If you are a veteran and you are receiving VA disability benefits for a service-connected injury you can also apply for Social Security disability benefits. If you have an injury or a medical condition that makes it impossible for you to work for at least 12 months you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. Even if you are receiving VA disability benefits. In fact, if you have a 100% P&T rating from the VA your application for Social Security disability benefits will be processed faster so that you can start receiving your benefits faster.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
It doesn’t matter if your injury or illness is service-related when it comes to Social Security disability benefits. If you have a condition or illness that is listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which is the official listing of all conditions that are qualified to get benefits, and you meet the criteria in the Blue Book for that condition you can get approved for Social Security disability benefits. Some of the common conditions that veterans have that qualify for Social Security disability benefits are conditions like:
- Vision problems
- Hearing problems
- Lung conditions or problems
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Musculoskeletal problems
Even if you don’t meet the strict criteria listed in the Blue Book you can still qualify for benefits. These benefits are under the Medical-Vocational Allowance. To get a Medical Vocation Allowance you apply for Social Security disability benefits but ask for a Residual Functional Capacity Evaluation. The Residual Functional Capacity evaluation is designed to see if there is any work that you can reasonably do with the skills and training you have and the medical condition that you have. If there is no work that you can reasonably be expected to do, take note of applying. With your condition and with the skills that you have then you can be approved for Social Security disability benefits.
File for Social Security Disability Benefits
Many veterans, especially disabled veterans who are receiving VA disability benefits, don’t want to file for Social Security disability benefits because they are not sure they are entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits while they are getting VA disability benefits. But you can receive both benefits at the same time and if you are disabled and can’t work then you should apply for Social Security disability benefits even if you are getting VA disability benefits.
To file a claim for Social Security disability benefits you will need medical documentation of your injury or illness. If it helps prove your injury or illness you can use the VA examination records. This is you where you get your VA percentage rating. Then you can apply online for Social Security disability benefits or you can make an appointment. Make sure to go to your local SSA office and fill out the application in person. If you have a difficult time filling out forms because of your injury or illness you can bring a spouse, or friend with you to help you. They can assist with the application for Social Security disability benefits.
Resources Found Via:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/
https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/100pt.html
https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/glossary/blue-book
https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/glossary/medical-vocational-allowance
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/416/416-0945.htm
https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
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