. For example, you must demonstrate that your injury or illness has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or is anticipated to result in death. Additionally, you must show that your condition prevents you from participating in gainful employment.
Although Social Security Disability benefits may appear to have a heightened standard, you shouldn’t avoid seeking out support from this program. After all, if you’re successful, you could be granted a financial lifeline that you need to cover your medical expenses and offset your lost wages.
Do you have lingering questions about the disability benefits to which you’re entitled as a military veteran?
If you do, then now is the time to seek out any answers that you may need. We know the process can seem challenging, especially when you’re just trying to focus on your recovery, but you have to put in the time necessary to build a compelling and persuasive disability claim.
Even if your initial claim is denied, don’t be overly discouraged. You can appeal a claim denial, which oftentimes results in benefits being granted. So, even though the road ahead may seem overwhelming difficult, keep your head high. Find the support needed to get you through this tough time and to help you see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. After all, with a sound legal strategy on your side, you might be able to recover the compensatory benefits needed to build the future you want despite your medical condition.
