On this Veteran's Day, Social Security is highlighting the initiatives they take on to make sure those who served our country are taken care of expeditiously. 

Every year on Veterans Day, Social Security honors the people who risk their lives to protect our country. Jack Myers with Social Security says this is an important resource for military members who return home with injuries. One of the important ways that Social Security honors veterans are by providing expedited processing of their Social Security disability claims.

Myers points out they apply this expedited processing for military service members who became disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where they were when they became disabled. Social Security can also apply expedited processing for veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent & total from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

It is important to note that Social Security disability benefits are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and require a separate application. Myers explains active duty status and receipt of military pay will not necessarily preclude Social Security disability benefits - although a person can’t be found disabled and eligible for Social Security disability benefits while they are engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, they can potentially be found disabled if the injury makes them unable to work, even if they are still receiving pay. 

If you are or know a wounded veteran, please check out the Wounded Warriors webpage at www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors.