Social Security and the VA, Working Together for Our Heroes

silhouette of a soldier standing in front of the american flag and saluting,  Social Security honors those who have served in the U.S. military. We recognize the sacrifices these Americans made while serving our country. Often, their dedication comes at the expense of significant and lasting effects on themselves and their families.

Social Security provides expedited processing of disability benefit applications for wounded warriors and veterans with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T).

While both Social Security and the VA pay disability benefits to qualifying individuals, the criteria for awarding benefits is not the same. Even if you have a VA compensation rating of 100% P&T, you will need to meet the strict definition of disability set out by the Social Security Act to receive Social Security disability benefits. Social Security pays benefits to people with a severe medical condition expected to last at least one year or to result in death, while preventing you from performing substantial work.

To receive expedited processing as a veteran rated 100% P&T, you must first apply for Social Security benefits. You can apply online or call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also visit your local Social Security office to apply in person.

You must identify yourself as a “Veteran rated 100% P&T.” If you apply in person or over the phone, tell the Social Security representative that you are a veteran rated 100% P&T. If you apply online, enter “Veteran 100% P&T” in the “Remarks” section of the application. You must also provide Social Security with your Veterans Affairs notification letter that verifies your rating.

Social Security will expedite your claim through the application process, and any appeals level, if necessary. Veterans Affairs compensation will not affect your Social Security benefits.

We are grateful to our veterans for their dedication to this country, and we are committed to providing veterans and wounded warriors with high quality public service. For more information, please visit https://www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans/

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82 thoughts on “Social Security and the VA, Working Together for Our Heroes

  1. I receive social security re my late ex-husband but I recently found out that he did serve in the army and I now have some details about that. Can I apply for the social security benefit for his army service as well? thank you very much. Paula Rich,

    • Social Security tax, FICA), that is taken out of military pay is no different that the tax taken from any other employer except for credits from years ago. If you applied on your ex’s record you are already getting benefits from what he contributed to the SSA system.

    • Hi Paula. Social Security and the U.S. Armed Forces provide separate benefits. Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits if you receive benefits from the military. To see if you qualify for benefits on your ex-husband’s military record contact the Department of Defense or the legal assistance office at your nearest military installation. Thanks!

    • This is not an appropriate site to tell the world that you are missing a payment. Contact SS and folks never publish your SSN and name for all to see and possibly steal your identity.

    • For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please contact your local office or call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also, remember, never post personal information on social media. Thanks!

  2. It would be nice to know if the expedited claims process for disabled veterans includes presumptive disability payments. Thanks for caring.

  3. I was SSA disabled and have been getting great support from SSA. Thank you SSA. However not so the case with the VA. They have passed me around relentlessly! Is there a representative within SSA that helps preparation for VA benefits? I have tried several times and 2 of the VA reps have disappeared! Literally. Can anyone advise? I am in the Fredericksburg area.
    Many thanks.

    • The American Legion also have advocates available (at no cost) to assist veterans in filling out the application claim forms for a VA disability claim with in their system.

      They (the advocates) often have offices in the VA hospitals (provided by the VA) that are at your disposal at no cost. I had one at The Palo Alto VA Hospital in California assist me with my claim.

    • Contact the DAV Disabled American Veterans. They will help you for free in fighting for veterans benefits. Dav.org.

  4. I tried to get SS disability 11 years ago and was denied because I had not paid SS in over 10 years. I was declared 100% disabled (VA) five years before I applied to SS. Have the rules changed?

    Thank you

    • Thank you for your question Thomas. In addition to meeting our definition for disability, individuals must also have enough “work credits”.
      This simply means that you must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program. Work Credits are the “building blocks” we use to find out whether an individual has the minimum amount of covered work to qualify for each type of Social Security benefits. For specific questions about your individual situation, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Thanks!

  5. I’ve apply SSI Disability, it’s been over a year and half since I’ve applied, I have not heard anything about my appeal hearing. How long does it take to get a hearing date? Also, do you need a 100% rating from the VA? I’m in the process of my claim.

    • Thank you for your questions, Manuel. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death.
      The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. The good news is that we are trying to conduct many of our hearings through video teleconferencing (VTC) to speed up the process. Visit our “Hearing And Appeals” web page for more information, and continue working with your local hearing office on specific questions about your case. Thanks !

  6. I’m 69 years old retired and have been receiving s/s since I was 62. I also receive VA disability since 2009. My income is from S/S and the VA disability. I have not yet received any income tax return papers. I was told that I no longer have to file due to my age and only income is from S/S and VA disability. Is this correct?

  7. My husband has been rated as 100% total and permanent disabled since 2002. He is receiving VA disability benefit, retirement pension from DOD and sick leave pay from a private company. He applied for disability benefit from Social Security in 2002 but was denied. He has not worked since 2002. Can he still apply for social security disability benefit because the insurance company of the private employer wants to terminate his sick-leave pay already. My husband is 62 years old. Thank you for your help.

    • Thank you for your question Ms. Genio. In addition to meeting our definition for disability, individuals must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program. Your husband must have earned the minimum required number of work credits within a specific period – ending with the time he became disabled. In addition, keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability.
      Lastly, If your husband has enough retirement work credits , he can apply online for reduced Retirement Benefits at age 62. For specific questions, your husband may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or contact his local office directly.

      • Thank you so much for you reply. I have another question which pertains to me. My husband and I are married for 9 years. He has not petitioned me to become a US citizen because he already sold his house there when he went to the Philippines. I have no social security number. I am just wondering whether I will be able to receive benefits in the event that my husband passes away. If there are some benefits for me, what are they? Do I need social security number to qualify for the benefits? I have no intention of living in the US although I have a ten multiple entry visa. Please help me.

        • Hello again Ms. Genio. If you are the widow of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can receive reduced benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled). Generally, you need a Social Security number to collect Social Security benefits. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page to learn more about Social Security benefits and non-citizens. We recommend that individuals living outside the United Sates contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Thanks.

  8. I am Veteran and I believe that all Vets should be treated humanly, which in many instances’ have not. However that is another subject for another time.
    It seems to me that some people here are really bunch of “Hugs” they are getting two and three pensions and are asking’ can they apply for additional pensions even so they are getting SSI already from some sources, my pension “Only one” has being cu

  9. I receive 100% disability from the VA. I receive all my medical treatment from the VA. I am about to retire and will turn 65 next year. Do I still have to apply for medicare

    • Hi T. Wash, if –at age 65- you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. if you are not receiving retirement benefits, you should contact us about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. We recommend that you speak to your health benefits advisor at the VA to see what’s best for you. We hope this information helps.

  10. Hello, I have a question. I receive ssdi, if the opportunity comes that I could earn some extra cash by doing crafts or something like that. Is that possible and if so, what is the cap on what I can earn? I want to make sure I am not violating the rules and it doesn’t affect my benefits.

      • Where’d you go to medical school Tony? Must have been a really great one since you’re able to tell if someone is disabled just reading a couple of sentences on a blog. That was really rude, by the way. Judgmental much?

        • SSDI are for people who can’t work. This person wants to work just enough, so she can continue to collect disability. If she works too much, then she might get kicked off disability. This is one of the reason why SSDI is going broke.

          • You’re right Gene. Social Security strongly supports those individuals who want to return to the work force while supplementing their disability benefit income. We have Work Incentives that allow people to work and still receive their benefits. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work. Thanks!

    • Thank you for your question Elena. Social Security strongly supports those individuals who want to return to the work force while supplementing their disability benefit income. We have Work Incentives that allow people to work and still receive their benefits. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2016, the SGA limit is $1,130 per month (or $1,820 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work. We hope this information helps.

  11. I am 100% disabled from the Va. I put in for medical retirement in January with the GOVERNEMNET and I had to apply for social security the same day in order for them to accept my packet. I was told at the social security they were putting my claim in the expedited Wounded warriors program. I am not t and p tho. My 100% VA. rating can be reviewed for decrease in the year 2020. Will social security look at that? And I also heard that they almost always deny everybodies claim the first time. Is this true? I did read other people’s blogs here I should have enough work credits since I been on the book since I was 15 years old. I am only 36 now. What do you think?

    • Hi Steven, the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. To learn more about the process we use to decide if you are disabled under our rules, visit our Disability Planner: How We Decide If You Are Disabled. Thanks!

  12. This is all crap I am 100 PT. I’m over 50 haven’t worked since the military because of my disability, well over two years. On my third try for benifits from SSDI. Almost 2 years waiting again still no answer. I decorated my apps with my VA disability rating and attached letter after letter, no help. I recently discovered that I am also on of the Marines that was exposed to Toxic chemicals so I added that too. NOTHING… The whole thing is a cap shoot at best. I have seen people with drug induced self inflicted injuries get approved even when they never worked a regular job ever. This Vet gets screwed.

    • Don’t you are absolutely right!!! This is just a smokescreen! Darn shame I been stabbed in my head in Korea and left to die….ptsd…hip cartilage gone…sleep apnea…rotator cuff damaged in my right shoulder…arthritis in both knees..panic attacks..nightmares..daymares…migrains…denied twice smh…

  13. My husband receives VA compensation and is rated 100% PT. He has been since he was age 62. He is now age 68. We were under the impression that he could not receive disability from both the VA and SSA so we only applied for his Social Security retirement benefits and not disability benefits which were more than he is receiving for retirement. Since he was determined to be permanently and totally disabled before age 65, is there anything we can do now or is it too late?

    • Benefits payments for SSDI are only retroactive a year from the time of application. His befefits would start a year ago when he was 67 which is too late to apply. He would get a technical denial.

    • Thank you for your question MLG. For disability (SSDI) benefits, we generally allow up to 12 months of retroactivity payments. However, we will consider your application date, the established date of your disability and the five-month waiting period (benefits are not payable for the first full five month of disability) Also, keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. Unfortunately and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives should be able to provide your husband with an explanation and answer his questions about this matter. He can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or visit her local Social Security office for further assistance.

  14. What about us vets that are less than 100%? I am 90%, but rated at 100% from VA due to unemployment as I can’t work. I have been denied many times and now waitin for my time in front of the judge again. I have hired an attorney this time. I have multiple disabilitys. I was told 16 -20 months for a wounded warrior. That just seems very long.

    • Thank you for your questions, Cassandra. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death.
      The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. The good news is that we are trying to conduct many of our hearings through video teleconferencing (VTC) to speed up the process. Visit our “Hearing And Appeals” web page for more information. Please continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case. Thanks !

      • I’m not sure if this is still active or not but could you please answer the question as to whether being unemployable through the VA, being paid as 100% although being 90% because of VA math never being able to allow you to reach it, does this also count for the expedited appeal process. I am in PTSD inpatient clinic and being told by many of my peers that I should be getting expedited treatment but I made my appeal in October and my lawyer is well aware of my status.

        • First of all, THANK YOU for your service Kenneth. Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Click here to learn more about “Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors”. Please continue working with your attorney and your local Social Security office on specific questions about your case.

  15. My father is part of the VA system. He served in the Korean War. He is service connected due to hearing loss. A few years ago I took him to our local VA . They did. Pulmonary Function Test for his lungs, the first thing the lady said was you were in Korea? He said yes. She said you have atelectasis , we’ve found these with the Korean War vets. No one has done anything since, he does have shortness of breath but also has a heart condition. My question is about compensation and or service connection. I talked to his VA the other day in PA, they told me to ask the DAV, any thoughts? Or ideas to help him?
    I appreciate your time and information!

  16. My husband received VA compensation before he died in 1999, my question is am I entitled to any of his VA benefits. I am waiting on a hearing date for my disability w/ social security.

    • Hi Queen. To see if you qualify for benefits on your ex-husband’s military record contact the Department of Defense or the legal assistance office at your nearest military installation. Thanks!

  17. Neither VA nor SS will tell people that 22 veterans commit suicide every day!
    And many of them are on Waiting Lists at the VA! ;-(

    • that’s not true i hear it all the time at the VA in Tampa , of course some are trying to help why do u think they have the suicide hotline in place Nick , some of us Veterans have to bear some responsibility , move closes to a main Hospital and they will treat u every day if u want .

  18. My name is John Davis a Vietnam Combat Veteran..Rated 100% P&T….Why did my inf not include the fact that I should apply for disability from SSA..I was 66 a month ago still no$..How old do I have to be to receive benefits??

  19. I dont know if its too late to post this, but I’m gong to try anyway. I’m writing on behalf of my husband who is unable to work due to a deteriorating spine (it is literally dissolving). He originally applied for access to HIS money 6 years ago(having worked steadily since he was in his teens – he’s 48 now) He is a veteran but the VA wont have anything to do with him regarding this condition because nothing of it was evident during his time of service. He is working with a law firm, but continues to be told (by folks there at SSA) that ‘he can still work’, even though his pain level is such that he can neither sit, stand, lay, or walk for more than a few minutes at a time before the pain becomes excruciating. What does it take to get him a fair deal? He is an honorable man and deserves far better than he has been treated by this agency.

  20. I am 62 and retired. I wish to delay my social security claim till 65. Can I claim my deceased ex husband SS which is much lesser than mine, then exchange it my SSec.?

    • Good question Jess. In many cases, a widow or surviving divorced spouse can restrict the scope of their application and start receiving their survivor’s benefits, while delaying their own retirement benefit and earn delayed retirement credits. The rules are complicated and vary depending on the situation. We recommend that you contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

  21. Hi,

    From my Wounds in Combat I have received Social Security Disabilities. In 2012 finally it was discharged from the Army and received 100% VA Benefits. Now in Feb / 2016 after-millions of treatment and suffering VA classified as 100% Total and Permanent. To my surprise in July / 2016 (This Moth) I received a letter from Social Security that they will cut my benefits. I really want to understand what happens because my conditions are for the rest of my life like my Medications to keep my conditions Stables.

    Thank someone who can guide me to resolve this.

    Sicerely,

    • First of all, THANK YOU for your service Angel. Unfortunately and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.

      • Thank’s for you reply,

        I’m Already visit my near Office i fill appeal and representative tell just wait for notice by mail.

        I’m super frustrated because I have read that the appeal can take up to a year and half. Where My Mortgage debt reach by them?

        I ask respectfully; It is true that for Wounded Soldiers, rule changes and give priority to their cases and if that applies to those who are of appeal?

        Honestly

        • We understand your frustration Angel. The length of time it takes to process your request can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Click here to learn more about “Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors”. In addition, you may be eligible to receive benefits from social services in your residing state, while you await a medical decision. To get information about services in your area from your state or local social services, please visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. We hope this information helps.

          • Thank’s again for you reply.
            Regarding continue receiving benefits while the appeal is completed, I asked that to the representative of the local office and this indicated to me that to get that benefit the letter I received should have said that and as it does not say what I have no the right to get it. Well that was the answer he gave me.
            I’m so anxious to receive some news to see how to proceed. I do not want to hire an attorney yet since I’m pretty sure it’s some mistake. The problem is that I feel I’m being penalized although any unpaid amount paid your office paid that later. and many debts that are acquired on the basis of this money to be falling behind so much and is so frustrating because if I could work it out and I would not pass through all these problems.

            Please forgive me to vent here but what I feel and just no want to reach a point of despair.

            Thanks for your kindness

        • hi if your off work and have very detailed doctors statements contact the ” hardest hit fund ” for help with your mortgage, they have rules but call them they are paying my mortgage u

  22. I wish the system was more simplified. I spent 6 years jumping out of airplanes in the Army. Another 10 training and deploying in deserts, jungles and mountains. I had a spinal fusion with 4 bolts and a cage. A fractured pelvis and femur. I’ve had to endure migraines and PTSD. I was approved in 2012, after my VA was approved in 2014 SSA denied me for working. I’ve appealed and every year since I keep getting placed on the same wheel.

    • Thank you for your service to our country Timothy! We are sorry to hear that your application for disability benefits did not go the way you had hoped. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.

  23. I am now receiving my deceased husbands VA 100 percent disability check each month. I just retired and was advised by my financial adviser to check with social security about receiving his social security check when I reach age 60 then collecting mine when I reach age 66. Can I receive both his VA and social security?

    • Yes Janann, if you are the widow of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can receive reduced benefits as early as age 60. (age 50 or over if you are disabled). If you receive benefits as a widow, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you are eligible for retirement benefits and your retirement rate is higher than your rate as a widow. In many cases, a widow or widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate.Visit our Survivors Planner for more information.

  24. My husband was recently approve for his SSDI, he receive VA compensation as well. His conditions has become worse so he applied for increase through the VA. The VA has requested his Social Security Medical Records, how long does it take SSA to get this information to the VA.

  25. I was awarded 80% disability rating and I/U P/T via the VA for several things during the 18 years I served. About 3 months ago I finally decided I need to filed for SSDI and when I did, I requested it be fast tracked. The lady I spoke with on the phone at the local office laughed at me and insisted there was no such thing as fast tracking for anyone, she wished me luck and then hung up on me. I haven’t heard anything since… Is that even remotely right?

    Thanks!

    • Hi Richard. First of all, we want to thank you for your service to our country. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veteran’s benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. In the other hand, Social Security has an obligation to provide benefits quickly to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that their conditions obviously meet disability standards. Compassionate Allowances allow Social Security to target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that we can obtain quickly. We apologize for any misunderstanding and hope this information helps you understand our process a little better.

  26. MY HUSBAND GET SS RETIREMENT AND NOW IS DECLARED LEGAL BLIND IS THERE ANY OTHER BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO HIM

    THANKS

    JESSIE

    • Thank you for your question Jessie. Individuals can apply for Disability Benefits before they reach their full retirement age (currently 66). We can continue paying your husband’s retirement benefits while we consider his application and wait for a medical decision. Disability Benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to result in death. Individuals may qualify for Social Security or SSI disability benefits if they’re blind. For more important information read our publication If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision—How We Can Help. Your husband can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact the local office for further assistance.

  27. I am retiring, I am 60 % service connected disability and use the VA medical hospital, my question is: Do I need part B of the social security I am using the VA 100% for my medical. Thank You

    • Thanks for your question Ed. If you have coverage under a program from the Department of Defense, your health benefits may change or end when you become eligible for Medicare. You should contact the Department of Defense or a military health benefits advisor for information before you decide whether to enroll in Medicare medical insurance (Part B). Also, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the agency in charge of the Medicare program. You can read “How Medicare works with other insurance” or visit http://www.Medicare.gov. for more information. We hope this information helps

  28. I am 66 years of age and am rated 100% P&T by the VA in 2013. I had applied for social security retirement benefits at age 62 do to my health. Can I get my retirement benefits raised to a full retirement age of benefits because of my disability.

    • Thank you for your question Gary. Individuals may apply for disability benefits before they attain their full retirement age (currently age 66). Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries become full retirement age. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter waiting time if you call later during the day or later during the week.

  29. I am rated 100% t&p by the va and recently applied for ssb and i was denied saying that because of my compensation from the va is to much income and because of this they will not attempt to determine my level of disability how is this possible.

    • Hello, Isaih. First of all, thank you for your service to our country. It sounds like you were denied Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. The amount of the SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income available to you. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including Veterans benefits, and we are sorry to hear your application for disability benefits did not go the way you had hoped. If you do not agree with our decision, you have the right to file an appeal. You must make your request within 60 days from the date you received your notice of denial. If you need help with your appeal, you can contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  30. Thank you for filling out the SSA authorization form on line through eBenefits, however, VA is not currently sharing your Veteran health information electronically with the Social Security Administration through the eHealth Exchange. Please check back at a later date for updates or contact your local SSA office for additional information.

  31. I am 90% TDIU, I only applied for SSDI at the suggestion of my combat case manager at the VA, was denied for ssdi on the first application and then i was just denied or founded unfavourable after a ssdi hearing. I did not want ssdi nor did i want to go through the stress of dealing with social security. Again I only applied because my case manager said that I should. The question i have now is do i have to worry about the social security agency jeopardizing my VA benefits , do i have to worry about social security talking to the VA and trying to take away my VA benefits just because i dont fall into social securities definition , even though i have a terminal illness secondary to toxic exposure , i dont care bout the social security i just dont want Social Security to ruin or attack me for the only assistance i have in this life is the VA. this is a serious concern of mine and my ptsd now has me on guard that the social security has it out for me now. Since social security denied me can i just forget about social security and put the terrible experience with them behind me and move on with life or are they trying to attack me? Please answer . RK7-out

    • Hi Nicholas. Some disabled veterans may qualify for both Social Security and Veterans Administration (VA) disability benefits at the same time. These are two separate programs. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans’ benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. We hope this information helps.

      • Lol , your response must be a copy and paste robot, you came no where near answering my questions. And stop sayin that the Social security only recognises long term or terminal disabilities, that’s a stab in the back for those of us with long term until we die an early death thanks to our forever disabilities. Again the question is … i do not trust the social security and i believe it is for grandmas and civilians that suffer trauma unlike us Veterans who are blessed with the VA. my questiion does the social security notify the VA that i did not meet social security definition (lol) and does the social security try and attack my VA benefits as the VA is my only way of survival. Thank you .

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