Differences Between VA Disability and SSD

A disabled veteran may be eligible for both VA disability and Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, and you can receive both types of benefits simultaneously. However, the two programs work very differently, from how you qualify to how your benefits are determined.

Here are the key differences you should be aware of.

Table of Contents

Qualifying for VA Disability v. SSD

Service Connection v. Work Credits

To qualify for VA disability, your condition must be service-connected. That means either that an event or exposure during your military service caused or aggravated the condition, or that the condition started while you were serving in the military.

SSD is an insurance program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t care why you’re disabled. However, you must have accrued sufficient work credits during your working years, and have sufficient recent work credits to qualify. Those numbers change depending on how old you were when you became disabled, but for most people, the requirement is 40 work credits overall and 20 within the past 10 years. The maximum number of work credits you can accrue in a year is four. So, accumulating 40 work credits means you must have worked enough to accrue all four credits in each of 10 separate years or have accrued a total of 40 across more than 10 years.

Medical Eligibility

Both the VA and the SSA look at your diagnosis and the severity of your medical condition to determine whether you are eligible for disability benefits. Both have specific criteria for certain conditions but also provide for qualification outside of those listings.

The big difference between VA disability and SSD in this area is that you can qualify for veterans disability benefits even if you are only partially disabled. The VA assigns a disability rating, and the benefits you qualify for depend on the percentage assigned. For SSD, you either meet the SSA’s definition of disability–which means you’re unable to engage in substantial gainful activity–or you do not.

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How Benefits Are Calculated

At each VA disability rating level, there is a base benefit amount. The amount of benefits a veteran receives may increase if they have eligible dependents, and some veterans with special medical needs qualify for more. But, the base amount by disability rating is the same for everyone.

SSD, on the other hand, is calculated based on the recipient’s earnings history. So, someone who was a higher earner in their working years will receive more in Social Security disability benefits than someone who was a lower earner.

Which Type of Disability Benefits is Better?

Neither VA disability nor SSD is objectively “better” than the other. However, the differences in the two programs may mean that you qualify for one type of benefit and not the other. If you’re eligible for both types of benefits, you’ll almost certainly want to pursue both. If you need help determining which benefits you may be eligible for, which to apply for first, and how to approach the claims or application process. Disabled Vets can help. Our advocates understand the processes and the type of evidence required and can help you submit the strongest claim or application possible.

Call us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form to learn more.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form