VETERANS ARE ENTITLED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Veterans who served their country after 1955 and became disabled while on active duty, for any reason, are eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Social Security disability benefits may be available to veterans in addition to VA disability payments.  Receiving VA benefits will not interfere with or reduce Social Security payments.

The process of applying and being approved for Social Security is separate, and quite different, from the VA disability process.  A VA disability, even if it is 100 percent, does not automatically qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI).  A separate application must be made to Social Security.

Unfortunately, the Social Security approval process is imperfect.  Many veterans who legally qualify for SSDI benefits are denied due to flaws in the system.  A very high percentage of these denied claims can be reviewed and approved on appeal.  Here are the keys to a successful appeal:

• Be sure to file the appeal within 60 days of the denial.
• If your VA disability is 100%, ask for an expedited hearing, which will save a long wait.
• Submit any medical evidence not already in your file at Social Security.  (Social Security will not obtain this evidence for you at the appeal stage; it is up to you or your representative to get it).
•  Consider getting a representative to guide you through the complicated appeal process.  It will increase your odds of being approved and may help you to get more back pay from Social Security.

The Forsythe Firm has a long history of assisting disabled veterans in obtaining Social Security disability benefits.  We do not charge a fee until you have been approved and back pay has been obtained.  If you do not get approved (or do not receive back payments), there is never a fee for any work we perform.

For a free consultation with an experienced local advocate who understands veterans and the Social Security disability process, please phone us here in Huntsville.

PHONE (256) 799-0297     PHONE (256) 431-1599