Blog

Understanding VA Disability Ratings and Their Relation to SSDI

Veterans Affairs (VA) disability ratings and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are two separate federal programs that provide financial support for disabilities, but they operate under different rules.

Disability ratings assigned by the VA are directly related to severity of service-related conditions. It is done on an incremental scale of 10%. For example, a soldier may be rated 20%, 50%, or even the maximum rating of 100%.

Former soldiers, sailors, Marines, & airmen are also eligible for SSDI. And although a VA rating may help them build a case, it’s not the only thing they will need. In other words, having a 100% VA disability rating does not automatically qualify you to receive SSDI benefits. An applicant needs to build a convincing case regardless of their VA disability rating.

While both programs support disabled veterans, their criteria differ significantly. The VA and SSA collaborate, so VA medical records and rating decisions can be used as supporting evidence for SSDI applications, potentially strengthening your case.

If income is low, veterans may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a needs-based program. However, VA benefits count as unearned income and reduce SSI payments dollar-for-dollar after a $20 exclusion (unlike SSDI, which is unaffected). SSI is a benefits program specifically designated for low-income individuals. It is not dependent on earnings history.

An attorney can help you understand the relationship between VA and SSDI benefits. They can also help you build a case to receive SSDI and SSI benefits. Consultation with a disability attorney in Brevard County is free and can really help set you on your path to gaining these useful benefits.