If you or a loved one is like many returning Tennessee war veterans, life has irrevocably changed since deployment. Permanent physical damage to the body such as brain injuries and loss of the use of one or more limbs are common. At Debra L. Broz Attorneys at Law, PLC, we understand that military benefits may not be enough to cover your living and medical expenses. Military service members can receive Social Security disability in addition to those from the Department of Veterans Affairs to supplement finances.
Two programs pay benefits. You may qualify for the Social Security disability program if you paid Social Security taxes and worked for a minimum, specified length of time. The Supplemental Security Income program pays based on your financial need. Military pay and active duty status do not affect the eligibility for these benefits.
The application for Social Security disability is different from the forms filled out for the VA. To receive this assistance, you must have a qualifying impairment. This requires that you are rendered incapable of doing substantial work due to your condition. It must be expected to last at least one year or be terminal. Certain types of medical conditions are automatically considered qualifying disabilities.
Proof of citizenship, age, employment, disability and impairment level are among the requirements for the application. The Social Security definition of disabled is stringent, and claims must decisively demonstrate the infirmity. Having the right medical documentation is crucial; otherwise, the claim may be denied. The qualification process takes time, and collecting the right medical data, preparing the paperwork and meeting the deadlines can be challenging and frustrating.
Even if your initial disability claim for war-related injuries was denied, you might still have the opportunity to make your case at an administrative hearing. Visit our web page for more information about qualifying disabilities for Social Security benefits.