Social Security Administration Announces Plan to Expedite Veterans Benefits to Disabled Vets
On Wednesday, February 19th, the acting commissioner of Social Security, Carolyn W. Colvin, and Congressman John Sarbanes announced a new initiative for the Social Security Administration to expedite disability claims that have a Department of Veterans Affairs rating of 100% permanent and total disability.
The new Social Security process will treat the these disabled veterans’ applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions to prevent further suffering on the part of the applicant, and to help clear some of the veterans benefits’ claims backlog.
“Social Security will treat these veterans’ applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions, similar to the way the agency currently handles disability claims from Wounded Warriors,” the organization said in a press release.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and it is only right that we ensure they have timely access to the disability benefits they may be eligible for and deserve,” said Acting Commissioner Colvin. “Social Security worked with Veterans Affairs to identify those veterans with disabilities who have a high probability of also meeting our definition of disability. I am proud of our collaboration and happy to announce this new service for America’s vets.”
Applicants must show proof of the Veterans Administration’s disability rating by submitting a copy of their VA notification letter.
The Social Security Administration notes that the process will only expedite claims, and does not mean that the claims will automatically be granted.
The expedited process should launch in mid-March.
“It’s a very good result for veterans who obviously made a tremendous commitment to their country,” said Rep. John Sarbanes, a Baltimore County Democrat who has pushed for the quicker review. “They’re returning from overseas conflicts and they’ve suffered injuries that make it impossible for them to have gainful employment.”
It is not clear how many veterans would be affected by the expedited process, but the Social Security Administration estimates that it could be tens of thousands over time. Fully disabled veterans made up 10% of disability benefits recipients in 2012, which is about 360,000 people.
Establishing a Claim for Veteran’s Benefits through the Social Security Administration
To be entitled to service-connected benefits, a veteran must prove that his disability was the result of military service or medical treatment by the VA hospital and was not the result of his own willful misconduct.
Unlike many actual disabilities, disability ratings determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are not permanent. If you think that an initial disability rating given to you by the VA is too low, there are steps you can take to appeal the decision and have it changed. Likewise, there is also a process in place to address the needs of disabled veterans whose disabilities have grown worse over time.
To talk about your veterans’ disability benefits, your current disability rating, or what our lawyers can accomplish for you contact us today for a free consultation. All veterans’ disability and benefits cases are handled on a contingent fee basis. We receive no attorneys’ fees unless we are able to get your rating and your veterans’ disability payments increased.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Benefits Claim for Disability, Retirement, or Veterans Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability or Retirement Insurance can be complex. However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.
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