VA disability
 

If I get a military disability can I apply for SS disability also?

I believe that you can receive both, VA Disability and Social Security Disability at the same time, I don't think one has anything to do with the other. I'd sure give it a try and file for Social Security Disability if you are disabled.

You can absolutely have both.

I don't know anything directly about VA disability, but I've heard from a poster on another site that if you have VA disability, which covers partial disabilities, you should not assume that SSDI would find you totally disabled.

Best of luck........Get all of the benefits you are entitled to !

Yep, hubby gets both. As a matter of fact the VA was helpful in the final decision. Of course they rated him less than the VA but after appealing they matched.

There is military disability retirement which is not the same as VA disability. VA has two disability programs, VA pension, non service connected based on need and VA compensation, service connected not based on need.

Rules are different than SSDI. SSDI has no percentage rating - it's either yes or no. Some military retirees have part of their military pension paid out as non-taxable service-connected VA compensation based on a percentage system, and go to work full time. It's possible to qualify for both, either or neither.

Back when my husband got Ssdi they did rate him at 50%. We appealed the decision and got 75%. But that was many many years ago. They must have changed? The rating was the deciding factor in the amount he received.

Also he had the option of retaining his military disability pension or converting to va disability. He chose the va because they rated him higher than the Army and was able to get a higher pension through the VA. He is service connected.

thanks for all the info. I heard SSI is a lot tougher than a VA disability. The way everyone is talking, that must be totally true.

Is it SSI or SSDI that you are asking about? You said "Social Security Disability" and that is SSDI.

SSI is Supplemental Security Income. They are very different.

The difficulty level depends on a lot of things... the state you live in and how many people apply (well, that's more for how long it takes). What condition(s) you have and how much it prevents you from working and living a 'normal' life. All I heard over and over was that SSI was difficult to get and that it could take 2-4 years and most people have to appeal and get a lawyer. I applied in June and 3 months (to the day) later I was approved. Still in the final steps as far as figuring out what I will get (based on what I pay and such).. but I was approved over a month ago. I didn't find it difficult at all and did not need a lawyer--but I am also bedridden and so it is quite obvious that I am totally unable to work.

Good luck.

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I meant SSDI. I have a TBI from the military, and though I work (in the hospital that treats me with an understanding boss, though a major pay cut in salary) this last year my memory has gotten worse, and I have become a shut-in because of the paranoia :( I am a nice person but loud noises (or people) really make me uncomfortable also.

I guess if I work, I am not qualified for SSDI, or is that true?

I have 3 doctors (Psych, PM&R and Psychologist), on 10 medications daily (going up to 11 today) and have a service dog. Is stuff like this taken into account?

smae, I hope you get all the benefits that you request and need!

All of that is taken into account. But, for SSDI they expect you to not be working when you apply. Has your VA doctor said you are unable to work? This will help if they have said that and you should look into an increase of your VA rating if anything has changed. Sounds like it has. :hug: You can also speak with the PVA in your hospital. They work for the vets and will help you get an increase in your rating going if you need them.