Disability Experts of Florida's Blog

There are more than 18 million veterans living here at home, and those who were on active duty may develop disabilities, injuries, or illnesses as a result of their service. In cases where a veteran has a condition develop or worsen due to their active service, they may be eligible for tax-free disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here’s how it works.

There are several circumstances under which veterans can qualify for social security disability benefits. These benefits could be in addition to any compensation they are receiving from the VA. In order for veterans to qualify for disability benefits from the SSA, they have to have a disability that prevens them from participating in any substantial gainful activity.

Many people think that if you are receiving either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), then you are automatically ineligible to receive another form of benefits including, unemployment or even Veteran’s disability.

An unfortunate interaction with an administrative law judge (ALJ) has left Gulf War veteran Shawn McMurray “tormented.” An article by Jeremy Schwartz describes McMurray’s experiences as he was berated by ALJ Gary Suttles, who hears SS disability appeals in the Houston area. For some reason, Suttles couldn’t understand how McMurray “could have been affected by his wartime experience.”

For those who may not be a veteran, understanding the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) can seem unfamiliar and strange. The VBA is an umbrella administration that falls under the Department of Veterans Affairs. They distribute non-medical benefits to veterans and their families. Their website explains that they are “undergoing a major transformation that is people-centric, results-oriented, and a forward-looking integration of solutions.”

Whether you’re a veteran or on active duty, having a disability or getting disability benefits for veterans can be a challenge (regardless of your P&T rating).

As a member of the military on active duty, or having military pay, you may be wondering whether or not you are still eligible for disability benefits. There isn’t much widespread documentation or information regarding resources for current and former military members and how they can actually expedite their claim for disability benefits.

The linkage between being a veteran or member of the military and knowing you can also be eligible for Social Security benefits are often overlooked or nonexistent.