Atlanta Veterans SSDI Benefits Lawyer

If you served in the United States military for a sufficient amount of time, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your service as employment. If you are disabled and unable to work, you should ask a member of our team about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You may receive an expedited response to your application because of your veteran status.

While you must apply for SSDI yourself to receive benefits, having guidance and support from an experienced Social Security disability law firm during this process can be extremely helpful. A seasoned Atlanta veterans SSDI benefits lawyer can help ensure your initial application is as thorough as possible and help you appeal a denial of benefits if necessary.

Prerequisites for SSDI Eligibility in Atlanta

There are several qualifications that a veteran must fulfill for the SSA to consider them eligible for SSDI benefits. First, they must be unable to perform any substantially gainful employment as a direct result of a physical or mental impairment. Second, the condition in question must have already lasted or be reasonably expected to last for one year and/or ultimately result in the former servicemember’s death.

Additionally, veterans applying for SSDI in our area must have acquired a certain number of Social Security work credits. These would have been earned by paying FICA taxes through your active duty service income as well as any other employment you had before becoming disabled. Generally, one year of work equates to four work credits, but the exact amount of credits required for SSDI benefits varies depending on the age of the applicant.

Disability compensation awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not impact a veteran’s eligibility to receive SSDI benefits. With help from a local attorney, a disabled veteran can receive disability benefits from both the VA and the SSA.

Expedited Application Processing for Former Servicemembers

As of 2014, the SSA provides expedited application processing for certain veterans applying for SSDI benefits. If a former servicemember receives a disability rating of 100 percent from the VA, they are eligible for expedited processing from the SSA.

Having a total disability rating from the VA does not necessarily mean a subsequent SSDI application will automatically be approved. With or without expedited processing, any former servicemembers in Atlanta applying for SSDI benefits must still meet the SSA’s definition of “disability.”

Most of the time, the SSA automatically identifies qualifying veterans and speeds up their applications accordingly. If necessary, though, one of our hearing claims advocates can help you use official VA documentation in an appeal to demonstrate a 100 percent disability rating to the SSA.

Seek Advice from an Atlanta Veterans SSDI Benefits Attorney

Applying for Social Security benefits of any kind can be a confusing and complicated endeavor. Most veterans have their first applications rejected. Fortunately, a denial of an initial application is not the end of the road. You can still resubmit your application or appeal your denial to continue pursuing the benefits you’re entitled to.

If you’re seeking Social Security Disability Insurance, an Atlanta veterans SSDI benefits lawyer can work with you to ensure a positive resolution to your claim. Call today to learn more about how a seasoned legal professional from our team can help.