Below is a thank you note I received from a client after representing him in a social security disability benefit appeal.  We won at the first level of appeal (called Request for Reconsideration).  Eighty (80) percent of appeals at this level are denied - in fact many attorneys won't even try to win at this level - but thanks to my determination and my special strategy, we were successful. 

"A very small token to show my deep appreciation and admiration for your hard work on my case.  A truer friend and advocate I could never ask for.  I really believe that God has crossed our paths!  It has been a rough six months, but you are truly one of the bright stars shining through the darkness.  You have helped make me feel like a winner again.  That many things are still possible, and for that I will always be grateful.  You are truly God's trusted servant"
                                                KF, Rockland, MA

Below is a brief introduction to monthly payments available to disabled veterans through the VA and through the federal social security system.  While there are many other types of benefits available to veterans the focus of this blog will be mainly on monthly disability benefits.

VA monthly disability payments
There are two types of monthly monetary awards available to veterans through the VA, service-connected compensation and VA pensions. 

1) Service-connected Compensation
The most generous is service-connected compensation.  It is pro-rated based on the veterans' disability rating, and the amount awarded may also vary based on the number of dependents a veteran has.  The amount of compensation will not be reduced by what the VA calls "countable" income.  A veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable to be eligible for service-connected compensation.  If your discharge does not meet these criteria an advocate or attorney can seek to upgrade your discharge status so that you can meet eligibility requirements.  In addition, the disease or injury must have occurred or worsened during service, and the disability cannot be a result of willful misconduct or the abuse of alcohol or drugs.

2) VA Pensions
The other type of monetary benefits available through the VA is a VA pension.  Pensions are less generous than service-connected compensation and are reduced based on other income that the VA considers "countable".  Disabled veterans with very low incomes who are age 65 or older and who are permanently and totally disabled may be eliible for a pension.  Eligibility requires ninety (90) days or more of active military service of which at least one day was during a period of war, and a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.  Likewise the disability must not have been incurred by willful misconduct.

Social Security Monthly Disability Benefits
Disabled veterans may also be eligible for monthly cash benefits through the social security program, social security disability income (SSDI) and/or supplemental security income (SSI).  Social Security uses a different system than the VA for determining disability.  Rather than applying a disability rating, Social Security awards benefits only to those who are deemed totally disabled.

1) Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Disabled veterans who have worked and paid into the social security system may be eligible for monthly SSDI payments (until retirement age when disability checks are replaced by retirement checks).  Unlike service-connected compensation, SSDI is not awarded  based on a disability rating, rather it is awarded to those who are deemed totally disabled.  Payments are not reduced based on other income.  SSDI payments vary based on an individual's previous income and the amount of Social Security (or FICA) taxes he or she has paid into the system.

2) Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is available to the elderly, blind and disabled who have low income and limited resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI payments will be reduced based on other available income.