VA Disability and Social Security Disability. Can you help clear up my confusion?

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 16:11:10 -0400

If one gets both, will Social Security count the VA Disability as income for SSDI income limits? I am confused.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 4:23 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 16:23:37 -0400

Hopefully this helps.

https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/

Information for Wounded Warriors and Veterans Who Have a Compensation Rating of 100% Permanent...

Social Security delivers a broad range of services online at socialsecurity.gov. We have a proud history of protecting the integrity of our programs and service to the public.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 14 at 2015 4:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 16:39:03 -0400

There is also the question of 100% VA disabled P & T (Permanent & Total) vs. someone like me who is 100% service connected but still considered Temporary. I keep getting letters stating that although I am 100% I am ineligible for certain programs since I am not P &T yet. It's been years, I keep getting letters that I am not being reevaluated at this time, but I remain on their temporary list. It would be great if they would make up their mind. My daughter could then get Chapter 30 college bennies of $1,014 a month to go to school for 48 months. The waiting continues......

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 14 at 2015 8:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 20:56:53 -0400

Folks am I smoking crack in reference to the SS and VA? Tacit concurrence is not measurable.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 15 at 2015 4:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 16:48:04 -0400

Here are the magic words: https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/#ht=1
What do I need to know about the VA and Social Security programs?

Both Social Security and VA pay disability benefits. However, their programs, processes, and criteria for receiving benefits are very different.

A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits. To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security’s definition of "disability." To be found disabled:
•You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and
•Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death.

If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits.

Information for Wounded Warriors and Veterans Who Have a Compensation Rating of 100% Permanent...

Social Security delivers a broad range of services online at socialsecurity.gov. We have a proud history of protecting the integrity of our programs and service to the public.

Response by SGT Ivory Brown made Oct 23 at 2015 6:07 AM

SGT Ivory Brown — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 06:07:58 -0400

I get both. I got my va benefits before i got approved for social security. It wasn't a issue.

Response by SSG Raymond Manning made Oct 24 at 2015 1:42 PM

SSG Raymond Manning — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 13:42:05 -0400

I draw both SSDI and 100%IU from the VA. I was awarded SSDI while still on active duty going through the med board. Was med retired with rating of 60% army 80%va after retired filed for the 100%IU based on my SSDI. Had to do another C&P exam but was awarded the 100%IU total and permanent.

Response by SSG Sean Thoman made Apr 21 at 2016 7:32 PM

SSG Sean Thoman — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 19:32:51 -0400

NO, SSDI is based on points with a minimum amount of points. If you request your SSI Statement it will tell you the amount you would be entitled to for SSDI should you file. You can download a PDF aoff the Social Security website, mail it in, and I believe you can do it on the website and wait for it. I started an SSDI claim once, they base it on your pay and contribution to Social Security only. I dropped the claim, ole Sean Daddy wants to work until the day he dies doing something, I actually p.o'd the SSI judge and my lawyer because of that, told them I just got to work, so I am a Voc rehabber...with a job that helps people to include Veterans to survive this cruel world we live in. And I am glad I did, brother if you can work, do it, you will feel better about yourself, just cause you're down now, does not mean you will always be down your whole life. Dave Thomas and Harlan Sanders proved you are never to old to reach your dreams and succeed.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 21 at 2016 11:17 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 23:17:32 -0400

no it's not income it's an entitlement

Response by CPT Carlos Ribadeneira made Jun 28 at 2016 12:21 AM

CPT Carlos Ribadeneira — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:21:21 -0400

Hi MAJ Landgren, I am a retired Social Security District Manager, so I can tell with confidence, that your VA Disability payment IS NOT counted as income if you also receiving Social Security Disability Benefits or SSDI.
CONFUSION: There are two different disability programs administered by SSA. SSDI and SSI. Most people confuse these programs, and that's where the confusion is. SSDI refers to Social Security Disability Income, which is paid to those that paid FICA taxes, their widow(er), and surviving children. Generally, in order to be eligible, a worker need to have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years prior to the alleged onset of his/her disability (alleged onset is the date you think you became disabled). If you are younger than 31, the rules are different. If you meet this rule (it is called 20/40, which stands for 20 out of the last 40 quarters), and you think you are totally disabled and unable to perform any substantial work activity, then you can file for benefits. If you are found disabled under the SSA guidelines (not VA guidelines), then you get your monthly benefits.
SSI is an assistance based on need program, that is financed by both, the federal and state governments. This are for people that are either blind or disabled, and have limited income and resources. Since this program is based on need, most income, whether earned or unearned (VA disability benefits being one of these) are counted as income.
If you are getting SSDI, then you must have had a social security covered employment, and paid FICA taxes (Military pay is covered employment), therefore your VA disability benefits ARE NOT and SHOULD NOT be counted as income. Hope this brief explanation serves to clarify your confusion.

Response by SGT Ivory Brown made May 8 at 2019 11:23 PM

SGT Ivory Brown — Wed, 08 May 2019 23:23:21 -0400

No it doesn't count but if you actually work you do have limits

Response by PO3 David Mabo made May 8 at 2019 11:26 PM

PO3 David Mabo — Wed, 08 May 2019 23:26:12 -0400

VA comp is not income for Social Security

Response by SGT Ivory Brown made May 8 at 2019 11:38 PM

SGT Ivory Brown — Wed, 08 May 2019 23:38:34 -0400

Social security doesn't cost Veteran compensation as income

Response by MSgt Mark Padilla made May 8 at 2019 11:52 PM

MSgt Mark Padilla — Wed, 08 May 2019 23:52:57 -0400

VA AND SSDI Disability is two separate entity and it does not count against each other. You get to keep both payments and it will not offset. Which means you keep all that Benjamin’s if you get approved for both. FYI, SSDI Disability is even harder to get approved compared to the VA. My suggestion is use a VA & SSDI Lawyer to help you file for both. There is a lot of Lawyers you can use to fight your battle. Hope this help

Amen
God
Bless

Response by SGT Donna Stubblefield made Dec 11 at 2021 4:56 PM

SGT Donna Stubblefield — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 16:56:26 -0500

From my understanding, VA disability and SSDI are not income based. They both have their set of rules and regulations. Each person's case varies and is individual. Please read below:
1. VA disability is not "means based". It is a "qualifying" eligibility and it is granted on percentage ratings.
2. SSDI (Social Security Disability) is also not "means based". However, it is different than VA disability. The veteran is rated as totally disabled or none at all. Percentage ratings are not used.
3. Both VA disability and SSDI are tax free. Veterans can collect both of these disability benefits if qualified.

Response by CPL Jason Northedge made Dec 12 at 2021 10:12 AM

CPL Jason Northedge — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:12:22 -0500

Ssdi doesn't even ask about VA disability. Or vice versa. They do not count against the other.