“You could get full cash benefits from SSA and the VA with no offset between the two.”
How do you qualify for benefits from both the Social Security Administration and the VA? Sean Libby talks about the similarities and differences between the two progams and how you, as a veteran, could qualify for both.
More about Sean
Sean Libby is the vice president of corporate development at Alpha as well as its parent organization, Freedom Disability, a national Social Security disability advocacy group. Sean has helped shape a unique advocacy approach to helping people with disabilities secure benefits from the Social Security Administration and is an expert on the SSA and VA disability programs.
Note: All representation coordinated by Alpha is provided by our employees, the Advocates, who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). No private organization that trains and employs accredited agents has been legally recognized by the VA for the purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. This work must be done by the Advocates themselves and not organizations.
14 comments on “Get Disability Benefits From Both the VA and SSA”
The key phrase that leaves me out is “service connected”. I have several disabilities that are not necessarily service connected but on the other hand they may be. I am presently trying to establish my exposure to agent orange in Thailand. I hear many pros and cons but that only leaves me very confused. I spent 10 years in the Army of which 2 years was in Thailand. I have suffered with diabetes type 2 for many years, also I have had to undergo heart surgery (6 bypasses) The surgeon patted me on the back when I was discharged from the hospital and he told me I should have 10 more years of a good life. Ten years which I have now surpassed. My record at the VA is about 4-6 inches thick, the last time I saw it. At the present time I am living on SS disability and find it very hard to have any kind of life other then sitting in my apartment and molding. I have a myriad of other complaints but the two I mentioned are the most severe. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Harrel,
We have an Alpha Advocate that specializes in a cases like yours. Joe will be reaching out to you shortly via email. Good luck!
I don’t remember anyone named Joe ever calling me. But with my memory loss he may have and I just forgot. At any rate, I would like another call. I am presently receiving Social Security Disability compensation monthly.
Harrel,
We are having someone reach out to you through email.
I have been tried to file for benefits since 2002 with no avail. I served in the Army for 5 years, honorable discharged, and been living on ssi since 2008. In my medical record I was treated with back pain injury while serving the military. Now its getting worse everyday but, i’m having a hard time to get any benefits from the va for it. Can you help me, Alpha?
Simi,
Have you had a recent rating decision? One of our advocates would be happy to look at it to see if it represents a viable appeal opportunity.
I AM AT 90% Disability
All these years (1953-present) I have had Service Connected conditions that never received proper attention. I have a NY Telephone book size file and I never received the percentage I deserve. Over 55 Years and I still fight for my just rewards, and what I can pass along to my wife when I leave this earth. I need that Final Push and with Alpa’s help, I hope I can reach my goal.
I am a 10% service connected veteran with bi-lateral hearing loss the VA has rate me on this percentage on my condition how can Iincrease my percentage.
Bobby,
Alpha may be able to assist you in getting a higher disability rating. I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Counsultants. He/she will ask you a few questions about your time in the services and determine your eligibility for additional VA Benefits. I hope you will give us a call at (877) 611-7724.
to whom it my concern a couple of years ago I asked for help had a
you guys and I playing phone tag for quiet awhile with no results.
I am seriously mentally ill and under care at the Va since 04.
I would not like to have this put over the internet.
I have filed two claims with no results. I recieved a honorable discharge in 1974. My first claim was for Arthritics and PTSD.
DID not go over well. second claim is expired it was for bipolar.
I have SS benifits for Mental its not enough to live on.
Rick,
I would recommend calling Alpha and speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions about your time in the services and determine your eligibility for VA Benefits. I hope you will give them a call at (877) 611-7724. Good luck.
i am looking to get ssa and va benifits. can you give me info as to where i can go in baton rouge la. to talk to someone? thank you. joseph
Joesph,
I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants at Freedom Disability. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance with SSDI. They will also ask you about your time in the service to see if we can assist you with VA benefits as well. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942.