Distinctions between the SSDI and VDC programs make it possible for even a 100% disabled veteran to be denied SSDI coverage. VDC does not require total impairment before benefits can be awarded, nor does VDC require a claimant to be unable to work unless the claimant receives IU compensation. The average monthly VDC payment of $2,673 is more than twice that of the average $1,064 payment received by SSDI beneficiaries. Veterans who receive compensation under both programs, are not subject to any offset of one benefit against the other (CRS Order Code R41289, June 17, 2010). For more in to…
The Congressional Research Service outlines the differences between Veterans Disability Compensation program (VDC) and the Social Security Disability Insurance program under the Title II of the Social Security Act (SSDI). According to the report, these are the primary differences: SSDI is an insurance program that replaces earnings for a person whose illness or injury, which is not necessarily work-related, results in an inability to perform any substantial gainful activity. VDC is not insurance, but a compensation program that pays benefits to veterans who develop medical conditions that are related to their military service. SSDI provides both civilians and military persons…
An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way. VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. The VA General Counsel informs military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services. Additionally, the General Counsel requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such…
Most veterans, over 65, and their families are not aware of Aid and Attendance. If the veteran is approved, this veteran’s benefit can cover some costs of home care and assisted living community. The aid and attendance veteran’s benefit, depending on your needs, can cover $1964 a month of such costs for qualifying veterans. The veteran must be 65 or older, have served, at least one day, during wartime, an honorable discharge, and meet certain other income and asset requirements, to qualify for this benefit. The benefit is paid in addition to monthly pension benefits, according to the Department of…
A Veteran is a 40% shareholder in a LLC. The LLC owns a commercial building worth $200K, that is producing $1000 of income per month, the veteran receives net $400 per month. The 40% of the business is a countable asset and the $400.00 is countable income. Consequently, complete form 21-4185 and file with other claim forms. To increase your monthly income, please contact us about a FREE HANDBOOK about VA Benefits, written by David Wingate, an accredited VA Attorney, of Senior Life Care Planning, LLC, go to info@seniorlcp.com or if you require additional information about VA Benefits, visit our…
If veteran files for NSC pension, file as a single vet. However, provide the marital information, but explain the circumstances in the remarks section and request single veteran status.
SSDI is a safety-net to both civilians and military workers due to their inability to work as a result of long-term or terminal illness, providing benefits that may be subject to taxation. While VDC is also a safety-net, it provides veterans with tax-free cash benefits for service-connected illnesses or injuries. The inability to work is not a prerequisite for benefit entitlement; however veterans who are unemployable as a result of a service-connected condition are eligible for additional compensation. SSDI only compensates workers who are fully disabled; however, VDC will compensate veterans for both fully as well as partially disabling conditions….
SSDI is an insurance program that replaces a portion of earnings for an insured worker whose illness or injury, which is not necessarily work-related, results in an inability to perform any substantial gainful activity. The program is funded through payroll taxes paid under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act or the Self-Employment Contributions Act. VDC is not insurance. It is a compensation program that pays benefits to veterans who develop medical conditions that are related to their military service. The program is funded through a mandatory appropriation under the VA budget rather than from contributions by veterans or active military personnel….
Rita Files is an elder-care professional, an accredited VA claim agent, and the chief operating officer of Aging with Grace. She can be reached at rita@agingwithgrace.net.
Frederick, MD 
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