Disabled veterans are considered to be among those most in need of assistance from the federal government. However, a lack of communication between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can make proving a disability difficult. However, officials say reform will correct this problem, giving soldiers and former service members a streamlined process to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
Under the previous rules, there were many reports of soldiers and veterans deemed disabled by the VA but told their injuries were not severe enough to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The U.S. Department of Defense released a statement saying that those deemed 100 percent disabled by the VA will be placed into a fast-track processing system for Social Security Disability benefits.
Officials add that being placed into the fast-track system does not guarantee veterans’ claims will be approved, and it will slash the time it takes for a decision to be reached.
The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Newlin Disability applaud the new rule, and they are hopeful it will allow those who have given the most to our country the opportunity to receive the benefits and programs they need to live healthy and everyday lives.