social security and va disability benefits

In short, yes. You may be able to collect both VA disability and Social Security disability benefits. In reality, however, the answer will depend on a variety of factors specific to your particular case. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help. Use our guide below to learn more about VA disability and Social Security and under what circumstances you may be able to collect both.  

When you have questions or need help navigating your disability claim, give the Cottrell Law Office a call

Common Questions About VA Disability and Social Security Disability Benefits 

If you’re a veteran who has sustained a service-related disabling condition, you may have wondered, Can I get VA disability and Social Security benefits at the same time?

In fact, this is an extremely common question among disabled veterans

Fortunately, in some cases, you may be able to collect both VA disability and Social Security benefits simultaneously. However, this won’t be the case in all situations. 

Below are some common questions that many veterans have regarding VA disability and Social Security disability benefits. 

Can You Get VA Disability and Social Security Automatically for Both Programs If You’re Already Eligible Under One? 

Unfortunately, establishing eligibility for both programs will not happen automatically. 

Even if you’re already eligible for benefits under one of these programs, this does automatically guarantee eligibility under the other.

Rather, you must meet the definition of “disability” and go through the application and approval process separately under each agency’s respective program. 

Can You Collect VA Disability and Social Security Benefits If You’re 100% Disabled? 

VA disability benefits are assessed based on your disability rating, which is a percentage between 0% and 100%. Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total (P&T) rating are able to receive the maximum benefits. 

However, even if you are rated 100% P&T, this does not automatically guarantee that you will also collect Social Security disability benefits.

Again, you will have to go through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) separate process to determine whether you qualify for benefits under that program. 

Do VA Disability Benefits Affect the Amount of Your Social Security Disability Payments?

No. Since both benefits are based on disability and not income, collecting under one program doesn’t affect your ability to collect under the other.

If you meet the qualifications for both programs, you can collect the full amount you are entitled to under each.

Cottrell Law Office: Your VA Disability and Social Security Law Firm

At the Cottrell Law Office, we pride ourselves on fighting for the rights of the injured. If you are a veteran who has questions about whether and to what extent you may qualify for disability benefits, we want to help you too. 

According to the SSA, approximately 63% of disability claims were denied between 2007-2016. Further, according to the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals, 20.3% of disability claims that were denied in 2020 were also denied on appeal. 

When you feel like the odds are stacked against you, we can help you even the playing field. We will do everything within our power to get you the disability benefits you need and deserve.

Contact the Cottrell Law Office today for a free consultation, and see how we can help you recover.

Author Photo

Wesley Cottrell

Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.

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