Disability Benefits for Veterans

Veterans who suffer from physical and/or mental conditions that render them unable to work may benefit from at least two different sets of government benefits, depending on the circumstances.  In the case of a service-related disability, a veteran may qualify for VA disability compensation, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  If the veteran’s disability is unrelated to his or her service, however, he or she may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, which are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Getting Disability Benefits for Veterans

If you are discharged from the U.S. military under other than dishonorable conditions, and you suffer from a disabling condition as result of military service, then you may be eligible for disability benefits through the VA.  The amount of VA disability compensation varies according to the extent to which you are disabled, as well as whether you have a dependent spouse and/or children.  Additionally, veterans may be eligible for various other benefits, such as disabled veterans’ insurance, medical care, and state or local veterans benefits.

If your disability was not created or exacerbated by your military service, you still may be eligible to receive disability benefits through programs administered by the SSA.  Depending on your earnings record, you may be eligible for a monthly disability benefit through the SSD program, and your dependent spouse and/or children may be eligible for benefits, as well.  Even if you do not have a sufficient earnings record to qualify for SSD, however, you may be eligible for SSI benefits, which guarantee you a certain level of monthly disability benefits, despite your lack of work history. 

Applying for Disability Benefits

In order to apply for VA disability compensation, you must fill out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension, and submit the completed form to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  You may wish to submit medical evidence, military discharge papers, and records relating to your dependent family along with your application.  You can also apply for VA disability compensation online through the website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

On the other hand, you can apply for SSD and SSI disability benefits through your local SSA office, or online through the SSA website.  You will be asked to describe your medical condition(s) in detail, and sign release forms in order to allow the SSA access your medical records.  The SSA may even have you undergo medical tests or exams, at its expense, in order to better evaluate your disability claim.

Legal Help

If you believe that you are entitled to VA disability compensation, SSD, and/or SSI, and you are having difficulty with any of these types of claims, you may want to consult an attorney in order to explore all of your available options.  An experienced disability attorney can help advocate on your behalf so that your claims are more likely to be successful.