Differences between SS and VA Qualifications If you are receiving VA benefits for a service connected disability you can still obtain benefits under Social Security provided you can meet their requirements. A big difference between Social Security and VA disability is that you do not need to be totally disabled in order to get VA benefits. However, under Social Security rules you are either considered to be totally disabled or not disabled.
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Many veterans have many types of disabilities, but they must be connected to an injury which occurred while in service. For those applying for Social Security benefits, one must have what is called a severe impairement which basically means a definite reason why you cannot work such as a bad knee or back as examples. Also, x-rays or an MRI test must be in your medical record to prove you have a severe impairment. It is best from the start of your application to use a lawyer who works only with disability cases. He will assist you in obtaining all your medical records.
A state agency will then go over all these records to determine the degree of your disability. In knee cases, the important point is how your knee disability is affecting how well and how long you can stand and walk over an 8 hour working day. It makes no difference what is the cause of your knee pain, whether it is due to past surgeries, knee replacement, arthritis or a torn meniscus. To repeat, it is how limited you are in your ability to walk over a normal working day.
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