Select Page

Veterans and Social Security Disability Benefits

Appealing for benefits is best done under the guidance of an experienced disability lawyer.

Disabled Veterans may be entitled to receive benefits.

Author Attorney Greg Reed:
Updated: 12/19/2023

Disability benefits are a financial lifeline to those who are unable to work. Social Security provides a safety net for those who become ill or injured and can no longer provide for themselves. Those who have served in the military, and especially those who became disabled in the line of duty, are entitled to additional benefits.


Disabled Vets

Veterans can get benefits for disability through both Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration. The agencies differ in how they determine disability.

Veterans can receive benefits for a disability through both Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration.

The two agencies have several differences in how they determine disability and calculate benefits.


Veterans who have been injured during their service may be entitled to benefits.

In order to be eligible for Veteran’s disability benefits an applicant must prove:

 

  •    they have served in the armed forces,
  •    were not dishonorably discharged, and
  •    that the injury or illness was caused or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.

 


However, veterans who were prisoners of war, veterans who were exposed to radiation, mustard gas, Lewisite (a chemical weapon), or certain herbicides such as Agent Orange may be able to waive the requirement to prove the disability was caused by service.

Unlike Social Security benefits, a veteran does not need to be totally disabled to collect benefits.

Veteran’s disability benefits are based on the degree of the disability. The disability will be ranked on a scale of 0% disabling to 100% disability depending on severity. It should be noted that the percentage is not a percentage of the maximum benefit. For example, in 2024 a single veteran with no children receives $3737.85/mo if they are 100% disabled, but only $2241.90/mo if they are 90% disabled.


The Social Security Administration will take into consideration the VA’s disability rating.

Veterans with a disability rating of 100% are very likely to also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. Unfortunately, the opposite is less true. Being approved for Social Security Disability Benefits is no guarantee you will be approved for Veteran’s benefits. Social Security’s approval will help prove you are disabled, but it will not show that the disability was incurred or aggravated during military service.


Veterans administration

Veterans applying for Social Security should also be aware of the difficulty of obtaining medical records from VA medical facilities.

There are numerous reports of incomplete records being sent, records taking a long time to obtain, records being sent to the wrong people, and records simply missing.


Additionally, Veterans who have sustained an injury or illness on active duty after October 1, 2001 are eligible to have their disability claim expedited under the Wounded Warrior program.

Under this program, some veterans are able to have their claim processed more quickly. It should be noted that because Social Security benefits are granted on the basis of ability to work, the disabled individual should not apply for benefits until after they have left the military.


Long Term Disability Lawyers

If you are a veteran, thank you for your service. If you have been injured or become ill, especially while on active duty, or active duty for training, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. If you have applied for benefits and been denied, the attorneys at Bemis, Roach and Reed can help. Our team has the knowledge and experience necessary to present your claim in the best possible light. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call 512-454-4000 and get help NOW.

Email us at:
contact@brrlaw.com

download disability guide

5 star disability lawyers

"Words can not truly express the gratitude that I feel toward Mr. Lonnie Roach and his professional team. I give them an A+++. Very compassionate and prompt. Their priorities are first and foremost helping you succeed at your case. When you feel helpless, feeling like someone is on your side can mean the world to you. Thank you for working for the people."
-Amy K.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

top disability attorney

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greg Reed disability lawyer
Author: Attorney Greg Reed has been practicing law for 29 years. He is Superlawyers rated by Thomson Reuters and is Top AV Preeminent® and Client Champion Gold rated by Martindale Hubbell. Through his extensive litigation Mr. Reed obtained board certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Greg is admitted to practice in the United States District Court – all Texas Districts and the United States Court of Appeals-Fifth Circuit. Mr. Reed is a member of the Travis County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, past Director of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, and an Associate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. Reed and all the members of Bemis, Roach & Reed have been active participants in the Travis County Lawyer referral service.

Your Free Initial Consultation

At Bemis, Roach and Reed, if we can't help you, we will try to find the right attorneys for you.

We offer each of our prospective clients a free no obligation one hour phone or office consultation to see if we can help you and if you are comfortable with us. We know how difficult a time like this can be and how hard the decisions are. If we can be of assistance to you and help you find a solution to your issue we will even if that means referring you to another attorney.

top SSDI attorneys

Or simply call
512-454-4000
to schedule your
Free Consultation

Let's get you Started:

If you could provide us with some basic information about your claim we will get right back with you with a free case evaluation and schedule your Free Consultation Today.

You can also email us at: contact@brrlaw.com

Call now for a FREE initial consultation