SSA and VA Disability Benefits for Veterans in Louisiana

If you served our country and now face health problems that keep you from working, it can feel like you are losing your power. It is crushing to rely on others when you want to be self-sufficient. At Empower Disability, we want you to know that Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are a path to better times for Louisiana veterans.

VA Disability vs. Social Security Disability

Many veterans in Louisiana do not realize they can receive VA benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time.

VA disability is for injuries or illnesses that happened or got worse during your military service. The VA gives you a rating from 10% to 100% based on how severe your condition is. 

Social Security, on the other hand, is an all or nothing system. To get SSDI, your medical conditions must be so severe that you cannot work any job at all. Because SSDI considers all your health problems, not just those from service, many veterans who already have a VA rating find they also qualify for Social Security.

Using VA Medical Records for an SSA Disability Claim

Your VA medical records are some of the best evidence you have for an SSA claim. Social Security will review your treatment notes, X-rays, and lab results from VA hospitals in New Orleans, Shreveport, or Alexandria.

While a high VA rating does not guarantee Social Security approval, it is very strong evidence. However, you may need additional medical records from private physicians to demonstrate how your condition limits your daily mobility or your ability to stay on task. We recommend ensuring your VA records are up to date and informing your Social Security caseworker of every VA facility where you have received care.

Disability Benefits for Veterans in Louisiana Parishes

Whether you are in Jefferson, Orleans, or St. Tammany, local resources are available to help you gather documentation.

Louisiana veterans often face long wait times and confusing paperwork. Coordination between the federal VA and state Social Security offices can be slow. It is vital to follow every deadline and answer every request for information quickly. Missing a single letter in the mail can lead to a denial, forcing you to start the long appeal process.

Getting Help With Your Disability Claim

You do not have to face the government alone. Empower Disability was created to help people in need navigate this specialized area of law. Our local firm in Metairie is dedicated to handling disability cases for our neighbors across Louisiana.

We can help you from the very first application or step in to help with an appeal. We handle the heavy lifting of gathering records and communicating with the SSA so you can focus on your health.

If you are a veteran struggling with back pain, PTSD, or other medical conditions, contact Empower Disability today. We are here to help you get back your self-sufficiency. Call us now at (504) 838-8883.

 

Image credit: // Shutterstock // MargJohnsonVA