Congressman John Sarbanes

Representing the 3rd District of Maryland

Mobile Menu Button

Sarbanes Standard - Giving disabled veterans the service they deserve

Feb 28, 2014
Sarbanes Standard
Dear Friend,

America’s veterans have made every sacrifice to protect our country. Although we can never fully repay the debt we owe our veterans, it is our duty as a nation to fulfill our commitments to them. That is why I wanted to let you know about a recent victory for the veteran community – one that I am very proud to have been a part of.

In 2007, my first year in the Congress, a veteran-constituent contacted my office for help with his application for Social Security benefits. He had already received a 100 percent disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but had been waiting for years to be approved for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which required a completely separate application process.

No one wants to put America’s veterans through a bureaucratic runaround, so I introduced legislation to streamline the process, making it easier for disabled veterans to access their Social Security benefits. Working directly with SSA Acting Director Carolyn Colvin, I was recently able to announce new administrative protocols that will fast-track disabled veteran claims. These changes will take effect on March 17th.

For more information, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability-pt.htm where you can read more about the process. You can also check out a recent article the Baltimore Sun wrote on the topic – Social Security to expedite veteran disability claims.

If you or a veteran you know needs assistance with Social Security benefits or the VA, please contact my Towson Office at 410-832-8890. My most important duty as a member of the House of Representatives is to serve my constituents, and our country’s veterans deserve the best service we are able to give.

Sincerely,