Differences between Social Security and Veterans’ Disability Benefits

Differences between Social Security and Veterans’ Disability Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) both provide eligible individuals with disability benefits. While the SSA and the VA share some similar eligibility requirements, they also have many contrasting criteria, of which applicants should be aware.

Understanding the differences between Social Security and VA disability benefits programs may be key to ensuring you get all the compensation available to you. The dedicated team at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, is available to provide you with guidance and support to help you find the benefits that are right for your situation.

Comparing and Contrasting VA Disability Compensation and SSD Benefits

The VA and SS disability programs have many differing eligibility requirements. When it comes to receiving Social Security disability benefits, you must have an impairment that prevents you from working at a gainful level and which has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Furthermore, only individuals with a qualifying work history are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The amount of work credits you need will depend on your age at the onset of your disability.

To claim VA disability benefits, on the other hand, your injury or illness must have been a result of active-duty military service. Additionally, unlike the SSA, the VA does not follow the all-or-nothing disability payments system, meaning VA disability offers partial payments based on your level of impairment. The VA will give you a rating based on the severity of your condition, and that rating will determine your monthly benefit amount. It is also not necessary for your impairment to prevent you from working, and your disabling condition can be more recent than 12 months.

What is the Process for Claiming both SS and VA Disability Benefits?

Although the VA and SS disability programs have varying eligibility criteria, they require similar evidence from applicants. For example, the SSA and VA typically both require the following types of evidence for a disability benefit application:

  • Medical records (past, present, and in-service)
  • Diagnosis of disability
  • Medication list
  • List of physicians who treated you as well as facilities in which the treatments took place

Reach out to Our Firm Today to Learn More about SS vs VA Disability Benefits

If you or a loved one are struggling with the VA or SS disability benefits application process, reaching out to a dedicated attorney can significantly improve your chances of success. The hard-working team at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, is available to help you obtain the benefits you deserve for either the SSA or VA, or both. Contact us today for more information on the differences between Social Security and veterans’ disability benefits.

We Won't Take “NO” for an Answer®

To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
N/a