When a former member of the military returns home to Ohio after combat, there is a possibility that injuries - mental and physical - can leave them with an inability to work. These individuals, referred to as Wounded Warriors, could have their Social Security disability benefits expedited if they are declared to have 100 percent permanent and total disability (P&T). Those who are found to meet this criteria can apply for SSD benefits and receive them if they meet the requirements.
While both the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) pay benefits to those who were disabled while in the military, they have different processes. Even when the VA finds that a claimant is 100 percent P&T, they still have to be approved for SSD benefits. In order to receive that approval from the SSA, the claimant must not be able to perform substantial work due to the medical conditions, and the condition must last or be expected to last for twelve months or end in the claimant's death. A claimant can receive benefits from both the VA and the SSA.
To have the process for SSD benefits expedited, the claimant must inform the SSA that he or she is a veteran and has been rated 100 percent P&T. There must also be the VA Notification letter verifying that status. There are numerous factors that determine how long it will take for the benefits to be awarded. They include the disability, the speed with which the medical evidence is sent to the SSA, and whether the SSA will require the claimant to go for a medical examination for the claim.
Those who have been in the military and were injured to the point where they are 100 percent P&T disabled need to be aware of their rights to be awarded benefits not just by the VA, but by the SSA as well. The key is to file the claim and follow all the requirements to be approved as quickly as possible. Discussing the matter with an experienced Social Security attorney can help.
Source: SSA.gov, "Information For Wounded Warriors And Veterans Who Have A Compensation Rating Of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T)," accessed on Sept. 21, 2015
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