Definition of "Disability" under SSA vs. VA: 

Veterans can potentially qualify for both SSA and VA benefits if they meet the eligibility criteria for each program. The application processes for SSA and VA disability benefits are also different.

Disability benefits through the VA:

For service-connected disability benefits through the VA, the applicant must show that they have a disabling condition that was “incurred or aggravated during active military service.i ” The compensation rates are paid on a graduated scale, based on the degree of a Veteran’s disability, ranging from 10 to 100%, in 10% increments. Pensions, or non-service-connected disability payments, require that Veterans served in a wartime period, have limited resources and assets, and have a discharge other than dishonorable (among other factors).

Criteria: An individual is considered disabled under the VA if they have a:

  • Service-connected disability: An injury or illness incurred or aggravated during active military service.

  • Documented by a medical evaluation

  • Rated at a specific percentage (from 10% to 100%) based on the severity of the disability and its impact on daily life.

Disability benefits through SSA:

Alternatively, SSA defines disability for the purposes of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The definition of disability for SSI/SSDI does not require the Veteran’s disability to be linked to their military service, does not take into account a Veteran’s discharge status, and does not pay on a graduated scale. The key factor is inability to work.

Criteria: An individual is considered disabled under the SSA if they:

  • Have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment

  • That is expected to last (or has lasted) at least 12 months or result in death

  • And prevents them from performing "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) (quantified as $1,550/month in 2024).

  • SGA has a specific dollar amount linked to the national average wage index, which means someone making more than that amount might not be considered disabled by the SSA even with a significant impairment.

  • Work History: SSA also considers your age, education, and work history when evaluating your ability to perform a different type of work.

Key Differences:

  • Connection to Military Service: SSA disability is not linked to military service, while VA disability is.

  • Work Requirement: SSA considers your ability to perform any type of work (substantial gainful activity), while VA focuses on the severity of the service-connected disability.

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