Sorry folks there is disability fraud

[DustyJoe]

197. hard to get

There is way too much oversight of SSI/SSDI. That's why it takes 3 years to get.

Believe me, talk to any vet trying to obtain VA disability and you will hear about the same 3-5 year wait, appeals and headaches getting the benefit. I can attest to applying for benefits in 1997 just to get a re-evaluation for a higher percentage due to deteriorating conditions from existing already rated bullet, shrapnel and blast injuries. Took till 2000 a full 3 years to get a 20% bump up.

SSI/SSDI to my knowledge does not rate each and every condition with a percentage of disability to determine benefit amounts like the VA does. SS gives you a fixed amount whether disability due to obesity or amputated limbs.

Case and point, a 20% VA rating for muscle damage from shrapnel in the chest that shreds 25% of the pectoral muscle, but no rating for the long term breathing problems/pain from the torn pleural lining, lung tissue damage or the chunks of metal left in the lung. At least SS it's an all or nothing instead of the piecemeal percentages that have to be fought for over and over.

I agree it shouldn't be the battle that it is, but then the entire SS appeal lawyer industry would fold up if they actually made it make sense.