A federal program that grants disability benefits to those who cannot work because of a medical condition, Social Security Disability Insurance was created for those with long-term disablements that severely affect one’s ability to work.
For example, a veteran files an application for Social Security disability benefits in December 2015, but the disability started in April 2014. If the condition improved by September 2014, then this period is referred to as a closed period of disability eligible for Past Disability Benefits.
These same benefits and more are available to service men and women and their families. As a wounded warrior, eligibility for expedited processing of any disability claim is available, as is a Past Disability Benefit.
Past Disability Benefits are offered to veterans and active duty members who would like to receive benefits for a disability that might have already improved. To become eligible, medical evidence must be in place that establishes a military member was unable to engage in the work force for 12 continual months. That military member must file the application within 14 months of the date that the disability ended.
A five-month waiting period must also come into play. The waiting period begins the first full month that a warrior is disabled. Thus, the first months for which a service member can begin receiving payments and benefits is the fifth month following the disability.
