SSA and Disability Benefits for Wounded Veterans
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2012/06/26 - Updated: 2022/03/10
Category Topic: Disabled Veterans News - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: In addition to disability benefits offered by the VA wounded service-members could also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. To qualify for benefits service members must be disabled according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA considers a person disabled if: No substantive employment can be held because of a diagnosed medical condition. The medical condition must have persisted, or be expected to persist, for over a year. If the medical condition has not persisted over a year, it must be expected to cause death.
Introduction
In addition to the benefits available to service-members through the Veterans' Administration, all service-members who become disabled after October 1, 2001, while on active duty military service are eligible to receive expedited processing of Social Security disability benefit claims.
Main Content
Types of Benefits Available
If qualified, injured service-members can receive benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. SSDI benefits are available if a service member has worked long enough and has paid Social Security taxes on their paychecks.
SSI benefits are also available to service-members, but these funds are apportioned based upon demonstrated financial need.
What Is a "Disability"?
In order to qualify for benefits, the service-member must be "disabled" according to regulations set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The SSA considers a person disabled if:
- No substantive employment can be held because of a diagnosed medical condition.
- The medical condition must have persisted, or be expected to persist, for over a year.
- If the medical condition has not persisted over a year, it must be expected to cause death.
Effect of Pay on Eligibility
Eligibility for benefits is controlled by the type of work that the service-member does.
Service-members who are currently on active duty and receiving pay are still eligible to receive benefits. However, service-members who do substantial for-profit work are generally not eligible.
How to Apply for Benefits
Service-members may apply for benefits any time while on active duty or after discharge. In addition to information about the applicant's age, employment history and proof of citizenship, each applicant must submit information about the disability and applicable medical records that will prove the existence of a health condition.
It is important for the service-member to let the SSA know about all medical conditions, physical and mental, and to provide the names of all treating physicians and medical facilities, as well as medical records. The SSA will consider the impact of all medical conditions and impairments on the applicant's ability to work.
Although the SSA is notorious for having a long backlog of applicants for disability benefits, service-members receive expedited processing and generally get awarded benefits sooner than non-military applicants.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.