SSDRC




Filing an Application for Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability List of Impairments

Social Security Disability and SSI Back pay

Social Security Disability Status

SSI Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability and SSI Requirements

Social Security, SSI, and Mental Disability

How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits?

Qualifying: What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability?


Does A Certain Percentage of VA Disability Automatically Make You Eligible For Social Security Disability?


 
The eligibility criteria for Social Security disability and VA disability are not the same. Not only are the two programs completely separate and different, the basis for being awarded disability with Social Security can be more problematic than with VA disability. Social Security disability is a “total” disability program not a percentage disability program. For Social Security purposes, an individual must be completely unable to perform substantial gainful work activity due to their disabling mental or physical impairments. This basically means that an individual must be completely incapable of going back to any one of their former jobs within the last fifteen years (this fifteen year period is known as the relevant work period).

Conversely, VA disability is based upon service related injuries or conditions that may or may not cause an individual to be “totally” disabled. Veterans receive a disability benefit monthly amount based upon their percentage of disability rating, and they receive this monthly benefit whether they are working or not. In fact, there are many veterans receiving disability benefits from the VA that are working full time jobs in the civilian national economy. This stands in direct opposition to Social Security disability rules and regulations. For social security disability and SSI disability, the ability to perform substantial gainful work activity indicates that an individual is not disabled.

Social Security disability determinations cannot be based upon whether or not a person receives VA disability because the criteria for disability approval is so vastly different for the VA and Social security systems. As was stated, there are veterans with one hundred percent VA disability who are working full time jobs. Individuals who are working full time jobs could never be approved for social security disability or SSI because the social security administration does not consider individuals who can work full time to be disabled.

In conclusion, there is no percentage of VA disability that will automatically make an individual eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Veterans have to go through the same medical process as all other citizens, and if they meet all the requirements of Social Security disability they will be entitled to receive a disability benefit.















Return to:  

  • Social Security Disability & SSI Resource Center

  • Social Security Disability, SSI Questions and Answers












    Topics and Questions


  • How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability?

  • Will Social Security Follow The Opinion Of my Doctor And Approve My Disability Claim?

  • If Social Security Turns Down My Case Can I apply For Disability A Second Time?

  • Who is the DDS Doctor, i.e. the Social Security Doctor?

  • What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI?

  • If You Get Disability Benefits, Will Your Dependents Get A Check?

  • Can I Get SSDI Disability If I have Not Worked Before?

  • What should you say if you go to a Social Security Exam?

  • Filing for Social Security disability does not have to be difficult - How to File for Disability

  • Can you appeal a Social Security disability claim denial if the deadline has passed ?

  • How will Social Security find you disabled?

  • What kind of cases win disability benefits ?

  • Will I Qualify For SSI, How Do I Get Approved?

  • The Difference Between Social Security Disability and SSI Really Involves Work Activity

  • Once an individual applies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability

  • Can an adult who has been to college but hasn't worked for a long time get Disability Benefits?

  • Will Being A Veteran Affect Your Eligibility And Chances For Social Security Disability?

  • Who Do You Call Or Contact For Your Social Security Disability Status or SSI Update?

  • Will You Be Denied For Disability If Your Records Indicate You Can Return To Work?

  • Does The Social Security Judge Use The Same Rules As The Disability Examiner?

  • Why Are Child SSI Cases Often Turned Down By Social Security Examiners?

  • Still Waiting For My Social Security Disability Decision?














    Special Sections


  • Answers to Social Security Disability and SSI Questions

  • Social Security Disability and SSI Disability Benefits

  • Questions about Social Security Disability Approvals

  • Work Activity and Disability Benefits

  • Social Security and SSI Claim Reviews







    Return to Social Security Disability Resource Center


    Or click to one of the following:


    Return to -- Social Security Appeals Time Limit

    Return to -- Can I Talk To the Disability Examiner Working On My Case?

    Return to -- What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee?

    Return to -- Do Most People Need To See A Judge To Get Disability Benefits From Social Security?

    Return to -- Social Security Disability Lawyers and 25% Back Pay

    Return to -- Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case?

    Return to -- What Is The Difference In SSD and SSI?

    Return to -- How is Social Security Disability and SSI Awarded?

    Return to -- Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability?

    Return to -- Why Does It Take So Long To Get A Call Back From The Social Security Office?

    Return to -- Does Being Represented On A Disability Claim Win The Case Faster?

    Return to -- Applying for Disability according to state of residence

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI Blog ,

    Return to -- Social Security Disability and Money in the Bank

    Return to -- How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)?

    Return to -- The first appeal in a social security disability or SSI case

    Return to -- Using a Lawyer for an SSDI Disability Case

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI, Medical and Mental Conditions and Problems

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers - Questions about Hiring a Disability Attorney

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers in Various States