Disabled veterans often qualify for additional benefits from Social Security in addition to their VA disability and/or pensions. Receiving Social Security disability benefits will NOT reduce your VA benefit.
Q. If I am found to have a significant disability rating by the VA, is Social Security disability automatic?
A. No. Social Security is a totally separate process and requires a separate application. Also, the Social Security rules are not the same as the VA's rules.
Q. What is the maximum monthly Social Security disability benefit?
A. $2,639 per month as of 2017, plus any possible additional payments for dependents.
Q. If I have a 100 percent VA disability rating, will I qualify for Social Security disability?
A. It is very possible but not guaranteed. Social Security has their own rules for disability. The process is totally different. With Social Security, you are totally disabled or not disabled at all. There are no percentages like there are with VA.
Q. If a veteran has less than 100 percent VA rating, may he or she still receive Social Security disability (SSDI)?
A. Possibly. The question Social Security must ask is, does this person have an impairment which significantly effects the ability to perform full-time work? A 100% VA rating is not required.
Q. My disability is not directly related to military service. May I still be considered for Social Security disability?
A. Yes, as long as the disability began while you were in the military, regardless of whether or not it is related to or caused by military service.
Q. How long does it take to get approved for SSDI?
A. In can take anywhere from 60 days to 2 years, depending on several factors. A 100% VA disability rating does not guarantee Social Security approval; however, it DOES provide the veteran with much quicker claim service (a quicker decision).
Q. What is the advantage to having an advocate or representative help me with my Social Security disability claim, appeal or hearing?
A. An experienced advocate knows what evidence is required, how to get that evidence, and how to argue your case with a judge or other adjudicator. The advocate will also be familiar with Social Security procedures, regulations and requirements. The advocate cannot charge you a fee until you are approved and paid for past due benefits under your claim. If you are not approved (or approved and not paid past due benefits) - you cannot be charged for either a fee or out-of-pocked costs incurred by the advocate. So the advocate's assistance is risk free.
For more information, please contact:
The Forsythe Firm
Attention: Charles W. Forsythe
7027 Old Madison Pike NW, Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806 (Next to Redstone Arsenal)
PHONE (256) 799-0297
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