I am a disabled veteran, so why is Social Security denying my Social Security disability claim?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The VA Says I Am Disabled — So Why Is Social Security Denying My Disability Claim?

Answering your question.

You may have gotten a letter from the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) that says you’re disabled. But then you apply for Social Security Disability, and they say you’re not disabled. That feels unfair, right?

The truth is: The VA and Social Security have very different rules for what counts as “disabled.” Let me explain why.

Different Standards = Different Decisions

The VA’s Rules

The VA gives disability ratings based on how much your condition affects your ability to function.

• You can be rated 10%, 50%, 70%, or 100% disabled
• The VA may still say you’re disabled even if you can still work a little

For example:

You could have a 70% VA rating and still hold a job — the VA says, “Yes, you’re disabled for VA purposes.”

Social Security’s Rules

Social Security has a much stricter rule:

You must be completely unable to work any full-time job for at least 12 months, or your condition must be expected to lead to death.

They don’t use percentages like the VA. With Social Security, it’s all or nothing — either you can work full-time, or you can’t.

So even if the VA says you’re 70% or even 100% disabled, Social Security might say:

• “You can still do a light or simple job.”
• “Your condition won’t last 12 months.”
• “We don’t have enough medical evidence.”
  

VA Approval Helps — But It’s Not Automatic

Social Security will look at your VA records, especially if your disability is service-connected. In fact, since 2017, Social Security must consider VA disability decisions — but they are not required to agree.

So:

• If your VA records are detailed and strong, they can help a lot.
• But if the records don’t clearly explain how your condition limits your ability to work, Social Security may still deny your claim.
  

What Social Security Looks For

Social Security wants:

• Medical evidence (doctor reports, test results, treatments)
• Limitations (Can you sit, stand, lift, concentrate, follow instructions?)
• A condition that keeps you from doing any full-time job, not just military jobs

Even if the VA says you can’t go back to your old job, Social Security may say:
 “You could still do a simple sit-down job.”

Example:

Let’s say you have PTSD from military service.

The VA says you’re 70% disabled for PTSD — they give you monthly benefits. Social Security reviews your claim and says:

• “You can still do a light or simple job.”
• “Your condition won’t last 12 months.”
• “We don’t have enough medical evidence.”

But with the right medical records and explanation from your doctor, that decision can be reversed on appeal.

In Summary (Plain Language):

VA Disability	Social Security Disability
Uses % ratings (like 50%, 70%)	No ratings — it’s all or nothing
You can still work and get VA benefits	You must be unable to do any full-time work
VA may pay even if you’re partly disabled	SSA pays only if you’re fully disabled
VA approval helps but doesn’t guarantee SSA approval	SSA looks at different rules and evidence

What You Can Do:

• Get all your VA medical records and include them in your Social Security claim.
• Ask your VA doctors to write a statement explaining how your condition stops you from working.
• Work with a disability attorney who knows both systems — they can make sure your records match what Social Security wants to see.