Allsup Highlights Social Security Initiatives to Expedite Select Veterans’ Disability Claims for SSDI
Belleville, Ill. (PRWEB) February 27, 2014 -- Social Security Administration (SSA) initiatives designed to speed up the disability claims process for veterans meeting certain qualifications do not guarantee benefits, according to Allsup, a nationwide Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and veterans disability appeals representation company.
In March, the SSA will begin expediting Social Security disability claims for veterans with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent & Total (P&T). This includes veterans who may be seeking SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims based on disability.
"P & T is an additional finding the VA makes and explicitly puts in their 100 percent award decisions," said VA-accredited claims agent Brett Buchanan, who assists Allsup customers. "It can be a difficult finding to obtain as the condition has to show no likely chance for improvement. This is a good move, but the P&T qualifier reduces the number of vets rated at 100 percent who will qualify for this expedited process."
If a veteran's SSDI claim is denied and appealed, an SSA administrative law judge is required to give great weight to a VA 100 percent rating unless there is evidence that contradicts the rating.
The SSA's other veterans initiative, the Wounded Warrior program, expedites claims made by military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after Oct. 1, 2001. Many older veterans, including those who served during the Vietnam War, are not eligible.
Both programs will help qualifying veterans get their applications reviewed faster, but they still must meet the SSA's strict disability guidelines to be granted SSDI benefits. Getting expert help with the initial SSDI application or appeal can help veterans successfully navigate the process.
The VA reports that 3.79 million veterans received VA disability compensation in 2013. Among veterans receiving VA disability benefits, it's estimated from 3.6 to 15.9 percent also receive SSDI benefits, based on information from the Center for Retirement Research and a 2007 Veterans Disability Benefits Commission report. The commission found there was a strong indication that veterans with the most severe disabilities did not know they were eligible for SSDI, or they were being denied benefits by SSA.
"Historically, veterans have under-utilized their benefits," Buchanan said. "An expert SSDI representative such as Allsup can help veterans determine their eligibility and advocate for them to receive the benefits they deserve."
Allsup handles both VA disability appeals and SSDI claims, providing veterans who are eligible for both programs an efficient option for expert help and representation.
For more information on Allsup's VA disability appeal services, call (888) 372-1190 or visit Veterans.Allsup.com.
For more information on SSDI eligibility, call the Allsup Disability Evaluation Center at (888) 841-2126 or visit Expert.Allsup.com.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, go to http://www.Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.
Tai Venuti, Allsup, http://expert.allsup.com, +1 (800) 854-1418 Ext: 68573, [email protected]
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