Does A Certain Percentage of VA Disability Automatically Make You Eligible For Social Security Disability?Having a 100 percent VA rating, under newer SSA guidelines, can allow your claim with the Social Security Administration to receive expedited processing. However, this does not mean that the claim with SSA will necessarily be approved. The eligibility criteria for Social Security Disability and VA disability are not the same. Not only are the two programs completely separate and different, the basis for being awarded disability with Social Security can be more problematic than with VA disability. Social Security Disability is a total disability program not a percentage disability program. For Social Security purposes, an individual must be completely unable to perform substantial gainful work activity due to their disabling mental or physical impairments. This basically means that an individual must be completely incapable of going back to any one of their former jobs within the last fifteen years (this fifteen year period is known as the relevant work period). Conversely, VA disability is based upon service related injuries or conditions that may or may not cause an individual to be totally disabled. Veterans receive a disability benefit monthly amount based upon their percentage of disability rating, and they receive this monthly benefit whether they are working or not. In fact, there are many veterans receiving disability benefits from the VA that are working full time jobs in the civilian national economy. This stands in direct opposition to Social Security Disability rules and regulations. For Social Security Disability and SSI disability, the ability to perform substantial gainful work activity indicates that an individual is not disabled. Social Security Disability determinations cannot be based upon whether or not a person receives VA disability because the criteria for disability approval is so vastly different for the VA and Social security systems. As was stated, there are veterans with one hundred percent VA disability who are working full time jobs. Individuals who are working full time jobs could never be approved for Social Security Disability or SSI because the social security administration does not consider individuals who can work full time to be disabled. In conclusion, there is no percentage of VA disability that will automatically make an individual eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Veterans have to go through the same medical process as all other citizens, and if they meet all the requirements of Social Security Disability they will be entitled to receive a disability benefit. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How long do disability benefits last? Can you file for both SSI and SSD disability benefits? A medical or non-medical denial for disability Are you allowed to receive VA benefits and Social Security Disability at the same time? Can't the Social Security Administration get the veteran's service record to confirm their disability? Will Being A Veteran Affect Your Eligibility And Chances For Social Security Disability? Social Security Disability, SSI, and low IQ These pages answer some of the most basic questions for individuals who are considering filing a claim. To be eligible to receive either Social Security Disability or qualify for SSI benefits |
