According to Armytimes.com, a Fort Riley soldier was recently sentenced to prison for Social Security disability fraud. James Scott Nickerson was ordered to pay $72,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. Nickerson first applied for disability benefits in October 2009 under the Wounded Warrior Program but continued to receive disability benefits while working for the military. While you can receive Social Security disability benefits while on active duty, you may be precluded from receiving benefits if you take on a new job. The Wounded Warriors Program allows military service members to receive expedited processing of disability claims if you became disabled while on active military duty on or after Oct 1, 2011, regardless where the disability occurs. The benefits you receive under Social Security disability are different than those from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Even if you are currently receiving VA benefits, that does not necessarily prevent you from qualify from Social Security disability benefits. Navigating through the application process is confusing and challenging. To increase your chances of winning, you can work with an attorney to assist you with filing your claim, gathering relevant evidence to support your case, and represent you at an administrative hearing.
For more information on the Wounded Warriors Program visit: Social Security Administration – Wounded Warriors Program
