If you’re a military veteran that is now paralyzed and can’t work you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits as well as your VA disability benefits.
Many veterans worry that they will lose their VA benefits if they apply for Social Security disability benefits.
You don’t have to choose one type or benefit or the other. You can receive both VA disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits When Paralyzed
Typically when someone applies for Social Security disability benefits they must show that they have a medical condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book and that they meet the medical requirements for that Blue Book listing.
There is no specific Blue Book listing for paralysis but there are other listings for medical conditions that accompany paralysis that you can use to quality for Social Security disability benefits. Disability benefits for paralysis can be granted if you meet the requirements for any of the listings in:
- Section 1.00 – which lists different disorders of the spine
- Section 11.08 – which lists spinal cord disorders
No matter what listing in the Blue Book you use to qualify for disability benefits you will need to have plenty of medical evidence to support your claim. Submitting MRIs, X-rays, PET scans, and other medical evidence will help prove that your paralysis makes it impossible for you to work.
Can I VA Benefits & SSD At the Same Time?
You can receive both VA disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits at the same time. It’s a myth that you have to choose one or the other.
You can qualify for Social Security disability benefits even if your paralysis isn’t related to a service injury. For example, if you are receiving VA disability benefits for a service-related injury or illness and you have a stroke and become paralyzed you can receive Social Security disability because of the paralysis from the stroke.
Using A 100% P&T Rating For Paralysis
If you have a 100% P&T rating from the VA because of your paralysis or because you have another service-related condition or injury you can have your claim for Social Security disability benefits expedited.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that your application will be approved the first time you submit it, but it does mean that when your application is approved you will start receiving benefits faster.
Get Help With Your Claim
If you’re a veteran that receives VA disability benefits but you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits don’t wait to submit an application for Social Security disability benefits.
You won’t lose your VA disability benefits or put them at risk by applying for disability benefits. If you want to find out more about the medical evidence you will need or get personalized advice on filing your claim for benefits fill out a free Case Evaluation Report now so you can talk with an experienced Social Security disability today about your unique case.
