DISABLED VETERANS QUALIFY FOR SSA EXPEDITED REVIEW
Did you know that Veterans who are 100% service-connected qualify for expedited review with the Social Security Administration? This means that if you apply for Social Security Disability, you may not have to wait so long for a decision.
Because you are a Veteran, the SSA is giving your case faster processing. However, you must also be 100% disabled by the Veterans Administration to qualify. If you need to file a claim for service-connected Veterans benefits, then go to the VA website to start your application.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VA RATING SYSTEM AND SSA DISABILITY BENEFITS
Both Social Security and the VA pay disability benefits to those that qualify. However, the two government programs have very different rules for getting benefits. Under the VA program, there is a rating system. The rating system applies if you have injuries while in service. It is possible to obtain some form of monthly Veterans disability benefits even if you can still work. SSA benefits are not like that.
In order to receive SSDI benefits you must not be able to work due to your medical condition. To receive SSDI benefits from Social Security, you must have a severe medical condition that will last at least one year or will result in death.
The SSA program does not pay benefits as a percentage. You either win benefits or you don’t. The VA system, however, does have a rating and percentage system.
Under the VA system, you may be eligible for 100% service connected benefits by the VA, but that does not guarantee you will receive SSDI benefits. However, the SSA must consider the VA’s rating decision. Find out how to get both veteran benefits and SSDI benefits.
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
If you are a Veteran and qualify through the Veteran’s Administration for 100% service-connected disability benefits, then you are entitled to an expedited review of your Social Security case.
Disability benefits through the Veterans Administration and disability benefits through the Social Security Administration require separate applications.
However, Veterans who have already been determined to be 100% service-connected can receive expedited processing of your claim from the Social Security Administration.
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 occurred. If you are a Veteran, then contact Cannon Disability Law for free to find out if you qualify for Social Security’s fast review process.
HOW TO GET A FASTER REVIEW OF YOUR DISABILITY CASE
If you are a disabled veteran, who has a 100% service connected disability rating from the VA, then you must do certain things to notify the SSA to process your case quickly. Here are the things you must do:
- First, identify yourself as a “veteran rated 100% P&T” when you apply for SSDI benefits. If you apply in person or over the phone, tell the Social Security representative that you are a veteran and the VA rates you at 100%.
- If you apply for SSD benefits online, enter “Veteran 100% P&T” in the “Remarks” section of the application. We also recommend sending a letter to the SSA stating that you are requesting expedited review of your case. You can apply online at the Social Security’s website.
- Provide the SSA with your Veterans Affairs notification letter, which verifies your rating.
- After Social Security identifies you as a veteran rated 100% P&T, they will treat your claim as a high priority. This means they will rush it through the application process.
HOW LONG DOES EXPEDITED REVIEW OF YOUR SSDI CLAIM TAKE?
Once the SSA identifies your case as a high priority, it should take less time for them to process your claim. Normally, it can take up to two years, from filing the application to getting a scheduled hearing, for you to obtain benefits. Your case with the VA may have other delays, but not in the SSA system.
With a faster review, however, the SSA may grant your claim in a matter of months. At a minimum, even if you have to go to a hearing with a Social Security judge, you will have your hearing date sooner than other people who filed for benefits at the same time as you did.
One of the best ways to make sure the SSA does their job is to hire a lawyer with experience. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience. We have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases.
We also have experience winning claims for Veterans before the SSA and before the Veterans Administration. When we file your SSDI application, we will immediately inform the SSA that you are a disabled veteran. Therefore, they will know that your case should receive expedited review.
FACTORS THAT IMPACT THE WAITING TIME WITH THE SSA
The amount of time it takes for the SSA to evaluate your case depends upon certain factors. First, they will look at the nature of your medical conditions. For example, they will evaluate your case under the listing that relates to your physical or mental condition. For example, if you have anxiety, then they will use listing 12.06 to decide your case.
Second, one of the main reasons for delay in cases is it takes a long time to get medical evidence. Your case will go faster if you obtain medical evidence from your doctor. Likewise, if you have other medical sources, like a counselor or a therapist, then you need to submit that medical evidence too.
Sometimes, when the SSA decides to grant a case, it is because they have sent you out for a medical exam with one of their doctors. Even though your doctor supports your Social Security application, the SSA may not accept that medical opinion.
The SSA likes to obtain their own evidence. They call this a consultative exam. If they send you to see one of their doctors, then make sure you attend the appointment. Also, you can provide the SSA doctor with your medical records. Do not rely on the SSA to provide your records to their doctor, because they usually don’t do it.
DISABLED VETERANS DESERVE A FAST DECISION
At our law firm, we believe disabled Veterans deserve a fast decision from the SSA. If you are service connected through the VA and are getting monthly benefits, you can still apply for SSDI benefits. Most veterans, however, do not qualify for SSI benefits. The reason most veterans do not get SSI, is their monthly VA benefit excess the SSI resource limit. If you have an amputation and qualify for SSI benefits, then you can receive presumptive disability benefits. Find out about SSD benefits for amputation.
For example, in Utah, the SSI benefit amount is currently $943 per month. If you get more money than this in veterans disability benefits, then you cannot receive SSI benefits. Your are not eligible due to your income.
However, SSDI is available to veterans who work and pay taxes. The amount of your income and assets does not matter in the SSDI program. You can apply for SSDI benefits as long as you are not working. There is no offset of SSDI benefits against service connected VA benefits.
If you are wondering if VA disability benefits affect Social Security benefits, then the answer is yes. But only if you are already getting non-service connected VA benefits. There is an offset of SSDI for those who receive non-service connected VA benefits. The offset amount depends upon the amount of money you receive from each government program.
CANNON DISABILITY LAW CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASE
Our legal team understands the law and knows the problems you are facing if you cannot work. If you hire us to represent you and we do not win your case, then you do not owe us an attorney fee. Veterans serve our country and we believe they deserve the best lawyer to help them win benefits.
If you want to find out more about our legal team, you are in the right place. Dianna Cannon has 30 years of experience in Social Security law. She also has a license to practice law in 4 states. Andria Summers has 20 years of experience helping our clients on appeal and in court. Brett Bunkall has won hundreds of SSDI and SSI cases in Utah, Idaho and Nevada. Learn about Utah SSD benefits. Learn information about Nevada SSD benefits. Also, learn about filing for Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits. Finally, we have information about California SSD benefits and Colorado SSD benefits too.
We represent Veterans in disability claims no matter where they live. Although we can’t guarantee we will win your case, we will do our very best to help you through the appeal process. Contact us today to hire an SSD attorney with the experience to win your case.
