Social Security Disability for Wounded Warriors

Applying for and persevering through the process to qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits can be a frustrating, disappointing, and lengthy ordeal. The entire process from application to a hearing before an administrative law judge can often take up to 2 years. Veterans often face a double whammy of fighting the Social Security Administration for SSDI or SSI benefits and also the Department of Veterans Affairs for service-connected disability. At least in terms of Social Security, there is some relief for some veterans in that their cases can be expedited based on “wounded warrior” status.

The SSA will expedite the case if it involves a disability claim for any military service personnel injured October 1, 2001 or later regardless of how or where the disability occurred, whether in the United States or on foreign soil, provided that the individual was on active duty when the injury occurred. The term “active duty” applies to individuals on full time duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard and includes active duty for training for students at U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, or Coast Guard academies, as well as National Guard components of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force ordered to active federal full time duty by the President of the United States in times of war or national emergency. Reserve components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard and includes active duty during full time training duty, annual training duty, and attendance while in the active service at a school designated as a Military Service School by law or by the Secretary concerned.

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, and Deer Lodge.