As an Indiana residents and a disabled veteran, you could be receiving Veterans Administration disability benefits.

But what if the injury you suffered as part of your active-duty military service also left you unable to work at all, post-service?

You could be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, concurrent to your VA benefits. Being eligible for, and receiving, VA benefits does not mean you can’t collect SSD benefits, too.

As part as the determination for VA benefits, your medical records will be reviewed from your time in military service. Only injuries suffered on duty or diseases acquired during such time will be considered. Evaluators will give your case a disability rating up to a score of 100, and the amount you receive will depend on the score.

To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must prove you won’t be able to work for at least one year or have a condition that will lead to your death. Veterans who received a higher VA score – a 70 or greater – are more likely to be approved for SSDI benefits.

The Social Security evaluators will look at the full picture of your health in determining your eligibility. Therefore, your military-related disability will be looked at in conjunction with any health issue you have, such as asthma, in determining your qualification for SSDI.

If you have a compensation rating from the VA of 100 percent permanent and total disability, mention that on your SSDI application to expedite your claim. At the same time, be prepared to provide necessary medical evidence to Social Security that supports you are unable to work.

Our nation owes thanks to all of you who are disabled veterans. You are entitled to apply for all the benefits programs offered by the government. An attorney who works with Social Security disability cases can help in your application process.