What is the interplay between Social Security and VA benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and VA pay disability benefits to eligible individuals and their dependents. However, the specific programs, processes, and criteria of benefits differ significantly between agencies.

Generally speaking, VA pays disability compensation, or service-connected disability benefits, to qualifying veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred in, or aggravated by, their active military service. VA may also pay a higher rate of compensation benefits to a veteran who is unable to work as a result of their service-connected disabilities.

SSA pays disability benefits through two programs, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Social Security disability benefits may be awarded to those who cannot work because they have a severe medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

A veteran may apply for, and receive, both SSDI and VA disability compensation benefits. This means that if a Veteran is unable to work because of their service-connected disabilities, they may be eligible for both SSA and VA benefits. However, receipt of one benefit does not guarantee receipt of the other. While VA is not bound by any decision SSA makes, VA will often consider SSA disability determinations as evidence in awarding VA disability compensation.

Importantly, you must apply for the benefits separately, and with each agency. SSA will expedite claims for veterans who have a VA disability compensation rating of 100-percent with permanent and total status.