According to the United States Census Bureau, almost 3.8 million US Veterans currently experience some form of disability. Of these, around 1.1 million have a VA disability rating of 70% or higher, meaning their condition prevents them from working.
During their years of military service, personnel paid into the Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI). Therefore, SSDI benefits may be available in addition to VA benefits.
VA benefits provide monthly payments based on the degree of disability, from 10 percent to 100 percent. However, Social Security or SSDI pays a benefit to individuals who are totally unable to work.
SSDI must be applied for separately; it does not automatically come with VA benefits. The process is quite different.
Once approved, however, SSDI may add a substantial amount of money to the veteran's monthly disability benefit. In some cases, the SSDI benefit may be as much as the VA benefit, if not more.
Here is a question we often get: "Will receiving SSDI benefits reduce or delay my VA benefit in any way?" The answer is no. SSDI benefits are strictly in addition to any VA or military benefit, whether retirement or disability.
Veterans who have a VA disability rating of 70 or higher should immediately apply for SSDI benefits. If denied, the decision should be appealed within 60 days because many SSDI cases must be appealed before they can be paid. It's just the way the system works.
The Forsythe Firm provides free case evaluations and consultations, with no obligation.
Although VA benefits are designed to provide monthly supplements in proportion to your disability, some veterans with severe conditions require extra assistance. In this case, Social Security disability benefits may be an option. Veterans can qualify for both VA benefits and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI).
Continue below to learn how you may qualify for SSDI while receiving VA benefits.
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