SOCIAL SECURITY MAY NOW RUSH BENEFITS TO DISABLED VETERANS

Disabled US veterans may now get speedy benefits from Social Security.

Beginning in May 2014 Social Security announced that it will expedite the process of making a disability determination for disabled veterans.  Veterans with a 100 percent permanent VA disability rating will be given a "fast track" decision process.  In some cases, we have seen decisions issued in as little as 21 days after the application is filed.  This compares to 90 to120 days for the average application to get a decision.

If the decision is favorable, Social Security will also expedite the payment process for veterans.  My firm files the application electronically to further speed up the decision making process.  (We do this for all applicants, not just veterans).

Social Security has different rules than the Veterans Administration.  They do not automatically recognize disability because the VA has done so.  Therefore, a competent advocate is often helpful for approval.

Veterans are not totally dependent on the VA for financial assistance.  Receiving Social Security disability benefits will not reduce VA benefits in any way. 

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