Anyone collecting disability has no room to call anyone a welfare queen.
That's what I'm saying! But apparently its different that her and her friend are trying to play the military system to their benefit. The dude says he's going to collect social security when the time comes to! What the hell are you going to do with all that money!
Can't double dip. The moment either SSA or VA find out, that dude is fucked! He can have VA of SSA offset the amount he gets though, say he will get $1200 from SSA but only $600 from VA, then he can get all $1200 from SSA or get $600 from each. If he were to collect $1200 from SSA and $600 from VA, when it's found out, and it will be, he will have to pay all the excess money back, generally by garnishing his benefits. If that doesn't suit him, he could always spend his "sunset" years in federal prison for fraud.
As for disability and employment. VA has varying levels of disability that increase in 10% increments up to 100% and for the really messed up people they can get special month compensation above the 100% rate. You can be 0%, 10%, 20%, etc. disabled and as long as your disability stems from something that occurred on active duty (service connected disability) it doesn't matter how much money you make through employment, and it's TAX FREE.
VA Also has a pension program for veterans who's income is below the poverty level (about $1100 per month and again tax free) and have a low net worth (not including house). this benefit is entirely dependent upon income and the total of the veteran's income and pension cannot exceed the max rate (about $1100 per month). This benefit can be granted when a veteran can't work due to NON-service connected disabilities.
PS: I work at VA.
