Disability, General

Social Security and the VA, Working Together for Our Heroes

March 7, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

silhouette of a soldier standing in front of the american flag and saluting, Social Security honors those who have served in the U.S. military. We recognize the sacrifices these Americans made while serving our country. Often, their dedication comes at the expense of significant and lasting effects on themselves and their families.

Social Security provides expedited processing of disability benefit applications for wounded warriors and veterans with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T).

While both Social Security and the VA pay disability benefits to qualifying individuals, the criteria for awarding benefits is not the same. Even if you have a VA compensation rating of 100% P&T, you will need to meet the strict definition of disability set out by the Social Security Act to receive Social Security disability benefits. Social Security pays benefits to people with a severe medical condition expected to last at least one year or to result in death, while preventing you from performing substantial work.

To receive expedited processing as a veteran rated 100% P&T, you must first apply for Social Security benefits. You can apply online or call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also visit your local Social Security office to apply in person.

You must identify yourself as a “Veteran rated 100% P&T.” If you apply in person or over the phone, tell the Social Security representative that you are a veteran rated 100% P&T. If you apply online, enter “Veteran 100% P&T” in the “Remarks” section of the application. You must also provide Social Security with your Veterans Affairs notification letter that verifies your rating.

Social Security will expedite your claim through the application process, and any appeals level, if necessary. Veterans Affairs compensation will not affect your Social Security benefits.

We are grateful to our veterans for their dedication to this country, and we are committed to providing veterans and wounded warriors with high quality public service. For more information, please visit https://www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans/

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. Ed B.

    I am retiring, I am 60 % service connected disability and use the VA medical hospital, my question is: Do I need part B of the social security I am using the VA 100% for my medical. Thank You

    • R.F.

      Thanks for your question Ed. If you have coverage under a program from the Department of Defense, your health benefits may change or end when you become eligible for Medicare. You should contact the Department of Defense or a military health benefits advisor for information before you decide whether to enroll in Medicare medical insurance (Part B). Also, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the agency in charge of the Medicare program. You can read “How Medicare works with other insurance” or visit http://www.Medicare.gov. for more information. We hope this information helps

  2. JESSIE M.

    MY HUSBAND GET SS RETIREMENT AND NOW IS DECLARED LEGAL BLIND IS THERE ANY OTHER BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO HIM

    THANKS

    JESSIE

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your question Jessie. Individuals can apply for Disability Benefits before they reach their full retirement age (currently 66). We can continue paying your husband’s retirement benefits while we consider his application and wait for a medical decision. Disability Benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to result in death. Individuals may qualify for Social Security or SSI disability benefits if they’re blind. For more important information read our publication If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision—How We Can Help. Your husband can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact the local office for further assistance.

  3. Richard B.

    I was awarded 80% disability rating and I/U P/T via the VA for several things during the 18 years I served. About 3 months ago I finally decided I need to filed for SSDI and when I did, I requested it be fast tracked. The lady I spoke with on the phone at the local office laughed at me and insisted there was no such thing as fast tracking for anyone, she wished me luck and then hung up on me. I haven’t heard anything since… Is that even remotely right?

    Thanks!

    • R.F.

      Hi Richard. First of all, we want to thank you for your service to our country. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veteran’s benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. In the other hand, Social Security has an obligation to provide benefits quickly to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that their conditions obviously meet disability standards. Compassionate Allowances allow Social Security to target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that we can obtain quickly. We apologize for any misunderstanding and hope this information helps you understand our process a little better.

  4. S.Beene

    My husband was recently approve for his SSDI, he receive VA compensation as well. His conditions has become worse so he applied for increase through the VA. The VA has requested his Social Security Medical Records, how long does it take SSA to get this information to the VA.

    • Coralee

      I have a friend who worked for DIAC for 15 years, she says they are inenlaty racist from the top down and favour rich and white over everyone else still.

  5. Janann N.

    I am now receiving my deceased husbands VA 100 percent disability check each month. I just retired and was advised by my financial adviser to check with social security about receiving his social security check when I reach age 60 then collecting mine when I reach age 66. Can I receive both his VA and social security?

    • R.F.

      Yes Janann, if you are the widow of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can receive reduced benefits as early as age 60. (age 50 or over if you are disabled). If you receive benefits as a widow, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you are eligible for retirement benefits and your retirement rate is higher than your rate as a widow. In many cases, a widow or widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate.Visit our Survivors Planner for more information.

  6. Timothy P.

    I wish the system was more simplified. I spent 6 years jumping out of airplanes in the Army. Another 10 training and deploying in deserts, jungles and mountains. I had a spinal fusion with 4 bolts and a cage. A fractured pelvis and femur. I’ve had to endure migraines and PTSD. I was approved in 2012, after my VA was approved in 2014 SSA denied me for working. I’ve appealed and every year since I keep getting placed on the same wheel.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your service to our country Timothy! We are sorry to hear that your application for disability benefits did not go the way you had hoped. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.

  7. Angel V.

    Hi,

    From my Wounds in Combat I have received Social Security Disabilities. In 2012 finally it was discharged from the Army and received 100% VA Benefits. Now in Feb / 2016 after-millions of treatment and suffering VA classified as 100% Total and Permanent. To my surprise in July / 2016 (This Moth) I received a letter from Social Security that they will cut my benefits. I really want to understand what happens because my conditions are for the rest of my life like my Medications to keep my conditions Stables.

    Thank someone who can guide me to resolve this.

    Sicerely,

    • R.F.

      First of all, THANK YOU for your service Angel. Unfortunately and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.

      • Angel V.

        Thank’s for you reply,

        I’m Already visit my near Office i fill appeal and representative tell just wait for notice by mail.

        I’m super frustrated because I have read that the appeal can take up to a year and half. Where My Mortgage debt reach by them?

        I ask respectfully; It is true that for Wounded Soldiers, rule changes and give priority to their cases and if that applies to those who are of appeal?

        Honestly

        • R.F.

          We understand your frustration Angel. The length of time it takes to process your request can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Click here to learn more about “Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors”. In addition, you may be eligible to receive benefits from social services in your residing state, while you await a medical decision. To get information about services in your area from your state or local social services, please visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. We hope this information helps.

          • Angel V.

            Thank’s again for you reply.
            Regarding continue receiving benefits while the appeal is completed, I asked that to the representative of the local office and this indicated to me that to get that benefit the letter I received should have said that and as it does not say what I have no the right to get it. Well that was the answer he gave me.
            I’m so anxious to receive some news to see how to proceed. I do not want to hire an attorney yet since I’m pretty sure it’s some mistake. The problem is that I feel I’m being penalized although any unpaid amount paid your office paid that later. and many debts that are acquired on the basis of this money to be falling behind so much and is so frustrating because if I could work it out and I would not pass through all these problems.

            Please forgive me to vent here but what I feel and just no want to reach a point of despair.

            Thanks for your kindness

        • Tearie B.

          hi if your off work and have very detailed doctors statements contact the ” hardest hit fund ” for help with your mortgage, they have rules but call them they are paying my mortgage u

  8. Jess

    I am 62 and retired. I wish to delay my social security claim till 65. Can I claim my deceased ex husband SS which is much lesser than mine, then exchange it my SSec.?

    • R.F.

      Good question Jess. In many cases, a widow or surviving divorced spouse can restrict the scope of their application and start receiving their survivor’s benefits, while delaying their own retirement benefit and earn delayed retirement credits. The rules are complicated and vary depending on the situation. We recommend that you contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

  9. Theresa N.

    I dont know if its too late to post this, but I’m gong to try anyway. I’m writing on behalf of my husband who is unable to work due to a deteriorating spine (it is literally dissolving). He originally applied for access to HIS money 6 years ago(having worked steadily since he was in his teens – he’s 48 now) He is a veteran but the VA wont have anything to do with him regarding this condition because nothing of it was evident during his time of service. He is working with a law firm, but continues to be told (by folks there at SSA) that ‘he can still work’, even though his pain level is such that he can neither sit, stand, lay, or walk for more than a few minutes at a time before the pain becomes excruciating. What does it take to get him a fair deal? He is an honorable man and deserves far better than he has been treated by this agency.

  10. Adam

    How did I qualify for ss if my va rating is 80 and how can va rate me 80 if ss says I’m unemployable

Comments are closed.