VETERANS AND SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY - DON'T DEPEND ONLY ON THE VA

There has been a lot of news lately about problems in the Veterans Administration (VA) and how it is not adequately serving the needs of veterans, especially in the area of medical treatment.

What many veterans do not know is that they don't have to depend solely on the VA for financial help.  Disabled veterans are also eligible to apply for Social Security disability benefits, which can pay up to $2,600 per month in cash benefits.

Getting Social Security disability benefits will not reduce benefits from the VA.  Veterans who qualify can receive full VA benefits plus Social Security disability benefits.

This is because veterans paid into the Social Security disability program during their years of active military service, and afterward.  They are covered by Social Security just as any other individual who paid into the program.

In fact, starting in March 2014, Social Security provides an expedited decision making process for veterans with 100% permanent VA disability.  In many cases, we are seeing veterans receive a decision on their disability applications in as little as 21 days.  This compares to an average of 90 to 120 days on the average claim.  (Having a disabled rating with VA does not guarantee approval by Social Security but it does expedite the decision).

What if you are a veteran but do not have 100 percent VA disability?  You may still qualify for Social Security benefits.  Social Security has its own rules for disability and they are not the same as the VA rules.  The application process and procedure is different.

 If you are a veteran in the North Alabama area, the Forsythe Firm would like to help you with a Social Security disability claim.  We can help file the application, gather the medical records and deal with Social Security for you.  We never charge a consultation fee and there is never a fee unless you win benefits and recover back payments.  We are located one-half mile from Redstone Arsenal at the intersection of Old Madison Pike and Governors West, in front of Bridge Street.  We would be honored to see you.

 

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