Veterans are able to claim VA disability compensations and social security disability benefits, but the two systems are considerably different.

Veteran Affairs Disability Compensations

Veteran (VA) disability compensations are tax-free monetary benefits paid to veterans with disabilities that are a result of a disease or injury that occurred or was aggravated during military service. Veterans are often diagnosed with varying degrees of disabilities; their compensation is based on the severity of the disability and is administered accordingly.

For instance, a veteran may be considered 100% disabled or may have a secondary disability that arises after service that may lower their percentage. Receiving social security disability benefits does not usually help the claimant in receiving VA disability compensations because the VA must be able to confirm that the disability is a result of active service.

Social Security Disability Benefits

To apply for social security disability benefits, a claimant must apply in person or online, and the initial decision is usually released within three to four months. A disability examiner gathers the claimant’s medical records and consults with a physician and/or a psychologist to determine whether or not the claim should be approved. If the claimant is considered 70% disabled by the VA, then they are more than likely eligible to receive social security disability benefits.

The difference between VA disability compensation and social security disability benefits is that social security disability benefits do not have varying degrees of disability. A claimant may only receive benefits if the condition is expected to last over a year or is expected to result in death.

For more information regarding Social Security Disability and VA disability compensations, contact Disability Associates today.