Will the New Changes to VA Support Make It Harder for Me To Get SSDI Benefits?

 Posted on May 07, 2026 in Social Security Disability

There have been large changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs recently. Since the beginning of the year, the VA has seen major staffing cuts, updates to the claims processing systems, and the publishing (and almost immediate reversal) of the Interim Final Rule. There continue to be ongoing discussions about other legislation that may affect veterans in the next few years.

All of this change can be very concerning for veterans who expect to live off their benefits. Many are worried that these changes will also affect their ability to access Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2026. If you’re concerned that you won’t have the financial support you need, a Collin County SSDI attorney can help you understand how these programs affect each other and what to do if your claim is at risk.

Are VA Benefits Connected to SSDI Benefits?

VA benefits and SSDI benefits operate completely independently of each other. Changes in how the VA rates disability, for example, will not impact how disability claims are handled by the Social Security Administration.

VA disability benefits are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They are based on service-connected conditions. This means they are affected by injuries or illnesses directly tied to your military service.

SSDI is administered by the Social Security Administration per federal law 42 U.S.C. § 423. It is based on your work history and whether your medical condition prevents you from having substantial gainful employment. How you got the condition is not relevant.

A veteran can receive both at the same time, but they require separate applications. Each department will make its own ruling on your disability benefits.

How Could VA Program Changes Affect an SSDI Claim?

While the programs are separate, changes to the VA may have some carryover effects on your filing for SSDI. Recent federal efforts to restructure the VA have led to staffing reductions, office closures, and longer wait times for veterans seeking medical care and records. Medical records from VA providers are often central evidence in SSDI cases. If VA offices are understaffed or backlogged, getting paper copies of those records may be more difficult.

Continuity of care also matters for SSDI claims. If VA budget cuts have disrupted your regular treatment, large gaps in your medical history can hurt your credibility with SSA evaluators. If VA healthcare access is reduced, veterans may struggle to document the ongoing severity of their conditions, which is something SSA reviewers look at closely.

None of this means your SSDI claim is doomed. It does mean you should be proactive about gathering and preserving documentation. Having a lawyer who is experienced in SSDI claims and appeals is also a valuable resource.

What Can You Do To Protect Your SSDI Claim Right Now?

If you're concerned about how VA disruptions might affect your disability case, there are practical steps you can take immediately.

• Request copies of all your VA medical records now, before any further administrative changes create longer delays.

• Keep records of every VA appointment, cancellation, or denial of care. These can support your case by showing that you were trying to be seen for your condition, especially if it’s serious.

• Seek additional medical documentation from non-VA providers if your VA access has been disrupted.

• Don't miss SSA deadlines, especially if you've already filed a claim or received a denial.

• Work with an attorney who understands both veterans' benefits and Social Security disability law.

The SSA denial rate for initial SSDI applications is high. Many valid claims are denied on the first try and require an appeal. Having strong documentation and knowledgeable legal help from the start will improve your odds of getting your claim approved.

Call a Dallas, TX SSDI Attorney Today

Federal changes to VA programs have made it even more important to have someone in your corner who understands SSDI procedures and deadlines. At The Law Offices of Coats & Todd, our Collin County Social Security disability lawyers bring over 60 years of collective legal experience to these cases and have earned numerous awards for their work. They are active members and have held leadership positions in organizations, including the National Association of Social Security Claimants Representatives and the Dallas Association of Social Security Claimants Attorneys.

Call 972-671-9922 for a free consultation with an attorney who will fight to make sure you get the support you’ve earned. Se habla español.