Veterans who served our country and developed an illness, injury, or mental health condition related to their military service may qualify for government benefits designed to provide financial relief, healthcare access, and long-term support. These benefits, known as VA Disability Compensation, are tax-free monthly payments provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

In addition to VA programs, veterans may also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if their medical conditions limit their ability to work. Understanding eligibility, the application process, and how benefits are determined is crucial for veterans who want to access the resources they deserve. 

This article explains who qualifies, how VA benefits are calculated, how to apply, and how these programs interact with Social Security benefits. It also highlights the role of support services like Disability Services of America (DSA) in guiding veterans through complex SSI and SSDI claims and helping them return to work while protecting their benefits. 

veterans-applying-for-disability-benefits

Who is Eligible for VA Disability Benefits? 

Not every veteran automatically qualifies for disability compensation. To be eligible, you must show that your illness, injury, or condition is connected to your military service. Common eligibility categories include: 

  • Service-connected disabilities: Conditions that started during active duty, such as back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or chronic respiratory problems. 
  • Pre-existing conditions worsened by service: If you had a condition before joining the military but it was aggravated or permanently worsened by your service. 
  • Mental health conditions: Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety due to service-related experiences may qualify. 
  • Toxic exposure under the PACT Act: Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other hazardous substances can qualify if they later developed related illnesses. 
  • Discharge status: You must have received a discharge other than dishonorable to be eligible. 

How Are Benefits Determined? 

The VA assigns each qualifying veteran a disability rating that reflects the severity of their condition. This rating determines the monthly compensation amount. 

  • Ratings range from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%. 
  • A higher rating means a higher monthly payment. 
  • Multiple conditions may be combined to calculate your overall disability rating. 

The rating also affects eligibility for other VA benefits, such as healthcare priority, housing assistance, and dependent support. 

How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits 

Veterans can apply for benefits through several methods. The key is to provide complete, accurate information and strong evidence to support your claim. 

Application Methods 

  • Online: File a claim using the VA.gov disability claims portal or eBenefits. 
  • Through an accredited representative: Veterans service organizations (VSOs) or accredited agents can file on your behalf. 
  • In person: Visit a VA regional office for help completing your application. 
  • By mail: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. 

What to Include in Your Claim 

  • Medical evidence: Hospital records, test results, doctor notes, and documentation showing the link between your condition and your military service. 
  • Service records: Duty logs, incident reports, or deployment orders that connect your service to your disability. 
  • Additional forms: Any required supporting documents, especially if applying for conditions related to toxic exposure or secondary conditions. 

Can Veterans Receive Both VA and Social Security Disability Benefits? 

Yes. Many veterans qualify for both VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

  • VA Disability and SSDI: You can receive both, as they are separate programs. VA benefits are not reduced if you are approved for SSDI. 
  • VA Disability and SSI: Since SSI is income-based, your VA benefits may reduce the amount of SSI you receive. 
  • Key difference: VA disability is based on service-connected conditions, while SSDI and SSI are based on inability to work due to medical impairments. 

This means that qualifying for VA benefits does not guarantee SSDI approval, but having both can provide stronger financial and medical support. 

What Happens if Your Claim Is Denied? 

Denials are common. Reasons include insufficient medical evidence, missing service records, or errors in the application. Veterans who are denied benefits have the right to appeal. 

Appeals may involve: 

  • Requesting a higher-level review. 
  • Submitting new and relevant evidence. 
  • Appealing directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. 

Working with a representative can significantly improve the chances of success during appeals. 

Returning to Work with Benefits 

Some veterans worry that working again will cause them to lose all benefits. Programs exist to help veterans return to the workforce while maintaining access to healthcare and income support. 

  • SSA’s Ticket to Work program: Helps SSDI or SSI beneficiaries explore employment without immediately losing benefits. 
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Provides counseling, training, and job placement support for veterans with service-connected disabilities. 
  • Trial work periods: Allow SSDI recipients to test employment opportunities while keeping benefits temporarily. 

We can help veterans receiving SSI and SSDI benefits explore these programs and ensure they maximize both income and benefits while rejoining the workforce safely. 

Why Contact Us 

Navigating SSI & SSDI while receiving VA disability benefits can be overwhelming. We provide guidance to: 

  • Understand SSI/SSDI eligibility requirements. 
  • Submit complete applications with supporting evidence. 
  • Reapply or appeal if your application is denied. 
  • Explore initiatives like Ticket to Work, which empower individuals receiving SSI or SSDI benefits to pursue employment while retaining vital supports and safeguards. 

Veterans can also qualify for Social Security benefits, making it possible to receive multiple forms of assistance. 

If you have not yet applied, have been denied, or are unsure how your benefits interact, help is available. We can guide you step by step so you do not miss out on your benefits. 

Turn to Us for Help With Social Security Disability Benefits

If you can't earn a living due to a disability, we're able to determine your eligibility for SSDI or SSI, appeal a denied application, and help you earn income without losing your monthly benefits. Disability Services of America is a respected and SSA-approved Employment Network. Since 2013, we’ve assisted countless SSDI and SSI beneficiaries across the country in building a better life.

Complete our contact form or call us at 866-699-6630 get started for free.