Veterans · VA + SSDI Representation

Two systems. Two claims. One firm that handles both.

A veterans disability lawyer who has worn the uniform: VA disability and SSDI are two separate federal benefit systems — and most veterans should pursue both. We handle both together, led by a former Air Force JAG officer who knows the military system from the inside.

The JAG Advantage

A former JAG officer handling your VA & SSDI claims.

Most disability firms don’t market specifically to veterans because dual VA + SSDI claims require fluency in two complex federal systems. Our associate attorney, Lauren Inocencio, served as a Judge Advocate (JAG) in the United States Air Force before joining our firm.

She knows the military justice system, administrative law, and the regulatory environment your service touched. That knowledge translates directly into how we build evidence, coordinate VA records, and develop the legal arguments that matter in both systems.

“Lauren understands the military side of these cases in a way no civilian-only attorney can. For veterans, that matters.”

USAFFormer JAG officer · Texas A&M + South Texas Law

All 50Authorized to practice before any SSA Judge in the United States

$0Upfront fees · no fee unless we win

VA vs. SSDI

One veterans disability lawyer for two systems and two standards.

Veterans often hear conflicting information about VA disability and Social Security Disability. The truth is they’re two distinct federal benefit programs with different rules, different evidence requirements, and different rating systems — and most disabled veterans qualify for both.

System 1 · Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Disability Compensation

For service-connected conditions caused or aggravated by military service.

Rating-based system — 0% to 100% disability rating
Service connection required — condition tied to military service
No work-history requirement — eligibility based on service
Multiple conditions combine — under VA’s combined rating table
Healthcare access — VA healthcare benefits often follow

System 2 · Social Security Administration

Social Security Disability (SSDI)

For people who can’t work because of a medical condition.

All-or-nothing — you’re disabled or you’re not
Service connection not required — any qualifying medical condition
Work history required — earned through FICA taxes
Monthly cash benefit — based on your work record
Medicare eligibility — after 24 months on SSDI

Veteran Scenarios We Handle

Four situations we see most often.

Every veteran’s situation is different — but most fall into one of these scenarios. We’ve handled all of them.

VA-rated veteran filing for SSDI

You already have a VA rating — maybe 70%, 90%, or 100% — and you can’t work. SSDI is a separate process with different standards, but your VA records and rating decision are valuable evidence. We coordinate.

Most common scenario

Veteran pursuing both VA & SSDI in parallel

You’re filing both claims at once, or close to it. The two systems run on different timelines, but evidence developed for one strengthens the other. We coordinate both claims from the same legal team.

Parallel filing

PTSD or mental health from combat or service

Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression secondary to chronic pain, or other mental health conditions linked to military service. These cases benefit most from JAG experience — we know the records, terminology, and standards.

Mental health · JAG advantage

Physical disability from training, deployment, or combat

Back and joint injuries, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, exposure-related conditions, and other physical disabilities arising from military service. Strong cases combine VA and civilian medical evidence.

Physical · Service-connected

Meet Your Veteran Advocate

A real JAG officer. A real attorney. A real difference.

USAF JAG Officer · Associate Attorney

Lauren Inocencio

Associate Attorney · Veterans & SSDI

Lauren joined Downard & Associates in February 2026. Born and raised in Texas, she earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in 2015 and her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law–Houston in 2018. After passing the Bar Examination in 2019, Lauren served as a Judge Advocate (JAG) in the United States Air Force.

As a JAG officer, she provided legal counsel to military commanders and service members on military justice, family law, administrative law, and regulatory compliance — work that required strong advocacy, careful legal analysis, and the ability to navigate complex government systems. That experience translates directly to representing veterans in both VA and SSDI claims.

Lauren is authorized to practice before any Social Security Administration Judge in the United States.

USAF JAG Officer
Texas A&M (’15)
South Texas Law (’18)
SSA Authorized (All 50 States)

Veterans FAQ

Questions veterans ask most.

Can I get both VA disability and SSDI?

Yes. VA disability and SSDI are two separate federal benefit systems with different rules, different evidence standards, and different rating methods. Many disabled veterans qualify for both at the same time. The two can — and usually should — run in parallel. We handle the coordination.

Does a VA disability rating automatically qualify me for SSDI?

No. VA ratings are not binding on the Social Security Administration. SSA uses its own evaluation rules and its own definition of disability. However, VA medical records and rating decisions are valuable evidence in an SSDI claim — and many veterans with high VA ratings also qualify for SSDI under SSA’s standards.

If I’m 100% VA disabled, am I automatically SSDI eligible?

Not automatically — but a 100% VA rating, especially a permanent and total (P&T) rating, is strong evidence. SSA evaluates whether you can perform substantial gainful work. A 100% P&T VA rating doesn’t bind SSA, but it indicates conditions severe enough that SSDI approval is often appropriate. Each case is evaluated on its own merits.

What’s the difference between VA TDIU and SSDI?

VA Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and SSDI both relate to inability to work, but they’re different systems. TDIU pays VA compensation at the 100% rate if service-connected conditions prevent substantial gainful employment, even without a 100% schedular rating. SSDI is a separate program based on FICA contributions. Veterans with TDIU often qualify for SSDI — and vice versa — but each has its own application and approval process.

Will my VA benefits be reduced if I get SSDI?

No. VA disability compensation and SSDI don’t offset each other. You can receive both at full value. (This is different from private long-term disability insurance, which often does offset against SSDI.) Veterans who qualify for both genuinely receive both — it’s one of the few "stacks" in the federal benefit system.

Can you help with VA disability appeals too?

Our primary practice is SSDI, but we work closely with VA-accredited representatives on veterans’ dual claims. Lauren’s JAG background and authorization to practice before SSA gives us direct expertise in the SSDI side. For VA-specific appeals, we coordinate with accredited VA representatives to ensure both claims are handled correctly.

What if my disability comes from training, not combat?

It doesn’t matter for SSDI — SSDI evaluates whether you can work, regardless of how the condition occurred. For VA disability, the distinction can matter for service connection but not for the underlying evaluation. Training injuries, deployment-related conditions, exposure-related illnesses, and combat injuries all qualify for SSDI when severe enough.

I’m still on active duty. Can I file for SSDI?

You can file while on active duty in certain circumstances — particularly if you’re awaiting medical separation or medical retirement. The rules are nuanced. Active-duty pay can affect Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) analysis. We help veterans transitioning from active duty understand the timing strategies that work best.

How long do veterans’ SSDI cases take?

Initial decisions typically take 3–6 months. If denied, reconsideration adds another 3–6 months, and an ALJ hearing can add another 12 months or so. There is a separate expedited process for veterans rated 100% P&T by the VA — these receive priority handling at SSA. We help veterans access these expedited tracks when applicable.

Veteran with a disability claim? Let’s talk.

Free case review. No obligation. We respond within 2 business hours. JAG-led representation.

Start My Free Review Call (615) 255-4307