Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) released an emergency message indicating that the agency would performed a “one-time data match” in order to identify Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants who were considered 100 percent disabled by the VA.
The SSA announced that the data would find those who qualify for benefits as of February 28, 2014. In March, the SSA implemented a new policy to expedite claims for veterans who were rated 100 percent disabled by the VA.
Under the changes, veterans must inform the SSA that they have a 100 percent Permanent and Total disability compensation rating and provide a copy of their VA Notification Letter as proof of their disability rating. The data purge will allow both agencies to speed up the decision process.
How Do I Apply For SSDI Benefits If I Am a Veteran?
Keep in mind, just because a veteran has a 100 percent rating from the VA does not mean he or she will automatically qualify for SSA benefits. A veteran also has to have earned work credits and have paid Social Security taxes through military and nonmilitary jobs.
Unlike the VA, where a veteran can receive partial benefits, the SSA uses an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to disability. In order to receive SSA benefits, a veteran would need to prove that he or she cannot do work because of his or her medical condition.
If you are a veteran and have questions about applying for benefits, we are dedicated to helping those who have served this country get the disability benefits they need and deserve. Contact us today.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers
