Can You Receive VA Disability and SSDI at the Same Time?
You have served your country with dignity and honor. You may be experiencing a service-connected medical condition that might be considered a disability. At the same time, another medical condition not tied to your military service may also affect your ability to work.
How Do I Provide for My Family While Navigating This Process?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Social Security and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) each pay disability benefits to eligible people and their qualified dependents. Yet, it’s important to note that the criteria and processes for receiving benefits are very different, as each agency has its own definitions and requirements.
What’s the Difference Between VA Disability and Social Security Disability Benefits?
The VA website states: “VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service.”
The SSA website explains: “Social Security pays disability benefits to people who can’t work because they have a severe medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability.” The site also offers more details about the disability criteria for each agency, along with an at-a-glance overview.
How Do I Make Sure I’m Not Jeopardizing My Benefits?
You feel you may be entitled to disability benefits from one organization or the other, but you may be worried that trying to make a claim with either one may keep you from receiving benefits altogether.
The good news is that:
According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Veterans’ Administration (VA) disability compensations “...are not affected by each other, so you may be eligible to receive both. However, you must apply for them separately.”
How Do I Make Sure That I Receive Everything That I’m Entitled To (Earned)?
If you’re a veteran who is suffering from a medical condition that could be considered service connected, you may be entitled to disability compensation. The VA offers a wide variety of benefits and its mission is to make sure service members, veterans and survivors, and their families have access to these programs. You must apply for VA disability compensation benefits by filling out specific forms and submitting them to the VA.
But applying for VA compensation is not the same as applying for SSDI benefits. If you are eligible for both, you must also apply for SSDI benefits on forms required by SSA and submit them to SSA. These are entirely different government agencies. They are completely different processes and there are strict rules and timelines that must be followed in each. It is vital that you know the difference. Getting an experienced attorney to navigate and to handle both claims will allow you to focus on what matters: your health and your family.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex disability benefit claims process—determining eligibility, gathering medical evidence and applying for compensation—to help you receive the benefits you deserve,
On behalf of the entire team at Black & Jones, we thank you for your dedicated service. Now, let us help you determine your eligibility and fight for the benefits you have earned. Contact the knowledgeable team at Black & Jones Attorneys at Law at (815) 967-9000 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.