Monday, March 25, 2024

80 Va Disability And Social Security

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Difference In Wait Times

VA Disability vs. Social Security Disability

A VA case could take anywhere from five to ten to twenty years, whereas a Social Security case typically takes two or three years. The difference in processing times at the SSA and the VA are, in part, explained by the two systems different definitions of disability.

At the VA, each ailment is considered a distinct claim and each claim is rated separately. So a veteran must gather and submit evidence for each condition and then VA adjudicators must evaluate each condition under separate rating criteria. In addition to the medical evaluation of each ailment, VA adjudicators must determine whether or not each condition is service-connected meaning the condition was caused or aggravated by an in-service event.

Social Security, on the other hand, is much simpler. Adjudicators just need to answer one overall question: can the person work?

Veterans Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits

It is possible to apply for benefits under the Social Security Act, as well as apply for benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs . As long as the veteran has eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits , then it is possible to receive both VA benefits and Social Security disability benefits A veteran does not need to apply for VA benefits in order to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Does Collecting Va Disability Prohibit You From Collecting Social Security

Thankfully, collecting VA disability does not prevent you from collecting Social Security benefits. This means that you are able to apply for both types of benefits and to receive both types of benefits.

The main thing to keep in mind, however, is that each system works differently. We have already explored this above, but it is important to reiterate. You cannot apply for VA disability and Social Security disability benefits at the same time. You must submit a different application for each type of disability benefit you are looking to collect.

However, getting VA disability benefits may help to speed up the SSDI process. VA disability benefits require that your disabilities are scored as a percentage. If you are considered to be 100% disabled, it may help to expedite the application process.

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Some Background On Va Benefits Compared To Social Security Disability

VA compensation for medical conditions, injuries, and other issues is conditional. The VA must determine that your medical issues are service-connected or service-aggravated and award a disability rating on that basis.

VA disability pay requires the veteran to submit medical documentation, evidence , civilian care records, etc. A VA medical claim is reviewed by the VA. Compensation is awarded on a scale of percentages with a maximum award of 100% disability.

Should I Contact An Attorney About Disability Benefits

20 Elegant Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart

Getting disability benefits should be easy. Unfortunately, it can actually be frustratingly tough to get approved. The systems you have to work through to get benefits arent particularly straightforward, and it can be difficult to determine what information you have to send in with your application.

One way to make the experience easier is to work with a disability attorney. A lawyer with first-hand knowledge of how these systems work is going to be able to help you put together a much more comprehensive and compelling application since they understand what it is that the VA or the Social Security Commission wants to see in an application. Alternatively, if you have been denied benefits, then an attorney can help you to appeal the decision.

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Who Processes Va Disability Applications

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is the second largest federal department, with only the Department of Defense larger. Like DoD, the VA is also broken into different branches, each with their own role in serving veterans.

Veterans Health Administration

Healthcare is provided by the Veterans Health Administration . The doctors you visit at the White River Junction VA Medical Center or its various clinics work for VHA, and their purpose is to provide medical care to you. They do not process applications for benefits, including VA disability benefits.

Veterans Benefits Administration

Benefits are provided by the Veterans Benefits Administration , and they process applications for VA disability benefits. The only VBA location in Vermont is at the White River Junction VA Regional Office, which is located at the same campus as the hospital. White River Junction is one of only four locations across the nation where VBA and VHA work in the same complex. Usually they maintain completely separate facilities.

Dont let their geographic proximity fool you. They are separate and distinct operations, each with their own mission and chain of command. This is why a veteran can see a VHA doctor for their service connected conditions, but not be a Disabled Veteran unless VBA approved their disability application.

Veteran Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Lying To Obtain Disability Benefits

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, North Carolina – United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court today Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever sentenced ANTHONY PATRICK STANFORD, 39, of Fayetteville, NC, to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, upon conviction for Making Material False Statements to the Department of Veterans Affairs , in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and Making Material False Statements to the Social Security Administration , in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. Chief Judge Dever further ordered STANFORD to pay restitution of $519,293.07 to the VA and $7,575.30 to the SSA.

U.S. Attorney, Thomas G. Walker stated, This case sends a strong message that those who steal the limited, taxpayer funds set aside for our servicemen and women who have suffered catastrophic injuries, will pay a steep price for their crimes. This office commends the work of the VA and SSA for their hard work to achieve justice in this case.

In total, STANFORD improperly collected $521,003.07 from the VA, and another $7,575.30 from the VA. At sentencing, the court ordered STANFORD to repay the stolen funds as restitution. STANFORDs future VA benefits have been garnished.

  • Eastern District of North CarolinaMain Office:

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Who Is Not Subject To Abawd Requirements

A SNAP recipient who meets any of the following conditions is not subject to ABAWD work requirements but, in some instances may still be required to participate in work activities that are assigned under public assistance and/or SNAP employment and training:

  • A person under 18 years of age, or 50 years of age or older
  • An adult in a SNAP household with a child under 18 years of age
  • A person responsible for the care of an incapacitated person
  • A pregnant person
  • A person who is physically or mentally unable to work at least 80 hours per month
  • A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
  • A recipient of Veterans Affairs disability compensation
  • A recipient of disability benefits from a public or private source, such as NYS disability benefits
  • A recipient or pending receipt of Unemployment Insurance Benefits
  • A student enrolled in any recognized school, job skills training, or institution of higher education at least half-time and meeting the student eligibility criteria to receive SNAP
  • An applicant for SNAP benefits and Supplemental Security Income jointly or in receipt of SSI
  • Employed or self-employed and working at least 30 hours per week or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage times 30

The National Guard Association Of Oklahoma

VA Benefits with 50% Service-Connected Disability | VA Disability | theSITREP

The National Guard Association of Oklahoma is a not for profit Veterans Service Organization based in Oklahoma City. We represent the interests of the 10,000 men and women of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard.

We are dedicated to promoting the status, welfare, and professionalism of the officers and enlisted members of the Army and Air National Guard by supporting legislation that provides adequate staffing, pay benefits, entitlements, equipment, and installations for the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard.

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Drawing Va Benefits And Ssa Benefits

Veterans may be permitted to draw both VA and SSA benefits, but depending on the SSA program you enroll in, you may or may not have your Social Security benefit amount reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount of your VA disability pay . Those drawing SSI may risk benefit reduction if they dont meet income caps those drawing SSDI are not at risk.

With or without the benefit reduction, it can be helpful to have a VA disability rating established when you apply for SSA benefits such as SSDI or Social Security Income payments. Not in every case, but in some very important circumstances, this can be a big help.

If you apply for both VA disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits, will the amount of either be reduced because you draw both?

The key to understanding this issue is to recognize that Social Security comes in two different options: Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance . One program allows you to draw VA disability pay with no penalty, while the other features a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of Social Security payments based on the amount of the VA disability payments.

How Va Disability Compensation Is Determined

You must first apply for disability compensation with the VA. It is not an automatic benefit received upon retirement, nor is it guaranteed. Veterans are responsible for arranging an appointment with the VA immediately upon retirement or within a specified timeframe thereafter.

The amount you receive from VA disability compensation is determined by a number of factors, including your assigned disability rating as described below, the severity of your disability, and your number of dependents.

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Is Ptsd A Disability Under Va Compensation And Social Security

Yesif you are a veteran diagnosed with PTSD you may qualify for Veterans Affairs disability benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or both.

Each programs eligibility criteria are different and must be met. Basically,

  • PTSD can be the basis for a successful VA compensation claim if the PTSD is service-connected and properly diagnosed.
  • For SSDI benefits, assuming Social Security FICA requirements are met, the veteran needs to satisfy the criteria under SSAs new medical listing for PTSD or the veteran may be granted disability benefits through SSAs medical-vocational allowance

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Oklahoma Cross Of Valor

Profile of Social Security Disabled Workers and Dependents Who Have a ...

Any person having the following qualifications is hereby authorized to apply for, receive, and display a certain badge or medal, to be known as The Oklahoma Cross of Valor:

  • Was a resident of Oklahoma at the time of entering the military service of the United States
  • The military service referred to in above, was performed during either World War II, the Korean Conflict or the Republic of Vietnam Conflict, or during any period of time in which the United States participated in a war, campaign or battle
  • Was made and officially listed as captive by the enemy during the service mentioned in above and
  • Was honorably discharged from the military service.
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    How Does Having My Disabilities Recognized By The Va Help Me And My Family

    Below are the reasons you should take the time to apply, even if you dont want deal with the red tape involved or don’t feel like you are disabled.

    Regular Financial Support

    Most veterans who have their applications approved receive additional monthly income. For Disability Compensation, this income is tax free. Even if a veteran is rated at only 10%, that is still an extra $115 every month, probably for life. If they live another 50 years, thats an extra $69,000 to help pay the mortgage, buy a car, or put kids through school.

    Increased Access to VA Healthcare

    Just as importantly, the VA provides free care for every service connected condition. If the veteran with a bad knee above needs to have knee replacement surgery, the VA pays for it. In many cases veterans receiving either Disability Compensation or Non-Service Connected Pension can also use the VA to receive care for conditions not related to their military service. This may not seem like a big benefit to a veteran who is currently working and has health insurance, but it can be a more significant benefit when they are between jobs or after they retire.

    Access to More Robust VA Benefits

    Many veteran benefits have been created to care specifically for disabled veterans, so having your service connected conditions recognized may grant eligibility to other more robust benefits, such as:

    Access to VA Benefits for Survivors

    Can An Application Be Mailed To Me

    Yes, to request a mailed application you should call or write your local Department of Social Services office or, in New York City, your local SNAP Center.

    Also, you may download and print a SNAP application from this website or ask that someone pick one up for you from your local County Department of Social Service office or center.

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    How Can I Know If I Might Be Eligible For Snap

    To find out if you may be eligible for SNAP Benefits, visit myBenefits.ny.gov and click on Am I Eligible? to use the SNAP pre-screening eligibility tool. Please note: The pre-screening tool is not an application for SNAP. The tool will look at the information you provided to see if you might be able to get help with buying food and other services. You’ll have to apply for the programs listed to get a final decision about benefits, and information will be provided to let you know how to do that. Keep in mind that you always have the right to apply for these benefits.

    In New York State, the SNAP Program now allows you to have more money in a checking or savings account, or even a retirement account, without affecting your eligibility for SNAP benefits. As of January 1, 2008, most households applying for SNAP benefits no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get SNAP benefits. This means having money in a savings, checking or retirement account, or having other resources, will not keep you from being eligible for SNAP benefits, as long as you meet the income guidelines.

    Va Disability Rates For Conditions 80 Percent Va Disability Pay

    SSDI, SSI & Retirement | Social Security Disability Insurance & Supplemental Income | theSITREP

    VA Disability Pay Rates for Conditions

    We have also built a VA disability rates for conditions expert-level guide that will assist veterans who currently have a 80 VA disability rating.

    This guide will also help you at both lower and higher VAratings, and explains VA disability rates for conditions in 2020.

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    Supportive Services For Veteran Families

    Supportive Services for Veteran Families

    The Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program is to provide temporary support services to very low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Through the SSVF homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing services, veteran households will be supported in maintaining long-term housing stability.

    Ssi Payments Are Affected By Your Va Disability Pay

    SSI is considered a need-based benefit, and applicants may be subject to monthly income caps to qualify. Applicants who exceed the monthly income caps will not qualify, including monthly income that is exceeded because of disability payments to you by the VA.

    At the time of this writing, Social Security Income features a $20 general exclusion, which means the first $20 dollars of your VA compensation is excluded from the dollar-for-dollar reduction in SSI based on your VA benefit amount each month. VA benefits are classified by the Social Security Administration as unearned income that does not come from employment.

    Under this rule, if your VA disability pay is $250, minus the $20 general exclusion, your SSI benefits would be reduced by $230.

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    Student Veterans Of America

    Todays veterans face numerous obstacles in their path of attaining a college degree. These challenges range from a missing sense of camaraderie to feeling like an outsider amongst 18-year-old traditional students to a lack of understanding by university faculty. When coupled with the visible and invisible wounds of war, a college degree can be an elusive goal for men and women returning from military service. Student Veterans of America make that goal a reality.

    SVA is a 501 coalition of student veterans groups on college campuses across the globe. These member chapters are the boots on the ground that help veterans reintegrate into campus life and succeed academically. Each chapter must be an officially recognized student group by their university or college and provide a peer-to-peer network for veterans who are attending the school. Additionally, chapters often coordinate campus activities, provide pre-professional networking, and generally provide a touchstone for student veterans in higher education.

    Todays veterans face numerous obstacles in their path of attaining a college degree. These challenges range from a missing sense of camaraderie to feeling like an outsider amongst 18-year-old traditional students to a lack of understanding by university faculty. When coupled with the visible and invisible wounds of war, a college degree can be an elusive goal for men and women returning from military service. Student Veterans of America make that goal a reality.

    Can I Receive Both Social Security Disability And Va Disability Compensation

    2022 Veterans Disability Rating Calculator

    If youre a disabled veteran and also worked and paid into Social Security, you may be wondering whether you are entitled to disability payments from both sources. The short answer is that receiving VA disability compensation benefits doesnt disqualify someone who is otherwise qualified from receiving Social Security Disability benefits. But, VA benefits may disqualify a person from receiving Supplemental Security Income or may reduce SSI benefits.

    Heres a high-level overview of how it works. If you still have questions, a Veterans Disability Advocate can be your best resource.

    Qualifying for VA Disability Compensation Benefits And SSDI Benefits

    VA disability compensation payments arent based on financial need, so receiving benefits from Social Security or another source wont interfere with eligibility for VA disability compensation benefits. Monetary benefits are determined based on your disability rating and certain other factors, such as whether you have qualifying dependents.

    The Social Security Administration does consider some income in determining eligibility for SSDI benefits, but only earned income is considered. Other forms of income, including VA disability benefits, are not counted. So, if a veteran receiving VA disability benefits is otherwise qualified for SSDI, the VA income wont be a problem.

    SSI Benefits are Different

    An Experienced Veterans Disability Advocate Can Help

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