Social Security improvements for veterans

The Social Security Agency came forward with good news for wounded veterans. The service has worked on a series of improvements aimed at helping men and women who were wounded while in active duty of the US Military.

In a press release on Friday, November 9, Social Security identified eight benefits affecting wounded veterans, including those in the Chandler, Brownsboro and Murchison areas.

Michael Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, said in the press release though the veterans could never be fully repaid for their service, they could still be provided quality Social Security.

There will be an expedited disability claims process for those disabled on active duty. The faster process will be available for those disabled on or after October 1, 2001.

A website with Social Security and military service information has been added. The website, www.socialsecur ity.gov/woundedwarriors, also allows for online application.

An agreement was made with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the department to electronically grant Social Security with the medical records of veterans applying for disability benefits. As a result, the disability determination process will be faster.

Social Security liaisons will be spread throughout the country to work with Veterans Affairs' Transition Patient Advocates. The liaisons will provide TPAs with Social Security information and speed the application for benefits.

Disability examiners, those who make medical decisions on disability claims, will receive instructions and training on how to evaluate Traumatic Brain Injury, a common injury in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

A fact sheet will be provided. The sheet will explain Social Security and military service and will explain how to apply for benefits. The sheet has been given to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the branches of the US military.

Social Security will provide workers to visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, Evans Army Medical Center and other medical centers in America. These employees will take disability applications and see cases expedited.

Finally, efforts with the Severely Injured Marines organization and Sailors and Wounded Warriors Project will address issues and open discussion about Social Security claims processing.