Returning home from military service presents many challenges for veterans, often leading them to seek support through the VA and SSA. Many struggle with physical and mental health conditions linked to their service, which can impact their ability to work. Programs like SSDI and VA disability provide crucial financial assistance and additional benefits that vary based on a veteran’s VA disability rating.
For veterans seeking both forms of disability, understanding the SSDI process is essential, as VA benefits can directly impact an SSDI claim. In this blog, we discuss how to claim both SSDI and VA disability benefits, how VA ratings can support your SSDI claim, and the steps you can take to claim the benefits you deserve.
Get the benefits you earned.
Key Takeaways
- You can receive both SSDI and VA disability at the same time, as long as you meet each program’s eligibility requirements.
- VA ratings can strengthen your SSDI claim, but they won’t guarantee approval since the SSA must still follow its usual processes to determine disability.
- The strongest claims combine medical evidence with clear work limitations. Providing detailed medical records, supporting statements, and proof that your condition prevents you from working are key to qualifying, especially for SSDI.
In this article about SSDI and VA disability:
- SSDI and VA disability: Understanding the differences
- Can I get SSDI and VA disability together?
- Does a high VA disability rating improve your SSDI chances?
- Common disabilities that qualify for both SSDI and VA benefits
- How to strengthen your SSDI claim as a veteran
- Applying for SSDI and VA disability
- How Woods & Woods can help
- Frequently asked questions
SSDI and VA disability: Understanding the differences
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program funded by payroll taxes. SSDI provides financial support to individuals with long-term disabilities that prevent them from working gainfully. To qualify, applicants must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability.
VA disability, on the other hand, is a monthly, tax-free benefit paid to U.S veterans with a service-connected illness or injury that was caused or made worse by military service. This benefit is paid out by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Unlike SSDI, you don’t need to prove that you’re unable to work to receive VA disability unless you’re seeking total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits. However, you must show that your condition is related to your military service.
Now that we’ve outlined the differences, let’s explore whether veterans can receive both SSDI and VA disability simultaneously.
Can I get SSDI and VA disability together?
Neither SSDI nor VA disability directly affects receipt of the other, so it is possible to collect both VA disability and SSDI at the same time, without offset, as long as you qualify for each program’s unique eligibility rules and requirements.
To be eligible for SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability that prevents you from engaging in gainful employment or will result in death. You must also have enough work credits to begin receiving payments.
For VA disability eligibility, you must have a health condition that can be connected to your active duty service, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. The VA assigns disability ratings as percentages depending on the severity of your condition.
A disabling service-connected condition may qualify you for both VA benefits and SSDI if it affects your ability to work. However, minor service-connected conditions may qualify for low levels of payment from the VA, but not qualify for SSDI. If your disability cannot be proven to relate to military service, it may qualify for SSDI but not VA disability. It can be helpful to hire an attorney to help navigate this process.
Does a high VA disability rating improve your SSDI chances?
Veterans with a high VA rating or even those with a permanent and total (P&T) disability do not automatically qualify for SSDI. However, one of the best tools a veteran has for strengthening their SSDI claim is their VA rating.
For example, presenting your 100% P&T rating as evidence to the SSA can improve your chances of being awarded SSDI since the VA has already determined you are fully disabled and very likely unable to work. However, even if you don’t have a 100% VA disability rating, a high rating (such as 70% or above) can still provide strong support for your SSDI claim, especially if your conditions impact your ability to work full-time.
Common disabilities that qualify for both SSDI and VA benefits
Although veterans may experience a wide range of disabling conditions, some common disabilities qualify for both SSDI and VA compensation. These include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions
- Chronic pain
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Hearing loss
- Cancer
How to strengthen your SSDI claim as a veteran
Veterans applying for SSDI can use the following strategies to bolster their claim and help make sure it’s as strong as possible:
- Provide detailed medical records and evidence from both VA doctors and private healthcare providers. This could include your doctor’s assessment of how your condition limits your ability to work.
- Use your VA disability rating to emphasize your level of disability. While the SSA is not bound by the VA’s disability determinations, it should consider a veteran’s VA rating.
Expediting the process
The SSA will expedite SSDI claims if you’re a veteran rated 100% P&T.
When you apply for SSDI benefits, you will be asked to identify yourself as a veteran rated 100% P&T.
- If you apply in person or over the phone, tell the Social Security representative you are a veteran rated 100% P&T.
- If applying online, enter “Veteran 100% P&T” in the “Remarks” section of your application.
Once your 100% P&T status has been verified, the SSA will treat your application as high-priority and expedite the process.
Applying for SSDI and VA disability
Since the VA and the SSA are two separate federal agencies, they each have their own application process. We explain each below.
How to apply for SSDI
If you believe you qualify for SSDI, understanding how to apply is a crucial step toward securing financial assistance and medical benefits. However, the application process can feel overwhelming, and you may wonder where to begin.
Start by preparing the necessary documents for your application. You will need to provide the SSA with documentation to support your claim, including medical history, work records, and personal identification.
Once you gather your documents, you can apply:
- Online via the SSA’s website
- By phone at 800-772-1213
- In person at a local SSA office
- By mail (requires additional processing time)
- With the help of an attorney
How to apply for VA disability benefits
Applying for VA disability benefits is similar to the application process with SSDI. However, instead of the SSA, you’ll be applying to the VA. Having documentation and evidence on hand when you apply can speed up the process.
Your evidence may include:
- VA medical records and hospital records related to your condition
- Private medical records and hospital reports
- Supporting statements from family, friends, coworkers, clergy, or anyone with knowledge about how and when your disability started or how it has worsened over time
When you’re ready to apply, you have three ways you can do so. You can apply:
- Online
- By phone at 800-827-1000
- In person at a VA regional office
How Woods & Woods can help
Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.
You worked hard – let us fight for you.
Frequently asked questions
SSDI is a federal program for individuals who can’t work gainfully due to a long-term disability. To qualify, applicants must meet the SSA’s definition of disability and have enough work credits.
VA disability, on the other hand, provides benefits to veterans with conditions related to their military service. Unlike SSDI, veterans don’t need to prove they can’t work to receive VA benefits, only that their condition is service-connected.
In short, SSDI supports those with total disabilities, while VA disability assists veterans with service-related conditions. Individuals may be eligible for both programs at the same time, or only one.
SSDI and VA disability benefits do not affect each other, so you can receive both at the same time without offset, as long as you meet the separate eligibility requirements for each program.
Lori Underwood
Lori Underwood received her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. She previously practiced Social Security disability and personal injury law and was a juvenile court attorney.
She has been an attorney at
Woods & Woods since 2014.
