Benefits for Members of Military

Expedited processing available for those who served and sustained disabilities

Wounded warriors can get on the fast track toward receiving SSD benefits. Our firm can help get you there.

If you are serving in the military, you can receive "expedited processing" of disability claims from Social Security. Social Security benefits are different than those from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.

Social Security is speeding up the processing of claims for military service members who became disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.

If you were disabled while on active military service, an attorney can help guide you through the process and make sure your rights are protected. Turn to Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave, serving families in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, for experienced and knowledgeable representation. We relentlessly pursue the maximum compensation our clients are entitled to.

If your Social Security Disability claim was denied, we can help you through the appeals process. Contact us today for a consultation.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits

Disabled military personnel may apply for Social Security Disability benefits while in active duty status or after discharge. Additionally, you may be eligible for disability benefits from Social Security if:

You are receiving military pay; or
You are receiving treatment at a military medical facility and working in a designated therapy program or on limited duty.

However, you cannot receive Social Security Disability benefits if you engage in substantial work activity for pay or profit, also known as "substantial gainful activity." The determining factor is your actual work activity, not the amount of pay you receive or your military duty status.

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits

To apply for benefits, you or your attorney must provide the following documented information: your age, employment, proof of citizenship and information regarding all impairments and related treatment.

It's important to file the application for disability benefits as soon as possible with any documents readily available, including:

Original or certified copy of your birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency if foreign born;
Form DD 214, if discharged from military service;
W-2 form or income tax return from last year;
Proof of military pay or workers' compensation;
Social Security numbers of your spouse and minor children;
Checking or savings account number, if you have one;
Name, address and phone number of a contact person, in case you are unavailable; and
Medical records that you have and/or that you can easily obtain from all military and civilian sources.

Do not delay filing an application, even if you do not have all the above documents.

Wait time for a decision on a Social Security Disability claim

The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your Social Security Disability claim can vary, depending on several factors, but primarily on:

The nature of your disability;
How quickly Social Security personnel obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source; and
Whether a medical examination is necessary in order to obtain evidence to support your claim.

Can I do anything to speed the decision?

You can speed the decision on your application for benefits by being prepared for your interview with Social Security.

Let Social Security know right away that your disability occurred while on active military duty;
Have information available regarding all the doctors you have seen and the address of the military site where your records are kept;
Notify Social Security of any address changes you have; and
Inform Social Security about any changes in doctors, hospitals or outpatient clinics where you are receiving treatment.

After your application for Social Security disability benefits, you are identified as a military service member and the claim will be expedited through all phases of processing. Disability claims filed online also are expedited.

Attorney Terry Tolbert was an officer in the USAR JAG Corps for ten years and is familiar with both the military and Social Security Disability systems. He only represents individuals with appeals of denied claims through the Springfield, Missouri, Social Security Appeals office.

We can help military service members with their Social Security Disability claims

Don't delay. If you are a wounded military service member, you may be entitled to receive expedited processing of your Social Security Disability claim. Contact the experienced attorneys of Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave to get your claim started. The initial consultation is free. Call (800) 887-4030.