Social Security Payments & VA Disability? in Vet Social Security Issues- SSDI SSI Forum

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Social Security Payments & VA Disability?

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Nitro Nutt

Social Security Payments & VA Disability?

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Posts: 4

Feb 1 11 12:44 AM

Hi Gang:
I'm brand new to the forum, a Vietnam Vet (big Red Diamond outfit - LZ Sharron/QuangTri/Fire Base C2) , and will turn 62 in March. smiley: roll

I'm just starting to file (online - today) for my "Social Insecurity" smiley: laugh

benefits which should start shortly after my birthday March 30th.
I also filed for Agent Orange disability (Sept.2001), which is still pending (got a 2nd "we're working on it" notice from the VA today...) .
From what I've heard from buddies of mine, if it's approved - I should see the 1st check probably March or April.

I get "some people" trying to tell me that "you can't get disability AND social security, you only get one or the other"...

Hopefully, some of you have real world experience in this area and can help set the record straight.
I say she is wrong! smiley: eek

One has nothing to do with the other, Right?!
Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance...

PS: No Sig. file yet, but will work on it ASAP! smiley: wink

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alpha69

#1

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Posts: 72

Feb 1 11 12:50 AM

Edited 1 time by alpha69 May 16 13 12:03 AM.

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The Old Medic

#2

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Posts: 6231

Feb 1 11 10:34 AM

There is absolutely no reason at all why you can not receive both VA Service Connected Disability payments and any form of Social Security. Tens of thousands of people receive both.

US Army 1959-1969; SFC E-7 MOS: 55G10 (60-63) , 91B40, 91C40, 91F40 (64-69)
Ed.D in Rehabilitation Counseling, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Retired, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Independent Social Security Contract Vocational Expert 1983-2005, Contract Medical Expert 1987-2005
80% Service Connected Disabled; Life Member of the DAV since 1980

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dust4tears

#3

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Posts: 920

Feb 1 11 12:31 PM

The Old Medic wrote:
There is absolutely no reason at all why you can not receive both VA Service Connected Disability payments and any form of Social Security. Tens of thousands of people receive both.

One has absolutely nothing to do with the other, ~~except you can use getting one, as evidence for the other~~....but you aren't applying to SSDI, you are doing SSI, so, they have nothing to

do with each other.

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USNDW

#4

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Posts: 4378

Feb 1 11 12:34 PM

I collect both, and was told the same thing when I started to apply 3 years ago.

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Nitro Nutt

#5

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Posts: 4

Feb 1 11 9:52 PM

Looks like "The Jury" is in!

[Guess that makes HER wrong]

I just wanted to be certain before finalizing my SSI papers...
Also, from previous experience, does about 6 months from initial filing (for Agent Orange) sound about right before a decision is made and payments start?

From what I've seen so far, I'm going to like this forum!
Thanks guys!

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Survivir

#6

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Posts: 10358

Feb 2 11 4:46 AM

The Old Medic wrote:
There is absolutely no reason at all why you can not receive both VA Service Connected Disability payments and any form of Social Security. Tens of thousands of people receive both.

I must disagree with the "any form of Social Security" until someone else proves, otherwise.

The "any form of Social Security" that I am disagreeing with...is the "SSI"

I do not think that a Veteran would be able to receive "SSI"...if thr Veteran was receiving a Highly Rated Compensation.

I "KNOW that the Veteran can receive BOTH Service-Connected Compensation AND SSDI.

I just don't think that the Veteran would be eligible for SSI...and a High Percentage Rating of Compensation.

I could be wrong...and it would not be the first time...nor the last...neither.

Survivir

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soldiermom

#7

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Posts: 393

Feb 2 11 6:19 AM

Survivir wrote:
The Old Medic wrote:
There is absolutely no reason at all why you can not receive both VA Service Connected Disability payments and any form of Social Security. Tens of thousands of people receive both.
I must disagree with the "any form of Social Security" until someone else proves, otherwise.

The "any form of Social Security" that I am disagreeing with...is the "SSI"

I do not think that a Veteran would be able to receive "SSI"...if thr Veteran was receiving a Highly Rated Compensation.

I "KNOW that the Veteran can receive BOTH Service-Connected Compensation AND SSDI.

I just don't think that the Veteran would be eligible for SSI...and a High Percentage Rating of Compensation.

I could be wrong...and it would not be the first time...nor the last...neither.

Survivir

As a matter of fact Survivir, I have heard something very similar from both my attorney and a SSA worker. The attorney said that he knew a vet who was receiving IU during the time he was appealing the SSDI, and when he got the SSDI award, the VA had him pay back some of the IU from the months during the back pay he received . (He said the vet told him that) I have never received SSI or IU, so I'm not sure, but aren't they basically awarded for similar needs? Maybe different caps on the monthly income you can receive? ... (and maybe I just need some sleep, but is SSI and IU sort of like workman's comp? Something that isn't expected to last more than a year, etc and just supplement while you're either getting better or waiting to be approved for either VA Comp and/or SSDI?) .... I need caffeine ... and I'm still not sure that Nitro Nutt meant SSI instead of SSDI .. he was being funny so I don't know.. haha smiley: wink

Keep smiling,
it makes people wonder what you're up to....

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witchdoctor

#8

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Posts: 11395

Feb 2 11 8:16 AM

It is likely they were talking about a private employer based long term disability policy.

Most insurance company long term disability policies have a recapture clause that

kicks in if SSDI is awarded. The overlaping payments are returned to the insurance company.

example:

LTDisability - jan - dec
SSDI -- nov forward

LTDisability amounts for nov dec would be recaptured by the insurance company.

Most LTD policies are designed to be a bridge for the employee until SSDI is awarded.

Member-at-large:
Disturbed Veterans of America.

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The Old Medic

#9

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Posts: 6231

Feb 2 11 11:44 AM

SSI is NOT a form of Social Security. It is not funded by Social Security taxes, it is funded out of the general funds of the United States Treasury, and in many states it is also supplemented by state funds.

Many people think that SSI is a program of the Social Security Administration, because they run it. BUT, they are wrong, it is an entirely separate program, that was pushed on to Social Security Administration. Lots of people in Social Security wish they had nothing to do with SSI, because so many people are confused about it.

In order to get ANY Social Security benefit, you have to have a work history, with enough quarters of coverage to have earned those benefits.

For SSI, you do not have to have ever worked in your life, the only qualifications are that you are disabled, and you are poor.

US Army 1959-1969; SFC E-7 MOS: 55G10 (60-63) , 91B40, 91C40, 91F40 (64-69)
Ed.D in Rehabilitation Counseling, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Retired, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Independent Social Security Contract Vocational Expert 1983-2005, Contract Medical Expert 1987-2005
80% Service Connected Disabled; Life Member of the DAV since 1980

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soldiermom

#10

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Posts: 393

Feb 2 11 1:06 PM

Old Medic, I didnt' know that. Naturally I assumed because of what it's called and who processes it that it was part of SSA (even though I do know there is a big difference in SSDI and SSI).

That's too bad really. If some other department ran the SSI, then people needing their SSDI probably wouldn't have to wait as long because there would be that many less claims for them to work, right?

(oh and witchdoctor .. that sounds about right, but like I said, I am not familiar with IU and thought it was basically paid on the same need as employer's disability insurances which go by your income and even after the fact, if you're paid later for a period covering those months you were on it, then you might have made more than allowed, and they would take some (if not all in some cases?) of it back.)

Keep smiling,
it makes people wonder what you're up to....

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witchdoctor

#11

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Posts: 11395

Feb 2 11 1:20 PM

VBA Pension is the rough equivalent of SSI as they are both needs (income) based.

VBA Disability Compensation is not needs (income) based.

TDIU is a special VBA disability compensation program designed to help those vets

whose service connected disabilities are not severe enough to be rated as 100% (Total)

but are severe enough to prevent the vet from maintaining substantial gainful employment.

Certain minimum %s must be met to be eligible for TDIU.

Member-at-large:
Disturbed Veterans of America.

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Survivir

#12

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Posts: 10358

Feb 2 11 2:10 PM

The Old Medic wrote: For SSI, you do not have to have ever worked in your life, the only qualifications are that you are disabled, and you are poor.

I AGREE with the Never have had to work...to be Eligible for SSI Benefits.

What I DISAGREE with...until I am proven incorrect.

Is that a Veteran receiving TDIU can also receive SSI(Supplemental Security Income) Benefits.

I am "NOT" referring to SSDI(Social Security Disability Insurance) Benefits.

The ONLY Veteran who may NOT receive SSDI Benefits...AND VA Benefits in FULL...at the SAME Time..

Is the Veteran who is receiving a VA NSC Pension.

That Veteran would have his or her VA NSC Pension reduced.

Dollar for Dollar for Each Dollar that was received from their SSDI Benefits.

With the exception of their SC Rating.

The SSI and the VA NSC Pension are based on a NEED...and have Income Limits.

I do not think that someone who is receiving SSI Benefits will ba e able to receive TDIU.

Without a decrease...if not an elimination of the SSI Benefits.

Soldiermom:

I think your are referring to the VA NSC(Non-Service-Connected) Pension...and NOT TDIU which is also referred to as IU.

There are Basically TWO Benefits from Social Security:
(1) SSI(Supplemental Security Income) which is determined on a NEEDS Basis.
(2) SSDI(Social Security Disability Insurance)...which is determined by Meeting certain Requirements.

There are Basically TWO Benefits from the VA.
(1) VA NSC(Non-Service-Connected) Pension...which is determined on a NEEDS Basis.
(2) VA SC(Service-Connected) Compensation...which is determined by Meeting Service-Connected Requirements.
The above VA SC(Service-Connected) Compensation can be Schedular or TDIU( Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability)
The above VA SC(Service-Connected) Compensation can have a "P&T" award added to EITHER the Schedular or the TDIU, too.

This is the Short Quick-Notes...but I hope it helps.

Survivir

Edited 1 time by Survivir Feb 2 11 2:13 PM.

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soldiermom

#13

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Posts: 393

Feb 2 11 2:22 PM

That is what I was thinking... I was under the impression that VA NSC Pension and IU were the same thing... other than that, I think I was doing pretty good.

Now, a question.. let's say a vet is just now applying for VA Comp and is about to broke and homeless and needs help while the VA hurries up and gets him a yes or no on his claim. Since he/she is not "officially" SC until the VA says they are, can they qualify for the VA NSC Pension to help out until they're rated (or not)?

Keep smiling,
it makes people wonder what you're up to....

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stoneyb1

#14

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Posts: 209

Feb 2 11 4:10 PM

Yes, you can. Some VSOs don't mention this benefit as was the case with my first VSO. I switched to a neighboring county VSO and was suprised to find out that there was such a thing as a NSC pension which that VSO filed for me. You must meet the needs based qualifications and your VSO can help you with that. I received the NSC until my SC claim was approved and the NSC pension was the lesser amount. Thank God for this board and GOOD VSOs.

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Nitro Nutt

#15

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Posts: 4

Feb 2 11 11:34 PM

Wow!
THAT was surely informative! Happy

In my 2nd post (yesterday, 01 Feb.) I mistakenly referred to my application for what I call "Social Insecurity" as SSI when I said:
"I just wanted to be certain before finalizing my SSI papers..."
Now I understand most, if not all of the differences thanks to the forum members.
Mine is just regular retirement type social security benefits that I've paid into since I was a teenager. smiley: ohwell

Once again; THANKS for the info!
Salute

Nitro Nutt
Ahhh, there's nothing like the smell of Nitro in the morning! smiley: glasses

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Survivir

#16

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Posts: 10358

Feb 3 11 12:48 AM

Nitro Nutt,

I don't know if you know this or not...but if you are disabled...and not working.

You can file for your Regular "Social Insecurity"<---Cool! I like that.

And at the SAME TIME You file for SSDI.

The SSDI will be calculated as if you Got your Regular Social Insecurity...at you Retirement age...in your case...probably Age 66.

While Social Security is determining your Eligibility for SSDI.

You would receive your Reduced Benefits...at the 62 Year-Old Rate.

Then, IF Social Security DOES grant your SSDI...you would receive benefits at the Higher Rate...all the way back to when you first applied.

This is like...Having and Eating Your Smaller Cake...while you wait for the Bigger Cake to Bake.

Survivir

Edited 1 time by Survivir Feb 3 11 12:50 AM.

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Testvet

#17

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Posts: 1976

Feb 4 11 6:18 AM

it depends on what you are qualified for and what medical conditions you have that can be service connected there are no benefits for Agent Orange there are presumptive medical conditions that can be SC if you were in Vietnam and IF you have any of these presumptive conditions than you can be approved for SC and get compensated I am confused by your statement that you filed for AO comp in 2001 that was a decade ago did they deny your claim did they lose it it have you been appealing the denials etc you are aware they just added three new conditions to the list of AO related conditions the most broadly effective issue is IHD or cardiac issues like clogged arteries and heart attacks CAD etc there are a lot of different words that docs use that can be moved into the IHD category and the 2 most common ratings are 60% or 100% depending on the condition of your heart and the ejection fraction or METS.

You can also draw SS retirement if you are disabled enough you can also draw SSD benefits which should be slightly higher than regular early retirement benefits with SSD they look at all medical issues and how they affect you and the VA will only compensate you for medical conditions that you can prove were caused by your military service and they pay in percentages from 0% to 100% some are 10% issues, some are 20% issues mental health ratings deal in 10, 30, 50, 70 and 100 they do NOT use 20, 40 60 or 80 for any type of mental health conditions

I have been drawing both benefits since 2003 SSD amd VA at SMC S level I should file for the K award I am just sick of dealing with the VARO though but 96 dollars is 96 dollars and it would buy my wife a lot of batteries

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Nitro Nutt

#18

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Posts: 4

Feb 16 11 10:55 PM

TestVet: Guess I should proof read my post before submitting!
Application was in September of last year (2010), not 2001. Typographical error...

Survivor: I still work.

Got O.K. in mail yesterday for regular "Social Insecurity" payments which will start in May.

Still waiting to get the decision on SC disability due to AO exposure in 'Nam'.
SIX Months should roll around in March; hopefully I'll know by then.

Have irregular heart beat which should qualify under IHD. Also have the partial numbness/tingling sensation in my toes & feet.
Feel like my fingers may be headed that way too... I know those symptoms are on "the list" as well.

Starting to get the hang of some of the abbreviations used here.

Thanks for the info!

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