If you are filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and have been found disabled by the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) it is in your best interest to advise the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the decision.
While the requirements for proving disability for either SSD or SSI is different from VA disability, a disability rating from the VA may positively impact your claim. According to Social Security Ruling 06-03p, the decisions made by the VA or other organizations, and evidence used to make those decisions can provide insight regarding the severity of the claimant’s disabilities.
But the ruling also states that these decisions are not binding on SSA. Even though the decision isn’t binding, it is helpful for your claim to disclose the VA rating because it shows to SSA that another federal program finds that your conditions affect your ability to work or prevent you from working all together.
With an SSD or SSI claim you are either found disabled or you’re not. With the VA you are given a percentage of disability. The higher the percentage the more disabled and less employable you become. The percentage also translates into a higher monthly benefit.
The VA will then determine whether your disability is service-connected or non-service connected. The service-connected designation is given to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. Non-service designated payments are for reserved for wartime veterans who are now unable to work.
If SSA does find that you are disabled your VA benefits may impact how much money you receive. If you are eligible for SSD benefits and also receive service-connected VA disability there will be no offset for either benefit. However, if you receive non-service connected VA disability there will be an offset. If you are only eligible for SSI payments your total VA disability amount, either service-connected or non-service connected, will be deducted from each monthly check.
For more information regarding VA benefits, check out their website at http://www.va.gov.
