Veterans and Social Security

McCroskey Law is proud to serve our military veterans. Whether you have service-related disabilities or not, it is important that your Social Security attorney understands your military background and how Social Security and VA benefits work together. McCroskey Law’s attorneys are ready to guide you through the Social Security process– from application to appeals. Here are a few things that veterans should know.

1. Many Veterans Can Have Their Social Security Claims Expedited

If you are a veteran who is applying for Social Security, you may not have to wait as long for a decision. If you are:

• 100% disabled according to the VA
• A wounded warrior

You should have your case expedited. A wounded warrior is anyone who suffered an injury or impairment while on active duty on or after 10/1/2001. You do not have to prove that your injury or impairment is service-related.

The Department of Defense sends regular reports to Social Security, providing the names of sick and injured military service members. Social Security will often expedite these veterans’ claims on their own. However, McCroskey Law’s Social Security team recommends that you also provide information about your military service directly to Social Security, since we have seen cases that fell through the cracks (and were not expedited).

2. VA Service-Connected Benefits Are Not Reduced By Social Security Benefits

If you are receiving a service-connected Veterans Disability benefit, it will not be reduced if you also receive Social Security disability benefits. However, if you are receiving a VA pension, this benefit will be reduced if you win your Social Security claim. Unlike service-connected disability benefits, VA pensions are similar to SSI benefits, and are need-based.

3. Your VA Benefits Claim Can Help Social Security

Social Security and the VA have evaluate disability differently. The VA can find a veteran partially disabled, and grant benefits. Social Security does not offer this kind of partial disability. However, your VA records and forms can be very helpful in a Social Security disability claim. If you have your C&P exam report, please provide either your attorney or the Social Security Administration with a copy.

If you are a veteran, and have questions about Social Security, contact McCroskey Law today. We appreciate your service– now we’re ready to fight for you.