Can a Veteran Receive VA Benefits and  Social Security Disability Benefits?

The short answer is:  It Depends.

A veteran can receive disability benefits from both the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) when a veteran has built up a substantial work history and/or had years of military service and has a service connected disability.

In this instance, the veteran would likely be eligible for a service connected benefit from the VA and a disability insurance benefit under Title II of the Social Security Act.  Receipt of one would not adversely affect the eligibility for the other.

A veteran will probably not receive disability benefits from both the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) when a veteran is receiving a non-service connected type of benefit and attempting to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Both of these programs require proof of a disability plus demonstration of financial need based upon certain resource and income rules.  For instance, if a veteran is receiving a non-service connected type of VA disability benefit, the amount of this benefit would be considered income for purposes of determining eligibility under the income and resource rules for SSI and would adversely impact his eligibility for SSI.