SSDI Lawyers for Veterans

With over four decades of experience, we are dedicated to ensuring that US Army veterans receive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits they deserve.

Are you a disabled veteran who:

Do these concerns sound familiar?

I’m not sure about the differences between VA and SSDI.

I do not know how to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

Locating my medical records has proven to be challenging.

Attending a disability hearing alone is intimidating and overwhelming.

Do I need to wait for my VA rating decision before applying for SSDI?

What are the fees involved with hiring an attorney? How can I afford an attorney when I’m not working?

How LaPorte Law Firm can help you

At LaPorte Law Firm, we understand the complexities of applying for SSDI veterans’ disability benefits. That's why we provide comprehensive SSDI legal services to help you navigate the system with ease. Our experienced SSDI lawyers for veterans can significantly increase your chances of success, saving you time and stress.

Our attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, including benefit applications and court representation, ensuring that you have the best possible case. With a 100% VA disability rating, we can expedite your case and guarantee the fastest possible hearing. Moreover, we can help you receive both VA disability and Social Security Disability benefits simultaneously, which can make a significant difference for any veteran.

As leaders in SSDI for veterans, we know the VA hospitals all over the Bay Area and can help you obtain your medical records, making it easier for you to build a solid case. Don't let the daunting process of applying for disability benefits hold you back. Contact us today and let us help you obtain the benefits you rightfully deserve as a veteran.

What you need to know about SSDI for veterans

If you are a disabled veteran, it's important to know about SSDI benefits and how they can work with your VA benefits. Here's what you need to know about SSDI for veterans.

Disabled veterans may be entitled to up to $3,345 in monthly payments through SSDI based on their work history.

SSDI benefits for veterans are not offset by VA benefits, and vice versa.

A disabled veteran may be eligible for both VA and SSDI benefits.

Veterans with a 100% VA rating may qualify for expedited claims processing by the SSA.

SSDI approval does not depend on your VA rating but rather on the SSA’s definition of disability.

Disabled veterans are not required to be retired from the military to apply for SSDI benefits.

The SSDI application process can start even while you are still hospitalized or receiving treatment.

Blog post

Read about VA benefits and SSDI for veterans

If you are seeking information on VA Disability and Social Security Disability for veterans, our article written by SSDI Attorney Kevin LaPorte covers various topics, such as the differences and similarities between VA Disability and SSDI, eligibility criteria for SSDI for veterans, ways to strengthen your application, whether veterans can receive both VA and Social Security Disability, the application process, and how LaPorte Law Firm can assist with obtaining benefits.

What you can expect as one of our clients

Expert guidance by a qualified attorney experienced with SSDI cases as the first point of contact — no more speaking to legal secretaries and admin staff

Honest legal opinions on the chances for success, based on over 40 years of experience

Not a single dollar paid upfront, as payment is dependent on winning the case

Updates on the process every step of the way

Realistic expectations — no empty promises

Prompt responses to all questions — we won’t leave you hanging

The results you deserve

With over 40 years of service, LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients.

Terry LaPorte is the best. When I was looking for a referral, every knowledgeable attorney referred me to Terry (and only Terry). He worked hard for me, was an excellent advocate, and I completely trust his judgment. He is a kind and decent man, too. I’m grateful I found him.

I have been wanting to personally thank your team, and Terry especially, for the hard work and help with my disability claim. I also got valuable suggestions from Terry about options to stay on disability while attending college. It has worked out really well and I have just finished my first semester back in school.

LaPorte Law Firm is very good at what they do. The application process for a Social Security Disability claim can be a long, complicated, and stressful experience, but LaPorte made the entire process so much easier for me. They’re the best!

Meet our attorneys

Our team of ethical, professional, and dedicated lawyers are the cornerstone of our success.

You may also want to know more about:

SSDI Applications and Appeals

The SSDI appeals process

Our fees

How it works:

Complete the form so we can learn more about your situation.
We will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.
If your case can be pursued, we’ll start working on it.
We only get paid if your case is approved.

How we can help:

NO FEES UNLESS YOU WIN.

At LaPorte Law Firm, we only receive a fee if you win your case – so you have nothing to lose. We’re with you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SSDI benefits and SSI benefits?

SSDI is a disability insurance program financed by your Social Security paycheck deductions. Unless prohibited by your age, you must have worked a total of 10 years (40 quarters), 5 of which must be within the last 10 years (20 of the last 40 quarters). In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have earned FICA-taxed wages during this work period.

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, no work time is required at all. There are, however, limits to eligibility based on how much property you own or money you have in the bank, as the SSI program is aimed at individuals who lack income or resources and are disabled. Benefits are paid as a flat rate, and the amount may be reduced if you receive any money or assistance from any source.

With both SSI and SSDI, you must be found disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees both programs and defines disability as being unable to perform any “substantial gainful activity.”

Will SSDI replace all my lost income?

No, SSDI can be seen as a safety net. It will pay monthly benefits to you based on the amount of money that you have already paid into the system through employment taxes.

How long does it take to receive SSDI benefits?

If your claim is approved upon the first attempt, the process should take just a few months. However, it should be noted that only approximately one-third of claims are approved on the first filing. As such, most applicants need to go through the appeal process to secure their benefits. If your claim is then approved after an appeal to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, delays of a year or more before benefit payment commences are also common.

How much will I be paying in attorney's fees?

Attorney’s fees are 25% of the first retroactive payment to you by the SSA; however, the fee is capped at US$7,200 regardless of the amount of money you are owed by the SSA. There is no one-off or ongoing fee after you win your case. As the SSA can take several years to adjudicate a disability claim, disability claimants are often entitled to a large check for retroactive benefits for the period in which they were waiting for their claim to be decided. Our fees automatically come out of that first retroactive check, so our clients never have to pay us directly.

What should I do if Social Security denies my application?

If your application is rejected on your first attempt, as is the case for many first-time applicants, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An appeal must be filed using the proper forms within 60 days of the date of the denial decision. Your chances of winning an appeal are greatly enhanced by retaining a firm that specializes in Social Security law.

How much will I receive if my claim is successful?

The monthly amount you will receive depends on factors such as age, past earnings, and type of benefit. The law allows retroactive pay up to 12 months prior to the month of a disability application. To get a better idea of your situation, it is advisable to consult the SSA’s benefit calculator.

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Award-winning service

Equipped with years of experience and thousands of successful cases, LaPorte Law Firm is the leading disability attorney in the Bay Area, and we have the awards and certifications to prove it.