Expedited claims for disabled veterans “absolutely the right thing to do,” says national commander.
The leader of the nation’s largest veterans service organization says he is "greatly pleased" by a planned Social Security Administration (SSA) move to expedite disability claims from military veterans.
On Wednesday, SSA Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin and U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Md., announced a plan to award disabled veterans high-priority status and expedite their Social Security disability claims. The action will apply to those with 100-percent VA disability compensation ratings.
"This is absolutely the right thing to do," said Daniel M. Dellinger, national commander of The American Legion. "On behalf of the Legion’s 2.4 million members and all of our nation’s wounded warriors, I thank the Social Security Administration for this tangible recognition of our veterans’ sacrifices. I am greatly pleased."
Dellinger’s remarks mirrored those of Colvin who said, "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and it is only right that we ensure that they have timely access to the disability benefits they may be eligible for and deserve."
SSA says it plans to launch its expedited claims processing service in mid-March.
- Veterans Benefits