When a veteran experiences limitations on their daily activities or work due to a medical condition related to their military service, they may receive disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, veterans who receive VA disability benefits might also qualify for Social Security disability benefits. But how do VA disability benefits differ from Social Security disability, and can veterans receive both types of benefits at the same time?
What Is VA Disability Compensation?
The Department of Veterans Affairs pays monthly compensation to veterans who experience limitations at work or in daily activities due to conditions caused by or arising from their military service. A veteran with a service-connected injury, illness, or chronic health condition can apply for VA disability benefits. The amount of disability benefits awarded to a veteran depends on the composition of their household (with veterans with more dependents receiving higher compensation) and their assigned disability rating. The VA assigns a disability rating to a veteran’s service-connected condition based on the severity of the symptoms or limitations caused by the condition.
What Is Social Security Disability?
The Social Security Administration operates two disability benefits programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – for individuals who cannot work due to a disabling condition. SSDI pays benefits to workers who have paid a sufficient amount of taxes into the Social Security system when they can no longer work because of a disability. SSI provides benefits to disabled individuals whose assets and income fall below specific eligibility thresholds.
The Differences Between VA and Social Security Disability
The primary differences between VA disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits include:
- Eligibility: The VA pays disability benefits only to veterans who have a service-connected disabling condition. The Social Security Administration makes SSDI benefits available to individuals with a qualifying work history who cannot remain in substantial gainful employment and SSI benefits available to low-income/asset individuals who cannot hold gainful employment due to a disabling condition.
- Ability to work: Veterans can continue to work while receiving VA disability benefits. Recipients of Social Security disability benefits cannot earn above the substantial gainful activity threshold without affecting their benefits eligibility (although the Social Security Administration has programs that allow recipients to try returning to work without immediately jeopardizing their benefits).
- Administering agency: The VA handles veterans’ disability benefits, while the Social Security Administration oversees SSDI and SSI.
- Benefit amount: VA disability monthly compensation depends on the rating for a veteran’s disability and the dependents in their household; SSDI benefits depend on a recipient’s earnings history, while SSI pays the federal benefit rate minus qualifying income earned by a recipient in that month.
Can You Receive Both?
A veteran who qualifies for VA and Social Security disability benefits can receive monthly compensation from both programs. VA benefits do not offset SSDI payments, although they can potentially offset benefits from SSI. Furthermore, a 100 percent disability rating from the VA does not automatically qualify a veteran for Social Security disability benefits since the Social Security Administration have different criteria for total disability. Similarly, a veteran’s receipt of Social Security disability benefits does not automatically mean they will receive VA disability. However, qualification for one program can serve as evidence of eligibility for the other program.
Contact Our VA Disability Benefits Lawyers for Help Maximizing Your Benefits
When you need help pursuing disability benefits from the VA, experienced legal counsel can guide you through the claims process. Contact Kinman Law Office today for a free consultation with a VA disability attorney to learn more about the differences between the VA and Social Security disability benefits programs and your rights to benefits for service-connected conditions that limit your working ability and daily activities.
