Know Your Benefits: SSD for Veterans with A Critical Disability

Some veterans may qualify for both veterans disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits (SSD). If you’ve looked into SSD, you may know that the application and appeals process is slow. Typically, it takes about five months to receive a determination on your SSD application, and sometimes longer. If you’re denied, the appeal process could take two years or more. 

Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a quicker path to a decision in cases they consider a critical disability.

Some disabled veterans qualify for critical status, and so for expedited processing. 

What is a Critical Disability Case? 

The SSA designates a case critical if: 

• The applicant’s claims or other information suggests that the applicant is terminally ill
• The applicant has received a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the VA
• The applicant is a member of the military or veteran who sustained the illness, injury, or wound alleged to be causing the disability while on active duty status after October 1, 2001
• The applicant qualifies for a compassionate allowance
• The case is designated “dire need” due to the applicant’s inability to obtain basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care
• The applicant is potentially suicidal, homicidal, or violent

Once a case is designated critical, the SSA will determine whether it is possible to make a determination on the record (OTR). If it’s not possible to render an OTR determination, the application receives priority scheduling to move the case forward more quickly. If a critical case is scheduled for hearing and an earlier date becomes available, the applicant will be offered the opportunity to move the hearing to the earlier slot. Any decisions and other post-hearing actions will also be expedited. 

Find Out if You Qualify for Critical Case Designation

If you’ve already received a determination of permanent and total disability from the VA, you will qualify for expedited processing. The same is true if your disability is the result of an illness or injury you sustained on active duty after October 1, 2001. 

Depending on your disability and other circumstances, your case may be deemed critical even if you don’t qualify under the veteran-specific criteria. But, it’s important to ensure that you provide the SSA with the appropriate documentation to show that your case should be designated critical. 

To learn more about how you may be able to get your SSD claim expedited and what will be required to qualify you for critical case designation, call Veterans Help Group today at (855) 855-8992, or contact us here now for a FREE consultation.

Read More About This Topic

• SSD Benefits For Veterans
• Date Last Insured: Understanding Your SSD Benefits As A Veterans
• Social Security Disability Benefits for Veterans with a Terminal Illness