How Is VA Disability Different from Social Security Disability?

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in several key ways. For one thing, age, work history, and education do not impact VA disability benefits, though they can impact your ability to qualify for SSDI benefits. 

Additionally, SSDI is an all-or-nothing benefit, while VA disability benefits can provide partial payments that scale with the extent of an individual’s disability. A Social Security Disability lawyer can provide more information about the differences between these benefits so that you can understand your options and situation. 

How VA Disability Is Different From Social Security Disability 

VA disability differs from SSDI benefits in several key ways. These differences deal with:

Benefit Qualification 

Only individuals who sustained injuries or illnesses due to military service qualify for VA disability benefits. Individuals who sustain an illness or injury due to other events or circumstances cannot request VA benefits, but may qualify for SSDI benefits. 

An Individual’s Ability to Work

Individuals only qualify for SSDI benefits if their condition prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Additionally, SSDI only becomes available if someone has a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. 

Neither of the above restrictions applies to VA disability benefits. 

Exclusions Based on Work History

Individuals have to have a lengthy work history to qualify for SSDI benefits. An individual’s education and age may also play a role in determining eligibility for these benefits. The VA does not have the same restrictions on its disability benefits. 

The Ability to Provide Partial Payments

Injured veterans receive varying amounts of benefits through the VA system based on the extent of their disability. The VA provides a percentage rating for disability, with individuals who are 100% disabled getting the most benefits. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA), on the other hand, treats SSDI benefits as an all-or-nothing system. Individuals either qualify to receive full SSDI benefit payments or they don’t. 

An attorney can give you more information about how VA disability is different from SSDI. 

How Are VA and Social Security Disability Similar?

VA and SSDI do have multiple similarities. Both government programs provide benefits to individuals who experience a disabling condition. Additionally, both programs:

Require an Application

Individuals must apply for SSDI and VA benefits. An approval for one type of benefit will not guarantee an approval for the other. Both the VA and SSA typically require extensive proof before approving a benefits application. 

Depending on the situation, an applicant may need to provide:

• Medical documentation to establish the extent of their disability 
• Paperwork to establish work history 
• Documents to prove time served in the military 

The specific documentation required will vary based on the type of benefits an individual wants to secure. A Social Security Disability application lawyer can provide more specific information. 

Allow Individuals to Apply for Other Benefits

Individuals can apply for and receive both SSDI and VA benefits at the same time. Drawing from both will not cut into the funds provided by either. However, they can conflict with some other benefits. 

For example, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will decrease if an individual also qualifies for VA benefits.

How to Handle SSDI and VA Benefit Applications

You can learn more about both VA and SSDI benefits with help from a legal professional who understands these systems. An attorney can review your situation and help you determine which, if any, benefits you qualify to receive. 

An attorney can also help with your request for SSDI benefits. You can get professional help throughout all stages of the application process and answers to any questions you have, so you can make informed decisions after an injury or illness leaves you with a disability. 

You can also get professional help after a denial from the SSA. A Social Security Disability appeals lawyer can take charge, review the reasons for a denial, and walk through the process of appealing the agency’s initial decision. You do not have to handle this challenging time on your own. 

Talk to Us About How VA Benefits Differ from SSDI Benefits

So, how is VA Disability different from Social Security Disability? SSDI only becomes available to individuals with disabilities that prevent them from pursuing SGA, while VA benefits become available to individuals who experience a disabling injury or illness due to military service.

These benefit programs can vary in other ways. You can get more detailed information from our team at Pilzer Klein. We have over 50 years of combined experience that we can use to help with your SSDI claim in upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. 

Our team believes in providing dedicated and compassionate assistance to individuals in your situation. You can count on us to take the time to answer any questions you have when dealing with benefit applications or an appeal after a denial.