What Kind of Help Is Available for Disabled Veterans?
If you’ve served with the US military and need help because of a disability, you have options. As a Marine veteran myself, it’s important to me you have all the help available to you if you become unable to work for some reason. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about SSDI for veterans.
Can You Get SSDI as a Veteran?
You can absolutely get SSDI benefits if you’re a veteran. SSDI is simply an insurance program that helps people who can’t work anymore because of a disability.
SSDI requires you to work and pay into the insurance through your taxes. That way, it covers any American worker who later struggles to hold employment because of a long-term injury or illness.
This can include service-related issues and non. Approximately 3.8 million veterans have a service-related disability, and 1 in 5 suffer from PTSD & depression. If those disabilities keep you from holding a job, SSDI may help.
To help you determine if you qualify, get our free report An Honest Guide to Applying for Disability.
Do Veterans Benefits Affect SSDI?
Fortunately, veterans benefits through the VA work totally separately from SSDI. You can receive SSDI benefits at the same time as VA benefits without an issue.
You just want to make sure you report whatever benefits you’re receiving when you apply with the SSA. Honesty is key in a successful SSDI application.
What If My Injury Was Someone Else’s Fault?
Sometimes veterans face disability or illness because of someone else’s recklessness. Our personal injury attorneys help with cases like this.
If your injury was someone else’s fault (for instance, a car accident), we can look at all of your options. Not only might you receive SSDI but you could also get compensation for your losses.
We are also currently working with veterans and their families impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. If you or a family member worked on the Camp Lejeune military base between August 1952 and December 1987 and experienced any of the following, you may be entitled to a settlement with the US government:
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphoma
- Neurological defects, including Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Miscarriages and birth defects
And even in these cases—even if you win a large settlement—you still may qualify for SSDI if you’re disabled.
SSDI for Veterans: What If they Deny Your Application?
Don’t be surprised if the SSA denies your application on the first try. It likely has nothing to do with your status as a veteran or any other benefits you’ve received as a result of your service. In fact, the SSA denies the majority of applications on the first try.
After you receive a denial, you have 60 days to appeal your case. That’s when the real work begins, and that’s when you need an SSDI lawyer.
My firm works to build you a successful appeal. We find the holes in your initial application, bolster your evidence, and defend you at hearings when needed. We also don’t get paid a thing unless you do.
As a former Marine officer, I take very seriously when a fellow veteran needs help because of their health. It’s important to me you have all the information you need and that you and your family receive compassion and respect. That’s what you’ll get from our team at Darrell Castle & Associates.
Remember, you only have 60 days to appeal. To get started, call me today at 901-327-2100 or fill out the form below.