Injured U.S. military veterans may qualify for both Veteran Administration (VA) and Social Security disability benefits, but the process is different for the two benefits and being found disabled by one agency does not necessarily mean you will be found disabled by the other.
These benefits are crucial for veterans, but people who apply for both types of benefits learn that typically the process is a long road. The good thing is that veterans are sometimes granted expedited processing of Social Security disability claims, if they meet certain criteria requirements. One of the major differences between VA benefits and Social Security disability is the medical determination process. Below is an explanation from Social Security of how to navigate the two programs.
What you need to know about the VA and Social Security programs?
Both Social Security and VA pay disability benefits. However, their programs, processes, and criteria for receiving benefits are very different.
A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits. To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security’s definition of “disability.” To be found disabled:
- You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death.
If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits.
As a veteran rated 100% P&T, how do I receive expedited processing for Social Security disability benefits?
First, you must apply for Social Security disability benefits. You can do this in one of three ways:
- Complete your application online;
- Call Social Security’s toll-free telephone number, 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778; or
- Call or visit your local Social Security office.
You also have the option of seeking out assistance with a Social Security disability claim. Because the process can be time consuming and confusing, there are Social Security disability attorney and advocates who can assist.
Important:
If you want to apply in person, please call and make an appointment before you visit your local office because wait times at Social Security field offices can be quite extensive.
What should I do to receive expedited processing of my Social Security disability application?
SSA automatically identifies most veterans that meet the VA 100% Permanent and Total disability compensation rating. However, in rare instances, a veteran may have to self-identify as meeting the rating and provide the VA notification letter as proof.
How long does the process take?
The length of time it takes Social Security to make a disability decision depends on several different factors, but primarily on:
- The nature of your disability;
- How quickly Social Security obtains medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources; and
- Whether it is necessary to send you for a medical examination in order to obtain evidence to support your claim.
You can help speed up the process by having the needed information on hand when you apply. Please go to Information You Need To Apply For Disability Benefits for more information.
Note: Typically the Social Security disability process is long, and even if the agency expedites a claim you are likely looking at months for a decision. If the decision is denied, based on Social Security’s medical rules, an appeal should be filed, which will extend the process even more.
What about Medicare?
If your application for Social Security disability benefits is approved, you will receive Medicare coverage automatically after you have received disability benefits for 24 months.
