Disability Compensation Options For Veterans
Veterans suffering from disabilities that affect their ability to live healthy lives, maintain gainful employment, or even disabilities that have any kind of financial costs may have multiple avenues for compensation. Social security exists as a safety net for all American citizens and some groups of legal immigrants, but veterans are also entitled to assistance through the Department Of Veterans Affairs. Before settling on any specific program, consider your options and review a few system features of social security, Veterans Affairs (VA) disability, or even both.
It's Not Always About Double Dipping
With any kind of financial system, the concept of double dipping must be considered carefully. With social security and VA disability, you can't simply get paid from both programs for the same condition, or receive double stipends without careful consideration.
The most basic option for dealing with both social security and the VA is using social security until a VA claim is approved. You're subject to social security's departmental rules about limited income, and must report any income--even if it's tax free--to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
With social security, you're only allowed to make a certain amount of money per pay period. This is explained to applicants, but usually in the context of a job's salary. It's not just about working at a job; even money that you get from a family member can be considered income, as well as certain types of donations or charities. It's not fair if you're able to benefit from great compassion while others continue to suffer, and while some forms of assistance may be okay, it's simply better to ask.
Some people get around the system by not declaring a couple of dollars handed over by a friend, but the bigger issue is information that can obviously be traced by the government.
The VA is a government agency, as is the SSA. They can report to each other, so being a veteran who suddenly got an approved VA decision while still pulling SSA benefits will be a fairly harsh, quick penalty when discovered. Instead, use a few strategy points to carefully transition between the systems.
SSA Evidence, VA Evidence, And Approval Transition
Although each system is different and includes different paperwork, a lot of the medical requirements are the same. You need a medical professional to certify that you are indeed suffering from a problem, and the government agency needs to agree with this evidence.
As far as evidence, the VA paperwork requirements are more demanding. Everything you send to the SSA from medical professionals should be sent to the VA as well, with the main difference being that you need to prove how your condition is related to military service for VA benefits.
If and when you're approved for any benefits, you need to inform both systems. Allow the system to decide what you're allowed to keep, and react to that decision. Never simply allow some benefits to continue just because the system doesn't notice, because when they do notice, you may find yourself in a criminal case instead of just having to pay some money back.
If in doubt, contact a social security disability lawyer at a place like Waycaster & Allred to figure out how to weave these benefits options together.
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