If you are a veteran who has become disabled due to an injury suffered while on active duty since October 2001, you can have your claim for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits expedited. Your injury does not have to be a combat wound.
Veterans must inform Social Security that they have a 100 percent Permanent and Total disability compensation rating and provide a copy of their VA Notification Letter as proof of their disability rating.
The benefits available through Social Security are different from those the Department of Veterans Affairs provides and require a separate application.
Social Security will treat these veterans’ applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions similarly to the way the agency currently handles disability claims from Wounded Warriors, or those vets injured in combat, according to a report in Stars and Stripes.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) answers FAQs and provides other information on a web page dedicated to its Wounded Warrior program.
The page also explains the updated program for “veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% P&T,” which went into effect in March.
Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program pays benefits to the applicant and certain members of his or her family if the disabled person is “insured.” In other words, the claimant has worked long enough to qualify for the benefits and paid Social Security taxes. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits based on a claimant’s financial need.
A VA 100 percent Permanent and Total disability rating does not guarantee SSD benefits. Also, VA compensation will not affect Social Security benefits that a veteran may eventually receive.
Program Is a Positive for Veterans Seeking Disability Benefits
As long-time supporters of veterans and programs like Wounded Warrior Outdoors, the law firm of Frank M. Eidson, P.A., is pleased to see this program expanded. We believe it is important to remind veterans of the benefits they have earned from a grateful nation.
Frank Eidson helps veterans to secure the Social Security benefits they deserve. While having the 100 percent rating from the VA will not guarantee that a veteran’s application for SSD benefits is ultimately approved, we believe this new program will ensure that the claims of veterans are processed in as timely of a manner as possible.
The Social Security Administration does not explain how much time an “expedited” claim actually saves a veteran. However, the SSA does say that the process will go faster if the veteran has the information the SSA needs when he or she applies.
If you are a veteran applying for SSD benefits, we believe it is crucial to get help with submitting the application. It must be complete and accurate and fully comply with the Social Security Administration’s requirements.
Unfortunately, many SSD benefits claims are initially denied because they are missing important information.
If you would like to learn more about SSD or SSI benefits, please feel free to contact our law firm. We would be glad to provide a free consultation and assist you in any way we can.
