Veterans Disability Benefit Advocates

The monthly benefits available are based on the severity of your disability using a graduated scale. The scale is rated in 10 percent increments from 10% to 100% based on the “average detriment to earning capacity” related to your condition, injury, or disease. The higher the rating, the more severe the disability. For example, a 10% disabled veteran is entitled to receive $123 per month, while a 100% disabled veteran is entitled to receive $2,673 per month. You may also be subject to medical vocational grid rules as part of the approval process.

Disabled veterans are entitled to collect both Social Security disability benefits and Veterans’ disability benefits. When dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) you should understand the following:

• Approval: Because 2/3 of all initial disability applications are denied, it is in your best interest to work with a disability representative to avoid delays and increase your chances of approval.
• Application: You can apply for disability benefits at a Social Security office or online.
• Approval timing: It generally takes from three to four months to receive the SSA’s decision. However, if you have service-connected disabilities, your case can be expedited. You will have to ask the SSA to file a I-2-1-95. Exhibit – Critical Request Evaluation Sheet. To ensure this goes through as required, a disability advocate can manage this for you.
• Eligibility: A decision is made by a disability examiner, who gathers medical records and consults with the appropriate medical or psychological professionals to make a decision.
• Ratings: The SSA does not assign a percentage rating based on your disability. They have their own definition of disability, stipulating your condition must last or be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
• Medical Records: You can expect the SSA to have difficulty collecting medical records from the VA medical center where you receive treatment. Requesting the records prior to your application can often ensure you have the records required to prove your eligibility.

Disabled veterans may qualify for the following benefits:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Available if you have paid into the program via your payroll taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Based on income limitations regardless of how much you have worked.
• VA disability benefits or service-connected disability compensation: A monthly benefit for veterans with a disability related to their time on active duty.
• VA pension: Similar to SSI, this is a needs-based, income-limited program only available to Veterans.

A disability advocate can help you apply for all available benefits to ensure you have the financial support you need and deserve.

It is possible to receive benefits for PTSD, as long as you meet the required criteria and follow the correct application process. A Princeton Disability Advocate can help you with your application to ensure you have the best chance possible.

There are several benefits available to Veteran spouses, including:

• Spouse and family: $259 per month for your spouse and $75 per month for each additional child.
• Spouse disability: If the spouse is in a nursing home, blind, nearly blind, or disabled an additional $286 monthly is available for a veteran rated permanently disabled.
• Education: Based on the status of the student and the type of education.
• Health care: Shared costs covered through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).
• Burial: Burial services, markers and gravesites for those who qualify.  

There are also state-specific benefits in some cases.