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Veterans Disability Lawyer

SSDI For Veterans

You've Served. Now your health may keep you from working.

Veterans with serious physical or mental health conditions may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 

VA disability compensation and SSDI are separate federal programs, with different eligibility rules. Understanding both can help you identify the benefits for which you may qualify.

Discuss Your SSDI Options

VA Disability and SSDI are not the same program

A VA disability rating does not automatically qualify a Veteran for SSDI. Social Security applies its own definition of disability and evaluates whether a medical condition prevents substantial gainful activity and meets the applicable duration and other requirements.

SSA specifically states that a 100% VA disability rating does not guarantee SSDI. The programs have different legal standards, and a Veteran must establish eligibility separately for each program.

Talk to a VA Disability Attorney
VA Disability Compensation Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Administered by the Social Security Administration.
Generally evaluates disabilities related to military service and rates their severity. Uses Social Security's definition of disability and work-related standards.
A VA rating does not by itself establish entitlement to SSDI. Eligibility must be established under Social Security rules.
VA compensation and SSDI can potentially be received at the same time. Receiving VA compensation does not automatically prevent a Veteran from receiving SSDI.

What Does It Take To Qualify For SSDI?

For an adult claim, Social Security generally requires a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity and has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 consecutive months or result in death. Work history and insured-status requirements also apply to SSDI.

Unable To Perform Substantial Work

Your medical condition must prevent you from performing work at the substantial gainful activity level under Social Security’s rules.

Severe Medical Limitations

The impairment must significantly limit basic work activities such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, concentrating, remembering, or interacting with others.

Long-Term Condition

The condition must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, or be expected to result in death.
Talk to a VA Benefit Lawyer
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

100% P&T Veterans may qualify for Expedited Processing

Social Security has a priority process for disability claims filed by Veterans who have a VA disability compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total (P&T). SSA verifies the P&T status and flags qualifying cases for expedited handling.

Expedited Does Not Mean Automatic Approval

A 100% P&T VA rating can qualify a Veteran’s SSDI claim for expedited processing, but it does not establish entitlement to SSDI. SSA must still apply its own disability standard.

Tell SSA About Your VA Rating

If you have a 100% P&T VA compensation rating, make sure Social Security knows about it and that the rating can be verified. SSA’s current procedures provide for priority handling of qualifying VAPT cases.
VA Disability Eligibility

Your VA Records may be important evidence

Although VA and Social Security use different legal standards, medical and functional information from your VA history may be relevant to an SSDI claim. The goal is to clearly document how your conditions affect your ability to perform work-related activities.
VA Disability Eligibility

Medical Records

VA treatment records, private medical records, diagnostic testing, imaging, medication history, therapy records, and specialist evaluations may help establish the nature and severity of your conditions.

Functional Limitations

Evidence describing limitations involving standing, walking, lifting, sitting, concentration, memory, social interaction, attendance, pace, or other work activities can be important.

Work History

Social Security considers your past relevant work and, when required, whether you can adjust to other work considering the applicable vocational factors.

Conditions That May Affect A Veteran's Ability To Work

SSDI is not limited to a particular diagnosis. Social Security evaluates the functional effects of medically determinable physical and mental impairments, including combinations of conditions.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Back injuries, degenerative disc disease, joint problems, arthritis, knee conditions, shoulder injuries, and other conditions that limit mobility or physical work.

Neurological Conditions

Traumatic brain injury, migraines, neuropathy, neurological disorders, and other conditions affecting cognition, movement, stamina, or concentration.

Cardiovascular Conditions

Heart conditions and related limitations may affect endurance and the ability to perform sustained physical or other work activities.

Respiratory Conditions

Conditions affecting breathing, stamina, exertion tolerance, or the ability to work in particular environments may be relevant depending on their severity.

PTSD & Mental Health

PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and other mental health impairments may affect concentration, attendance, social functioning, and the ability to sustain work.

Multiple Conditions

Social Security considers the combined effects of medically determinable impairments when evaluating a disability claim.

THE SSDI PROCESS

From Application To Decision

The Social Security disability process involves several stages. Building a complete record from the beginning can help ensure that SSA has the information it needs to evaluate the claim.

01

Application

File your SSDI application and provide information about your medical conditions, treatment, work history, and other required information.

02

Medical Review

The claim is evaluated by Disability Determination Services using Social Security’s disability standards.

03

Evidence

SSA gathers medical and other evidence and may request additional information or an examination.

04

Decision

SSA applies its sequential evaluation process to determine whether you meet the legal definition of disability.

05

Appeal

If the claim is denied, you may have appeal rights. The available review level depends on the status of your claim.

Why VA Experience matters

Connect The Medical Record To Your Ability To Work

Veterans often have extensive medical histories spread across VA facilities, private providers, military records, and other sources. An SSDI claim requires more than simply listing diagnoses. 

The evidence should explain the functional limitations caused by the conditions and how those limitations affect sustained work activity.

  • Review relevant VA and private medical evidence
  • Identify functional limitations documented in the record
  • Consider the relationship between symptoms and work activities
  • Organize evidence for the Social Security disability standard
  • Address denials and available appeal options
Talk to a VA Benefit Lawyer

Denied SSDI Claims is Not Necessarily The End Of The Process

If Social Security denies an SSDI claim, the claimant may have the right to request further review. The specific deadline and review level depend on the decision received.

Reconsideration

Ask Social Security to reconsider the determination and review the claim again under the applicable rules.

Administrative Hearing

After the required prior review, an eligible claimant may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Further Review

Additional review options may be available after a hearing decision, depending on the circumstances.
Check Your VA Rating
About Eric Raymon | Veteran & VA Disability Attorney

How We Can Help Veterans Understand Their Options

SSDI is administered by Social Security, not the VA. If your legal matter involves both VA disability benefits and Social Security disability, it is important to understand that each program has its own rules and decision-making process.

Understand The Difference
We can help explain how VA disability compensation and SSDI differ and how a VA rating may relate to the overall disability picture.

Review Your Disability History
We can review the information relevant to your Veteran benefits matter and help identify questions that may need to be addressed when pursuing additional benefits.

Evidence & Documentation
We can help you understand what documentation may be relevant to your VA matter and how your medical history can affect your broader disability-benefits strategy.

Coordinate The Right Legal Help
Because SSDI is a separate area of federal law, Veterans may also need an attorney or representative who specifically handles Social Security disability claims.

Know Your VA Rating. Know Your Benefits.

RLGVA focuses on Veterans’ disability benefits and related legal matters. SSDI is administered by the Social Security Administration and has separate eligibility requirements. 

Contact us to understand how your VA disability matter fits into your overall benefits picture.

VA Disability Rating
VA Disability representation

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI For Veterans
Can I receive VA disability and SSDI at the same time?

Yes. VA disability compensation and SSDI are separate programs, and receiving VA compensation does not automatically prevent a Veteran from receiving SSDI. You must independently meet the requirements of each program.

Does a 100% VA rating automatically qualify me for SSDI?

No. A 100% VA rating, including a 100% P&T rating, does not guarantee SSDI. SSA applies its own disability standard. A qualifying 100% P&T Veteran may, however, receive expedited processing.

What if my VA rating is less than 100%?

You may still apply for SSDI if you believe you meet Social Security's disability requirements. The VA percentage itself does not determine SSDI eligibility.

Does SSDI consider mental health conditions?

Yes. Social Security evaluates medically determinable mental impairments as part of its disability determination. The focus is on the severity and functional effects of the impairment under Social Security's rules.

Can TBI, PTSD, or orthopedic conditions be relevant to SSDI?

Potentially. Social Security considers physical and mental impairments and their effects on work-related functioning. The medical evidence and specific functional limitations are important.

Can I appeal an SSDI denial?

In many cases, yes. Social Security has an administrative appeals process, including reconsideration and, when available, a hearing. Deadlines apply, so review your notice promptly.