The brave men and women who serve our country in the armed forces are heroes. They make sacrifices of time and physical safety, oftentimes putting their country ahead of their own interests and time with their families. In return for their commitment, the government should take care of them when they return from active duty. While there are programs in place to do just that, the sad reality is that all too often veterans are misled about the support they can receive, or they’re outright denied the benefits that they deserve.
Oftentimes, veterans miss an opportunity to recover Social Security Disability benefits in addition to their veteran’s disability benefits. While VA disability claims can be approved if the medical condition in question was a result of their military service, the claimant doesn’t have to demonstrate that the condition is expected to last for a specific period of time. But what’s required to demonstrate that you also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits? Let’s take a look.
How veterans may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits
The Social Security Disability bluebook has a listing of medical conditions that can qualify for disability payments. While each condition has unique requirements, there are other broader requirements that have to be met. Amongst them are:
- That your medical condition is severe enough to prevent you from engaging in gainful employment.
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
- You possess the requisite amount of work credits.
As mentioned, there will be other requirements that you’ll have to meet, so be sure to look up your specific condition to see what evidence is needed to support your claim. Also, note that your Social Security Disability claim doesn’t have to be tied to your military service, although it can be.
You don’t want your disability claim to be denied because it simply isn’t built strongly enough. Therefore, as you set out to develop your claim, be sure to do the following:
- Seek medical treatment: While medical care may help alleviate your symptoms and lead to a fuller recovery, it also generates evidence that shows the extent of your condition and how it impacts your ability to work. If you try to tough out your condition without seeking treatment, you’ll be in a tougher place to prove your claim.
- Be careful during the consultative exam: The government might ask that you undergo an independent evaluation of your condition to determine if you meet the statutory definition of “disabled.” During this examination, you’ll want to be honest while giving a realistic portrayal of your injuries and how they affect your daily living. But even if the results of the consultative examination differ from that of your own medical professionals, you still might be able to argue that you deserve disability benefits. You’ll just have to know how to navigate that aspect of your claim.
- Secure written statements: The opinions of your medical professionals will be key to your claim, but so, too, could statements from family members, friends and coworkers who have seen how your injuries have negatively impacted your life and your ability to secure work. So, consider asking for written statements from those closest to you.
As a veteran, you should be treated with respect, and you should be supported in your time of need. Of course, this will require some action on your part, and you shouldn’t take anything for granted. Instead, you have to be prepared to aggressively advocate for the outcome that you want. Hopefully then you can find the support that’s needed to successfully navigate your recovery.
