The Differences Between Social Security Disability and VA Disability

Social Security Disability and VA Disability benefits are awarded to veterans who are found disabled. While these programs are similar in that aspect, the requirements differ for each. Here are a few distinct differences between Social Security Disability and VA benefits:

1.  The Social Security Disability system operates on an all or nothing basis. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards benefits for partial and total disability, so you can still be able to work and collect VA disability compensation. To be considered disabled by Social Security, you must show that you are completely unable to perform any full-time work, and that your disability must be expected to last at least one year.
2. In Social Security law, once it has been established that a claimant’s physician is a “treating physician,” that medical professional’s opinion is given deference. Contrarily, The VA may consider the physician biased. The treating physician rule conflicts with the important VA principle that decisions be based on the entire file, so as not to give any particular evidence extra weight.
3. VA Disability has only two steps: the first step is for the claimant to prove that he or she was a military veteran whom did not leave because of a dishonorable discharge. The second step involves proving that the injuries sustained resulted from military service. Those seeking Social Security Disability are likely to go through several different steps which could take approximately two years.
4. The average monthly payment for those receiving VA Disability is more than double what those on the Social Security Disability program are awarded. Veterans are also entitled to apply for Social Security Disability benefits if they choose. Those who receive payment from both programs are not penalized in any way and are allowed to take full payments from both.
5. No matter what type of discharge you had from the military, you can qualify for Social Security disability insurance. That is, if your disability prevents you from working. Unlike the VA, a negative discharge does not bar you from receiving benefits.

Veterans interested in applying for VA Disability Compensation or Social Security Disability with the help of Victory Disability should call 1-866-350-7229. To determine if you are eligible for SSDI benefits, complete the Social Security Disability Evaluation.