Imagine securing the VA disability benefits you earned without ever worrying about whether filing a claim could jeopardize your security clearance — and by extension, your career, your family’s stability, and your future. For veterans and federal employees in sensitive roles, this question isn’t academic — it’s personal.

The fear is real: “If I apply for VA disability, will I lose my clearance?” The truth is more reassuring than most people think. In this guide, we’ll explain how VA disability claims affect security clearances, what risks actually exist, and how to protect yourself while still maximizing your benefits.

Do VA Disability Claims Affect Security Clearances?

For the vast majority of veterans, filing for VA disability benefits does not negatively impact a security clearance.

Here’s why:

  • Physical disabilities — such as orthopedic injuries, hearing loss, or chronic pain — have no bearing on your ability to safeguard classified information.

  • Most medical conditions — even when service-connected — are not viewed as disqualifying by the government.

The main concerns arise around mental health conditions, but even here the reality is more nuanced (and less scary) than many believe.

Mental Health, VA Claims, and Clearances

The Department of Defense and security clearance adjudicators do not automatically deny or revoke clearances for mental health conditions. In fact, DoD has stated publicly that seeking mental health treatment is considered a positive sign of responsibility.

That means:

  • PTSD, depression, or anxiety claims don’t automatically put your clearance at risk.

  • What matters is whether the condition causes issues like unreliability, poor judgment, or susceptibility to coercion.

  • Veterans who seek treatment and demonstrate stability are typically seen as lower risk than those who ignore their condition.

📌 Takeaway: Don’t let fear stop you from seeking benefits for PTSD or other conditions. Filing for VA disability isn’t a red flag — hiding problems often is.

For more information, read our post regarding Security Clearances and Mental Health Disclosure.

Financial Benefits and Clearance Concerns

One area where VA disability can actually help your clearance is finances.

Adjudicators look closely at financial stability when evaluating clearances. If you’re struggling with debt, late payments, or bankruptcy, that’s a risk factor. But VA disability compensation is:

  • Tax-free, guaranteed monthly income

  • For life, as long as the condition persists

  • A stabilizing force for your finances

Example: A veteran receiving a 100% rating gets about $3,737/month tax-free, which is like earning $6,000/month in taxable income. That’s $45,000+ per year of reliable income. Demonstrating that you have a steady, government-backed benefit stream can actually strengthen your clearance case.

When Security Clearance Risks Can Arise

There are a few scenarios where VA disability claims may overlap with clearance risks:

  • Fraudulent Claims: If someone lies or exaggerates to obtain benefits, and it’s discovered, that dishonesty can damage a clearance.

  • Severe Mental Health Issues Without Treatment: If a veteran has a condition that leads to erratic behavior, unreliability, or refusal to seek treatment, it may raise concerns.

  • Substance Abuse Claims: Conditions tied to alcohol or drug abuse may require additional scrutiny.

But these are exceptions, not the rule. The overwhelming majority of veterans who file for VA disability continue to hold — and even renew — their clearances without issue.

WHY NSLF

At National Security Law Firm, we live at the intersection of VA disability law and security clearance law. Few firms in the country know this space like we do.

  • Veteran-Owned and Operated: Our founder, Brett O’Brien, is an Army veteran and disabled vet himself. He knows the fear of balancing health, benefits, and career.

  • Trusted Nationwide: We proudly hold a 4.9-star Google rating (see reviews here) because we fight hard, explain clearly, and win for our clients.

We don’t just maximize your VA benefits. We do it with an eye toward protecting your career, your clearance, and your future.

How Much Does It Cost?

With NSLF, you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win — and then only 20% of your back pay, never your future monthly checks.

👉 Learn more here: VA Disability Lawyer Pricing Explained.

Do I Need a Lawyer for This?

Not every veteran needs a lawyer to file a claim. But if you’re:

  • Concerned about how a claim might affect your security clearance,

  • Filing for a mental health condition, or

  • Fighting a denial or low rating…

…having experienced legal representation can make all the difference.

Example:

  • Veteran files alone for PTSD → receives a 50% rating = about $1,700/month.

  • With legal help, secondary conditions and full evidence are presented → rating increased to 100% = about $3,737/month tax-free (~$6,000 taxable equivalent).

  • That’s nearly $2,000 more every month, or over $600,000 across 25 years.

👉 Learn more in our Guide to VA Representation Options.

Your Next Step: Protect Your Benefits and Your Clearance

Don’t let myths or fear hold you back. Filing for VA disability benefits does not put your clearance at risk — in fact, it can strengthen your financial profile and show responsibility in managing your health.

For more strategies, explore our VA Disability Education & Legal Strategy Center — the #1 hub for veterans who want to win their claims and protect their futures.

And if you want personalized help, we’re here. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain how claims and clearances interact, and build the strongest case possible to secure both your benefits and your career.

👉 Reach out today.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.