Good info!

Thanks Chief! Wish you the best!!!

Social Security Disability

I was diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, Type II Diabetes, and a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis. My leg starting cramping and split open from the knee to the ankle in March of 2005. I was hospitalized for 18 days in ICU in Fort Worth; The ortho surgeon was looking at amputating my left leg from the knee down. After a few prayers and a great staff from the University of North Texas Health Science Center my leg was saved. However, this occured while I was employed in a local civilian company. I was one of 5 employee's that took advantage of long and short term disability insurance. I was told by my Doctors and Insurance Company that I could not go back to work for at least a year. My company insurance carried demanded that I either file with Social Security or they would stop disability payments. With help of Ft Worth Social Security office and local Doctor's my packet was submitted on line, and medical records mailed to SSA.. I received a letter less than 6 weeks lated stating that I had been found eligible for full social security disability and money would arrive. Two weeks after the letter my first check arrived. This was all done with out having to get a Social Security physical.
I had previously been given a 60% disability by the Dallas Va. I think this depends on area as to how fast things happen and what they require. As I write this I will be 60 years old in August. I was told my first evaluation would be when I turned 65.

Social Security Disability

When I was employed several years ago, We had a policy throughout the organization that if you were drawing company disability, you had to apply for Social Security Disability and get approved. If you did not apply, or were disapproved, your benefit from the company would expire after one year whether or not you were ready to return to work.

You can apply online for SS Disability and they take it from there. It is a good system that had very courteous representatives. It took about three months for my application to get approved. They do give you back pay so it is not a problem. They dated mine back to date of disability, not date of application. That made the back pay worthwhile.

I would encourage everyone who is 100% disabled to apply for the benefit.

Cheers,
The Chief

Rumor or problem ?

I am not disabled. However, I have been receiving some emails that suggest that there is an effort to draft legislation that would terminate VA disability benefits when you begin to receive Social Security benefits.

A week ago, I emailed Oklahoma Senator Coburn to inquire whether this is true. Generally he responds within a week, but I have received no response.

If this is true, all veterans should speak up on behalf of our disabled brothers. Does anyone know anything about this?