
Can I collect both SSDI and VA disability compensation?
The answer to this is yes. In fact, about 18 percent of adult beneficiaries of Social Security are veterans. You can even apply for both VA disability and SSDI benefits at the same time, but first, you’ll want to know the differences between these two and how they interact with each other. Various Disability Programs Concerning Veterans
Does 100%VA disability help get SSDI?
100% Disabled Veterans Are Eligible For Social Security Disability Veterans can obtain both 100% VA Disability and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time. For some reason a large number of veterans believe they can only receive 100% VA Disability or Social Security Disability - that is not true.
What conditions qualify for VA disability benefits?
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as:
- Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability
- Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease
- Severe hearing loss
- Scar tissue
- Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)
- Ulcers
- Cancers caused by contact with toxic chemicals or other dangers
Does VA disability affect SSDI?
SSDI only counts earned income; therefore, VA disability benefits have no effect on entitlement to SSDI. However, SSI is need-based; any contribution from VA disability benefits will count towards income for the month. The income limit for SSI for 2018 is $750 per month.

Can I get SSDI and VA disability at the same time?
An award of VA disability benefits, also known as service-connected disability compensation, is not based on income, so you can receive VA disability compensation and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) at the same time.
Can you collect SSDI and military disability?
You can receive VA service-connected disability compensation and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) at the same time, since neither program is needs-based and they are not offset by other income, or each other.
How much is social security disability with VA disability?
SSDIVA Monthly Disability Benefit Amount$400SSDI Monthly Benefit Amount+ $850Total Monthly Income= $1250
Can a veteran receive SSDI?
Veterans may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, VA disability compensation. Veterans may also use the Medicaid and Medicare health benefits that come with SSI/SSDI to supplement VA health services.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
Do you get extra money from Social Security for being a veteran?
Under certain circumstances, special earnings can be credited to your military pay record for Social Security purposes. The extra earnings are for periods of active duty or active duty for training. These extra earnings may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.
At what age does VA disability stop?
age 67When veterans reach age 67, all VA disability payments would revert to the amount associated with the rated disability level; veterans age 67 or older who are already receiving IU payments would no longer receive them after the effective date of the option.
What is the 55 year rule for VA disability?
What is the VA 55-year-old rule? Veterans who receive VA disability benefits for service-connected conditions are exempt from periodic future examinations once they turn 55 years old. This includes veterans who will be 55 by the date of a future examination, according to the VA Adjudication Procedures Manual.
Can the VA take away permanent and total disability?
Today, we'll answer the question: “Can the VA take away 100 Permanent and Total Disability (P&T)?” The short answer is: YES, they can. Every VA disability rating, whether it's deemed P&T or not, can be reduced by the VA for a variety of reasons.
What is the difference between SSDI and veteran disability?
To qualify for veteran disability benefits, your disability must have been service-connected – that is, it started during your active duty. Under the SSDI, this is not an eligibility requirement.
How much does SSDI pay?
SSDI recipients typically receive $700 to $1,700 per month.
Can I collect VA benefits if I have a 10 percent disability?
Under the VA program, you may receive benefits even when your compensable disability rating is only 10 percent, whereas in SSDI, you must be found to be completely unable to work profitably before you can collect benefits. Because of this, the benefit amounts between the two programs also vary.
Can I apply for SSDI and VA disability at the same time?
The answer to this is yes. In fact, about 18 percent of adult beneficiaries of Social Security are veterans. You can even apply for both VA disability and SSDI benefits at the same time, but first, you’ll want to know the differences between these two and how they interact with each other.
When did the VA stop taking disability ratings into account?
VA disability ratings used to be a great factor in determining whether you were disabled under the eyes of the SSA. However, this stopped in 2017, when the SSA stated that they would no longer take into account whether you were VA-approved or not.
Who oversees veterans disability?
Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversees veteran disability benefits, also known as service-connected disability compensation. In other words, SSDI and VA disability benefits are ...
Does SSDI consider disability?
Under the SSDI, this is not an eligibility requirement. However, the SSDI program also does not consider disability by degrees – you are either found disabled or not. This is in contrast to the VA’s rating system which compensates even partial degrees of disability.
What is VA disability?
VA Benefits For disability benefits through the VA, also known as service-connected disability, the applicant must show that they have a disabling condition that was “incurred or aggravated by their military service.1” The compensation rates are paid on a graduated scale, based on the degree of a Veteran’s disability, ranging from 10 to 100 percent, in 10 percent increments.
What is the VA number for homelessness?
If you, or a Veteran you know, is experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, make the call to 877-4AID-VET (424-3838) to access 24/7 confidential support and connect with VA services.
What is the difference between VA and Social Security?
The biggest difference between VA and Social Security disability is that the VA allows for gradations of disability, while Social Security is an all-or-nothing disability finding. The VA has a sliding scale of benefit awards from 0 percent to 100 percent disabled.
What are the requirements for VA disability?
There are also different requirements for each. For VA disability benefits, you must demonstrate: 1 A current diagnosis of a qualifying condition; and 2 An in-service event, injury, or illness; and 3 A nexus between that diagnosis and the in-service event.
What is offset in VA benefits?
Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers VA disability as income, it will subtract anything you receive from your potential benefit. This is called an offset. For example, if you have a 20 percent disability rating and receive $269.30 a month from the VA, the SSA will deduct that from your potential monthly benefit.
What do you need to show to get SSDI?
To receive SSDI, you must show: You have a medical condition that the SSA finds potentially disabling; and. An inability to engage in substantially gainful employment; and. You have a sufficient work history and have paid a minimum amount into Social Security via your payroll taxes. To receive SSI, you must show:
Can a veteran receive both Social Security and VA benefits?
Can a Veteran Receive Both VA and Social Security Benefits? It is possible for a veteran to receive both VA disability and SSDI benefits at the same time. Receipt of VA disability benefits may impact your eligibility for SSI benefits.
Does VA grant disability?
If the VA grants you disability, it does not mean that an approval for Social Security Disability will follow, or vice versa. Remember, the VA system awards benefits for varying degrees of disability, while the SSA system makes a determination of disabled or not disabled.
Does SSDI count as earned income?
There are two different types of Social Security disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI only counts earned income; therefore, VA disability benefits have no effect on entitlement to SSDI.
What is the difference between a VA disability and a SSA disability?
The SSA requires that you be unable to work in order to receive disability benefits, which means you must be totally disabled, whereas the VA awards benefits whether you are partially or totally disabled.
What does VA disability mean?
The VA defines disability very differently . The VA requires that you prove that your disability stems from or was worsened by your military service, that you have a current disability, and that your current disability is linked to the illness or injury you incurred during service.
How long does it take to get VA benefits?
It can take anywhere from six months (unusual) to multiple years to receive VA benefits. But if you are found eligible for SSDI benefits, you can begin receiving SSDI anywhere from a few months to more than a year after you first apply.
When can I apply for SSDI?
When to Apply for Disability Benefits. Social Security. You can apply for SSDI as soon as your disability prevents you from working. Your eligibility for SSDI is based on your work history during the last 10 years. Generally, you must have worked full-time at least five of the last 10 years in order to be eligible.
Can I apply for both VA and SSDI?
You can apply to both programs at the same time. It is often confusing to veterans that eligibility for VA disability benefits doesn't automatically qualify them for SSDI. The two programs define disability quite differently and have different application processes. You can apply for veterans benefits online or by using VA Form 21-526, ...
Can I receive VA disability and Social Security?
You can receive VA service-connected disability compensation and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) at the same time, since neither program is needs-based and they are not offset by other income, or each other. However, VA pensions are income-based. So receiving Social Security disability benefits ...
Is VA pension income based?
However, VA pensions are income-based. So receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) can reduce your monthly VA pension payments or disqualify you from the VA pension program. Likewise, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is income-based. Receiving veterans disability benefits can reduce your SSI disability benefits or disqualify you ...
What do I need to know about VA and Social Security?
What do I need to know about the VA and Social Security programs? Both Social Security and VA pay disability benefits. However, their programs, processes, and criteria for receiving benefits are very different. A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits.
Does VA compensation affect Social Security?
Your medical condition (s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death. If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits.
Does VA compensation guarantee disability?
A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits. To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security’s definition of "disability.". To be found disabled:
