Disability benefits: the limits and the listings
Social Security and the VA both run on published numbers: an earnings limit, a listing, a rating formula. These guides quote them from the agency and do the math.
Photo: Erik Mclean, Unsplash
Social Security disability
- Working while on disabilityCalculator
SGA, trial work months and what happens after, with a calculator.
- Chances of winning disabilityCalculator
The appeal stages, deadlines, the fee cap and what changes a claim.
- MS disabilityCalculator
SSA's listing 11.09, other ways to qualify and work limits.
- Disability for depression
SSA's listing 12.04 for depression and bipolar disorder, and evidence to gather.
Is it a disability?
- Is anxiety a disability
Three legal meanings of disability, and how anxiety fits each.
- Is rheumatoid arthritis a disability
SSA's listing 14.09, flares under the ADA, and VA ratings.
VA disability
- Depression VA ratingCalculator
The rating formula level by level, and your combined rating.
- TDIU benefitsCalculator
The 60% and 40/70 thresholds, marginal work and how to apply.
The rules behind these guides
- SSA substantial gainful activity and trial work period
- the monthly earnings amounts SSA publishes each year
- SSA Listing of Impairments (the Blue Book)
- the medical criteria for each condition, such as 11.09 for multiple sclerosis and 12.04 for depression
- 38 CFR Part 4
- the VA rating schedule, the combined ratings table (§ 4.25) and TDIU (§ 4.16)
Other topics
Found a number that doesn't match your state's current rule, or need a guide we don't have? Write to us. These guides are general information, not legal advice; see our legal disclaimer.