Previously, this blog compared receiving Social Security benefits to waiting in a DMV line. The administrative process can be long and tedious for some with disappointing results replacing the light at the end of the tunnel. Fortunately, this sometimes arduous process will be getting easier for our servicemen and women. A new program for veterans may make securing Social Security disability and veteran's benefits easier.

A pilot program that began in select locations, including Virginia, allows Social Security claims administrators to receive medical records directly from the Department of Defense. This significantly expedites the process and results in benefits being received more quickly than before. The success of the program has allowed for its expansion into Washington, D.C., Baltimore and throughout the rest of the country.

Given the numerous issues involved in Social Security disability insurance, claims administrators need time to get things right. This sluggish pace is extremely irritating to the men and women of our armed forces who have a clearly legitimate injury and are unable to work. The new process, though, allows America's disabled veterans to receive attention more quickly.

Still, securing Social Security disability benefits can be challenging. While the DOD's cooperation has been a boon to veterans seeking benefits, other obstacles may remain. Local D.C. metro area attorneys understand how these new procedures interact with the rest of the administration's rules and regulations.

While veterans will be the first to benefit from the Social Security administration's commitment to automation, there is hope that this is a sign of things to come.

Source: Salisbury Post, "Social Security speeds up disability process for vets, service members," May 2, 2012