Author Archives: Dianna Cannon
FIVE MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN APPLYING FOR DISABILITY
Mistakes are made every day by thousands of people who file for Social Security disability benefits. In this blog you will find a discussion of five common mistakes that you should NOT make when filing for benefits. If you listen to this advice, then it will help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. If… Read More »
MANIC SYMPTOMS & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING MANIC SYMPTOMS & SSD BENEFITS Manic symptoms affect daily life in serious ways. Many people with bipolar disorder struggle to keep a job, manage money, and maintain stable relationships. Additionally, manic symptoms impact your focus, your mood, and your ability to function at work and at home. As a result, you may find… Read More »
INSOMNIA MATTERS IN YOUR SSD CLAIM
WHAT IS INSOMNIA? When people think about Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, they often picture obvious physical limitations or mental conditions. What many don’t realize is that often insomnia and chronic sleep problems play a significant role in a successful disability claim. This is especially true when insomnia is a symptom of an underlying… Read More »
BIPOLAR DISORDER AND SSD BENEFITS
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER? Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can qualify for Social Security benefits. If your mental health symptoms are severe enough that they keep you from working, then you might be able to win SSDI and SSI benefits. In order to… Read More »
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS & DISABILITY
WHAT ARE ENDOCRINE DISORDERS? Endocrine disorders are a group of diseases which affect the glands of the endocrine system. Disease can be caused by hormonal imbalance, autoimmune issues, your genes or environmental factors. The most common endocrine conditions include diabetes, thyroid disease, and obesity. When an endocrine gland is not working properly it creates… Read More »
OVER 50? The “GRID” Rules Help Older Workers Win Disability Benefits
OLDER WORKERS CAN WIN SSDI BENEFITS Older workers have a better chance of winning benefits because of the way Social Security law works. The SSA knows that it is difficult for older workers to change jobs and learn new skills. Additionally, it is challenging to find a job. Most employers don’t want to hire… Read More »
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS Applying for disability benefits, or SSDI and SSI benefits, can be frustrating because you may not know what you need to do. Likewise, you may not know what questions the SSA will ask you when you apply. The most important thing you can do is begin your application…. Read More »
OCD & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS OBSESSSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental condition in which a person has overwhelming obsessions and compulsions. Obsessive thoughts do not just occur every once in awhile. Instead, if you have OCD, then you have constant thoughts and feelings that you do not want to have. Likewise, the compulsions that… Read More »
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM – SIX THINGS THE SSA WILL NEVER DO
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SPOT AN SSA SCAM? How can you spot a scam? How do you know if it is really the SSA on the phone calling you? What do you do if the SSA demands you pay a fine? You may have received a phone call from someone claiming they were… Read More »
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR THE HEARING DECISION?
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET AN SSD HEARING? The wait time to get a hearing depends on the location where you live. Currently, in 2026, the wait time for a hearing has gone down. It is possible to have a hearing within 7-10 months after filing for one. However, the wait time… Read More »
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is PTSD is a mental health condition that can qualify a person for SSDI if it prevents them from working. Usually, PTSD develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in response to a wide range of traumatic… Read More »
SSA MENTAL EXAM: HOW TO DESCRIBE DEPRESSION
WHY THE SSA MENTAL EXAM MATTERS FOR DEPRESSION CLAIMS If you have a Social Security disability claim based on depression, then the SSA mental exam plays a key role in your case. The SSA calls the psychological exam a Consultative Exam. If you allege a mental condition when you file your application for disability benefits,… Read More »
TIPS ON SURVIVING THE WAIT FOR SSD BENEFITS
Here are seven tips on how to survive the long wait for SSD benefits. You can apply for other benefits, like Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF. Health insurance options are also available. Other tips require you to save money and cut expenses. Hiring a lawyer to help you win SSD benefits is also a useful tip.
EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME (EDS)? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic conditions. These conditions affect the connective tissues in your body. Because there are different forms of the syndrome, the symptoms differ for each person. In order to win disability benefits, you must be unable to work at any job for longer… Read More »
CHECK YOUR EARNINGS TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PAYMENTS AND RETIREMENT The monthly amount of your Social Security Disability payments and your future retirement benefits is based upon your earnings. You are responsible to check your earnings statement every year. Therefore, you must check your earnings to make sure they are properly reported to the SSA and IRS. When you… Read More »
SUICIDAL IDEATION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
SUICIDAL IDEATION: IS IT A DISABILITY? Suicidal ideation affects how you think, feel, and function every day. It can make simple tasks feel overwhelming and unsafe. You may try to continue working despite these thoughts. However, the pressure to commit suicide often builds and becomes harder to manage over time. The SSA evaluates mental… Read More »
SPINAL NERVE ROOT CANCER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS SPINAL NERVE ROOT CANCER? Spinal nerve root cancer is a rare but serious condition that affects the nerves leaving your spinal cord. About 10,000 to 18,000 people in the USA are diagnosed with metastatic spinal tumors each year. Your nerve roots carry signals between your brain and body. When cancer develops in… Read More »
WHAT IS AN UNSUCCESSFUL WORK ATTEMPT?
SSA’S UNSUCCESSFUL WORK ATTEMPT An unsuccessful work attempt occurs when you try to work while you are waiting for benefits. But, even though your try, you simply fail because of your severe medical condition. Many people call us, while they are waiting for the SSA to make a decision, and ask if they can… Read More »
WHY DOES SSA KEEP DENYING MY CASE?
WHY ISN’T THE SSA GRANTING YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS? At our disability law firm we hear a version of this question every day. People look at their neighbors and cannot understand why they are getting SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, people compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should… Read More »
OBESITY & DISABILITY – SOCIAL SECURITY RULING 19-2P
Obesity is a medical condition that can prevent you from working. If you are off work for more than 12 months, then you can apply for SSD benefits. However, the SSA eliminated the listing for obesity, which means you cannot meet a listing for obesity. Instead, obesity needs to combine with another medical impairment to prevent you from working. If you can prove that your symptoms of obesity and another medical condition disable you, then you can win SSD and SSI benefits. Hire an experience law firm, like Cannon Disability Law, to help you win your Social Security benefits.
When the SSA took obesity out of the listing, they thought the change would produce financial savings.
HIP REPLACEMENT & SSD BENEFITS
Hip replacement can result in winning SSD benefits if you are unable to work after surgery. However, you must be unable to work for at least 12 months following your hip operation. Additionally, your hip condition must interfere with your ability to perform your past work and all other jobs. Likewise, it must also… Read More »
HOW TO PREPARE FOR SSA’S PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM
WILL THE SSA SEND YOU TO A PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM? A psychological exam tells the SSA what they need to know about your mental health. Since your mental health can impact your ability to work, the SSA may send you to a psychological examination. The SSA calls the psychological exam a Consultative Exam. If you… Read More »
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION EXPLAINED It is important to understand your ALJ hearing decision because it will tell you if you won SSD benefits. If you didn’t win benefits, then the ALJ decision will tell you why you didn’t win. Finally, if you lost your case, it also tells you what to do next…. Read More »
ALSTROM SYNDROME & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS ALSTROM SYNDROME? Alstrom syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects many systems in the body. It develops over time and the symptoms of the disease are not the same in every person. The condition affects vision, hearing, heart function, and metabolism. It also impacts major organs such as the liver and… Read More »
ALS DISABILITY BENEFITS: LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE
WHAT IS LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE OR ALS? ALS disability benefits are available for you if you have Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a fatal disease that gradually robs you of your ability to move, speak, and care for yourself. As the condition progresses, daily life can become increasingly… Read More »
CAN YOU WORK PART-TIME & STILL GET SSD BENEFITS?
PART-TIME WORK AND IT’S IMPACT ON YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS Can you work part-time and still keep your Social Security disability benefits? The answer depends on the type of benefits you receive—SSDI or SSI. Each benefit program has different rules. Understanding those rules is key to protecting your income and your health. Our SSD law… Read More »
REVERSE DIABETES THROUGH DIET & EXERCISE
CAN DIABETES TYPE 2 BE REVERSED? Diabetes is Type 2 is the most common form of the three types of Diabetes. It is also known as adult onset diabetes. This condition can be genetic. However, it is usually brought on by a poor lifestyle choices. For example, if you are overweight, don’t exercise, and… Read More »
ADRENAL CANCER DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS ADRENAL CANCER? Adrenal cancer is a rare form of cancer that begins in the adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of each kidney in your upper abdomen. Many people do not know where these glands are or what they do. However, your adrenal glands produce important hormones that control many body… Read More »
LUNG CANCER DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS LUNG CANCER? Lung cancer is the third most common form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the main cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Lunger cancer occurs when your lung cells divide uncontrollably. This out of… Read More »
Dianna Cannon, J.D. – Social Security Disability Attorney – Attorney at Law Magazine
DIANNA CANNON, SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY Featured in Attorney at Law Magazine, Dianna Cannon has been practicing Social Security Disability Law for more than 30 years. “I help people get their Social Security Disability benefits,” she explains. “I handle Veteran’s Disability cases and Black Lung Disability claims as well. But mostly, I handle Social Security… Read More »
STEP FOUR: WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN YOU DO?
Step four of the SSA review process defines your residual functional capacity and your past relevant work. Understanding step four will help you win SSDI benefits. You need to prove that your medical conditions prevent you from performing your past work and any other work. Contact Cannon Disability Law can help you prove you deserve benefits under step four of the disability review process.
AVASCULAR NECROSIS AND SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS AVASCULAR NECROSIS? Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. As the bone dies, small fractures in the bone occur, eventually leading to additional larger fractures. The fractures can occur in any bone in the body. However, avascular… Read More »
USHER SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS USHER SYNDROME? Usher syndrome is a genetic condition that causes hearing loss and progressive vision loss. Some people also develop serious balance problems. The condition occurs because certain genes do not work properly. These genetic changes affect the inner ear and the retina of the eye. The retina contains light sensing cells… Read More »
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH TREATMENT: SSA’S POLICY
THE SSA LOOKS FOR COMPLIANCE IN YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS Noncompliance with medical treatment can be a huge problem if you are trying to win disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to review your medical records and see that you have follow orders and comply with treatment. If you fail to do what… Read More »
SSD BENEFITS FOR HERNIATED OR BULGING DISCS
A herniated disc occurs when the jelly type filling in between the spinal disc breaks through the outer shell of the disc and presses on the nerves. The pinched nerve can cause severe pain in your back, hips, and legs and make you unable to work. You may need surgery for the herniation. If you can’t work for more than 12 months, then you should apply for disability benefits. The SSA awards SSD benefits under listing 1.15 for a herniated disc that prevent you from working. Disability benefits replace your income until you can work again.
STOMACH CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
FACTS ABOUT GASTRIC OR STOMACH CANCER Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the cells that line the stomach walls. It is one of the most common types of cancer and can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to its lack of symptoms. However, with proper screening and early… Read More »
THE MEDICAL EXPERT AT THE SSA HEARING
Medical Experts commonly called by the ALJ to testify at SSD hearings. They explain your medical conditions to the judge and testify about whether your condition meets or equals an SSA listing. You need a lawyer to question the ME and prove the ME wrong if they give unfavorable testimony.
WILLIAMS SYNDROME DISABILITY BENEFITS
WILLIAMS SYNDROME AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects your heart, brain, and physical development. The condition is rare and affects about one in 7,500 to 10,000 people. Williams syndrome creates medical and cognitive challenges that may prevent you from working. Many people with Williams syndrome require continuous… Read More »
DIGEORGE SYNDROME DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING DIGEORGE SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS DiGeorge Syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a genetic condition that leads to a wide range of health problems. For example, if you have DiGeorge Syndrome then you may have heart defects, problems with your immune system, and developmental delays. DiGeorge Syndrome has many symptoms which… Read More »
MENTAL ABILITIES YOU MUST HAVE TO PERFORM UNSKILLED WORK
Certain mental abilities are necessary to do any type of work, even work that does not require skills. Skills have a specific definition that the SSA uses when they are deciding if you can work. For example, the SSA states that a skill is knowledge of a work activity which requires the exercise of… Read More »
PULMONARY MUSCULAR ATROPHY (PMA) & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS PROGRESSIVE MUSCULAR ATROPHY (PMA) Progressive Muscular Atrophy, or PMA, is a rare motor neuron disease. It affects the lower motor neurons in your spinal cord. These neurons control your voluntary muscle movement. They send signals from your spinal cord to your muscles. When these neurons break down, your muscles weaken and shrink…. Read More »
HSCT DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT (HSCT)? A hematopoietic stem cell transplant, also called HSCT, is a serious medical treatment. It replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These stem cells help your body make new blood cells. Doctors use this transplant to treat severe blood and immune system diseases. Your bone marrow… Read More »
ATTORNEY FEES IN DISABILITY CASES
Attorney fees may be on your mind if you need to apply for SSD benefits. The SSA controls the amount of the attorney fee in SSD cases. You only pay an attorney fee if you win your case and it comes out of your back benefit.
ADJUSTMENT DISORDER & SSD BENEFITS
An adjustment disorder is similar to depression, but it may not last as long. If your symptoms persist and keep you from working for more than one year, then you may qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. The burden is on you to prove that you meet the SSA’s criteria for disability. For this, you will need ongoing medical treatment and the support of your doctor and a counselor. It can take up to two years to win SSD benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to apply for benefits as soon as you realize you cannot work due to your adjustment disorder. Take proactive steps towards financial security by hiring an attorney and starting the SSD application process.
WHAT YOU NEED FROM YOUR DOCTOR TO PROVE DISABILITY
THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY IS ON YOU Your doctor can help you prove to the SSA that you have a severe medical condition. You need the help of your doctor. Because the burden to prove that you deserve benefits is on you. Submitting medical evidence is important. But statements from your doctor about… Read More »
THYMIC CARCINOMA & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS THYMIC CARCINOMA? Thymic Carcinoma (TC) is a rare and aggressive cancer that begins in the thymus gland, a small organ located behind the breastbone and in front of the heart. The thymus plays a critical role in the development of immune cells, particularly during childhood and early adulthood. It contains two primary… Read More »
ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER
Antisocial personality disorder is a serious mental health condition that can keep you from working. If you cannot work due to ASPD, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, you should hire a law firm who handles SSD benefit cases exclusively. A lawyer with years of legal experience can help you win past due and ongoing disability benefits for your antisocial personality disorder.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR MY SSA ACCOUNT
HOW TO CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT A free and secure My SSA account provides personal tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card and estimate your future retirement benefits. You can also use it to check the status of… Read More »
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IS A DISABILITY UNDER SSA’S RULES Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease that affects the central nervous system. When an individual suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, the disease damages the covers of the nerve cells in the brain. It also damages nerve cells in the spinal cord and optic nerves. This nerve… Read More »
VETERANS BENEFITS: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE
VETERANS BENEFITS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW VA benefits are for veterans who were on active duty in the military and were injured or disabled during their service. Additionally, you can also win benefits if your post service medical condition relates to your time in service. This is true, even if your medical condition… Read More »
