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Veterans can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), even if they also receive VA disability compensation. Eligible recipients of SSDI benefits must meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability.
To qualify for SSDI, veterans must demonstrate that they cannot work (or engage in substantial gainful activity) due to a medical condition that is fatal or has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.
A Kansas City veterans SSDI benefits lawyer can help gather and organize the necessary medical records, service records, and other documentation to support your claim. Our experienced SSDI attorneys can assist with completing the application forms accurately and ensuring they are submitted within the required deadlines. Call BurnettDriskill today for more information.
Veterans can apply for SSDI benefits based on their work history. Unlike VA benefits, which are based on service-connected disabilities, SSDI is based on a veteran’s work history and earnings. You earn Social Security credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. The number of credits you earn each year depends on how much you make.
For most people, you need to have worked at least 5 years (20 quarters) out of the 10 years immediately preceding the date you became disabled to be eligible for SSDI.
Veterans with disabilities incurred while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, may also be eligible for expedited processing through the Wounded Warriors initiative. If you have questions about filing for SSDI benefits as a veteran, a Kansas City lawyer can help guide you through the process.
A Kansas City attorney can help you gather all the key documents required to apply for SSDI benefits as a veteran. To apply, you must provide documents proving your identity, work history, and medical condition.
As SSDI and VA benefits are separate programs with different requirements, VA disability benefits do not reduce your SSDI benefits or vice versa. While the SSA does not base disability determinations on VA ratings, they may consider them. In many cases, the most helpful VA evidence is the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams that the VA orders.
The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation to determine disability eligibility. Step 1 involves determining if you are engaged in SGA based on earnings limits. Step 2 assesses whether you have a severe impairment that prevents you from working. Step 3 compares your impairment with the SSA’s Listing of Impairments (“Blue Book”).
Steps 4 and 5 consider your work history, age, education, and other factors to determine your ability to work. The time it takes for a decision depends on several factors, including the nature of the disability, the speed at which medical evidence is provided, and whether a medical examination is necessary.
Our team can help qualifying veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities. If your claim is denied, our Kansas City Veterans SSDI benefits lawyers can represent you in hearings before an Administrative Law Judge, presenting a strong case and advocating for your rights.
We can help you make informed decisions about applying for benefits. Contact us today to request your free, confidential consultation.
