Getting disability benefits from the Social Security Administration is never an easy process. However, for those who have served for the U.S military, it may now be faster.
Carolyn W. Colvin, acting Social Security commissioner, recently announced that Social Security claims from certain veterans will receive a fast track for their applications. This will also mean expedited decisions on their cases, hopefully making it quicker and easier to get needed disability benefits.
Veterans with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation rating of 100 percent permanent and total will have access to this faster process. Proof of the rating with the VA notification letter must be shown to the SSA. This does not guarantee an approval, but it does make the process much quicker than it otherwise would be.
“We have reached another milestone for those who have sacrificed so much for our country and this process ensures they will get the benefits they need quickly,” Colvin said. “While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifices, we can be sure we provide them with the quality of service that they deserve. This initiative is truly a lifeline for those who need it most.”
Obtaining Social Security disability benefits generally requires the claimant to attend a hearing before an administrative law judge. Hopefully, veteran armed with a 100 percent VA rating decision can avoid the usual procedure of attending a hearing and save the time it takes to wait for the hearing to take place. In any event, the Law Offices of Harold W. Conick and Associates can assist the veteran claimant at any point of the Social Security disability claim process.
