Whether you’re a veteran or you know somebody close to you who is, navigating the world of VA benefits is complicated enough without throwing Social Security benefits into the mix. One question many people often ask is whether you can receive VA disability benefits as well as Social Security. 

In this guide, we will help you navigate the world of VA disability benefits. We’ll explain Social Security, eligibility requirements, how Social Security is expedited for veterans, and how to apply for these benefits. 

Key Takeaways 

• Veterans who currently receive VA disability benefits may also receive Social Security benefits.
  
  

• The VA will provide coverage for an eligible disability if it is service-connected.
  
  

• The SSA will provide benefits if you are unable to work or will have a disability for at least 12 months 

  
  

Eligibility for Disability Benefits Under VA and Social Security

To receive benefits, you must first meet the VA and Social Security eligibility requirements. 

VA Disability Requirements

To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must fall into one of two categories: service-connected disability or non-service-connected disability. In the first category, if your disability happened or was caused during active service, you will be covered. This also includes a disability that arose after active service but is related to that service. An example of this is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by active service. 

For non-connected service-related disabilities, veterans will need to meet special requirements set by the VA, including being a veteran of wartime service, being permanently disabled or over 65, or in financial need.

Social Security Disability Requirements 

The SSA has two eligibility requirements veterans will need to meet to be able to use the benefits: 

• The ability to work at a substantial gainful level is limited due to a physical or mental condition. 

• The condition has lasted at least 12 months, is expected to last at least 12 months, or is expected to end in death. 

To receive these benefits, you must prove to the SSA that you cannot work at a substantial level. This usually requires medical assessments and doctor motivation. 

Here are some additional documents you need on the social security application:

• An Application for VA Benefits: The SSA requires you to provide evidence that you have applied for VA benefits to be eligible for SSDI. However, this does not mean that if you are ineligible for SSDI, you will also be ineligible for VA benefits.
  
  

• The Length of the Disability: The SSA will also consider how long you’ve had the disability to determine if you are eligible for benefits. Unlike the VA benefits, the SSA requires your disability to be expected to last for at least 12 months or will likely end in death.
  
  

• Age, Education, and Work History: Your age, education, and work history also determine whether you are eligible for Social Security benefits. For example, you need to have worked for a certain number of years and paid enough Social Security taxes during that time to qualify. For the SSDI, you must be 65 years and older to be eligible for monetary benefits for food, housing, and clothing.  

  
  

Can a Veteran Get VA Disability and Social Security Disability?

Many people assume if you receive VA disability benefits, you cannot collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, this is untrue. Veterans who currently receive VA disability benefits may also receive SSDI.

To receive these benefits, veterans first have to meet the definition of “disability” outlined by the VA and Social Security. 

According to the VA, eligible disabilities for which they will provide benefits are divided into two categories: service-connected and non-service-connected. 

A service-connected disability is “incurred or aggravated by their military service.” A non-service-connected disability means the disability did not occur during active service. The VA will still provide benefits, but they may be limited. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) differs in its definition of disability. The veteran's military service history is not used. The SSA defines a disability as someone who has “a physical or mental health condition resulting in functional impairments that limit his or her ability to work at a substantial gainful level.” 

So, just because you can get VA disability and Social Security benefits, does this mean it is a good idea? Because neither is affected by the other, getting both benefits means you increase your monthly benefits. Not using both resources means leaving benefits on the table for waste. Both programs offer benefits based on different criteria. 

For example, the SSDI will provide coverage if the disability prevents the applicant's ability to work, whereas the VA does not. The SSDI does not use age, education, and work history to determine the amount offered, but the VA does. 

One of the biggest differences is that the VA does not provide coverage for partial or limited disability. They follow an all-or-nothing approach, but the SSDI does not. SSDI may provide veterans with better medical coverage if the VA cannot. So, having both benefits can help fill the gaps between them.  

Using a family operating system like Trustworthy, you can keep track of what benefits you are owed and what you have already used. Trustworthy has an easy-to-use file system that allows you to share access with family members and other people who need to access your documents.  

Does Applying to VA Disability Affect the Decision for Social Security?

The great thing about VA disability and Social Security benefits is they do not affect each other. SSDI does not count the money you receive from the VA as income, nor does the VA. This means you can receive both of them simultaneously, and if you apply for one, it will not affect the other's decision. 

However, you should know you cannot apply for these benefits together. You must apply for them separately because they are two completely different programs run by different departments. This also means there will be different waiting periods between the two. 

When you apply for these benefits, use Trustworthy to easily access documents like important medical information when needed. Trustworthy’s helpful money tabs can also help you keep track of your benefits.

Social Security Expedited Processing for Veterans

While the VA honors veterans and their spouses by providing them with benefits, the wait to process a claim is notoriously long, with an average of 158 days to complete. For some, this wait can be the difference between having money for a roof over their head or being out on the streets. To help with this, the SSA has an expedited process for veterans' disability claims.  

Melissa Lanouette, an attorney at Jeffrey Glassman, says:

“When you file your initial claim, it’ll be processed more quickly than a typical claim, and as you go up in the levels (disability rating), you’re entitled to faster processing, particularly at the appeals council. So, instead of waiting a year plus, it can be a matter of weeks to get a decision.”

The VA has a disability rating on a severity scale of 100, which increases in 10% increments. This is done via the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), which is a combination of diagnostic codes. The more severe your disability is, the higher your rating will be. The higher your rating is, the more benefits you will be eligible for. To qualify for the 100% rating, you need to have one disability rating higher than 60% or two disabilities with a combined score of 70%.   

The SSA also offers this expedited process for wounded soldiers. This includes veterans who received mental or physical injuries that resulted in a disability while on active duty after October 1, 2001.

To take advantage of this process, you will need to present the SSA with a VA notification letter to verify your VA rating. The time it takes to process your claim depends on the nature of your disability and the evidence you have submitted.    

How to Apply to VA Disability & Social Security

Applying for VA disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits is straightforward if you do it online, have collected all your necessary documents, and are prepared to wait. Use Trustworthy to store your application papers and other important medical information in a safe location. 

How to Apply for VA Benefits 

You can apply for the disability benefits in person at your nearest VA office, through the mail, or online, which is the best option. You’ll start by filling out the entire claim form and submitting the relevant supporting documents, such as your VA medical records, hospital records, private records, and supporting statements. 

You don’t need to provide any other evidence during this process when submitting your claim unless you are scheduled for a claim exam. After you file the application, be prepared to wait at least six months for the outcome of your disability.   

How to Apply for Social Security

To apply for SSDI, you can do it online or by scheduling an appointment with your nearest office. During the application, you will need to provide all information regarding your medical conditions, financial information, career information, and education. 

If you apply in person, this will all be done through a disability interview. Once approved, there is a five-month waiting period before benefits kick in.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you get SSDI for PTSD?

Yes, if your PTSD prevents you from gainful employment or daily activities, you will qualify for SSDI. 

Can you get SSDI for PTSD and anxiety?

If the anxiety is a symptom of PTSD, then yes, it is possible for you to get SSDI. 

How do I get 100 disability from the VA?

You can only get a 100 disability rating if you are completely disabled and cannot work due to your condition. 

Why is it so hard to get 100 percent VA disability?

Because of the way the VA calculates its ratings, having just one service-connected disability makes it difficult to get from 80% to 100%.     

What is the easiest way to get a VA disability?

Tinnitus, a medical condition that causes loud ringing in the ears, is the easiest way to get a VA disability.