Author Archives: Dianna Cannon
STEP FIVE: THE BURDEN OF PROOF SHIFTS TO THE SSA
SSA’S SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION IS A FIVE STEP PROCESS The SSA uses a five step review process to see if you qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. Each step involves a question. The answer to the question helps the SSA know what to do with your claim. Depending on the answer, the SSA can deny… Read More »
DIABETES TYPE 1 & CHILDHOOD DISABILITY
WHAT IS DIABETES TYPE 1? Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This leads to a lack of insulin in the body, which is necessary to control blood glucose levels. Type 1 Diabetes is… Read More »
LUNG TRANSPLANT WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS A LUNG TRANSPLANT? A lung transplant is a critical procedure for those who have exhausted all other treatment options. They are usually done only after all other treatment options—such as medications, oxygen therapy, or less invasive surgeries—have failed. Candidates for a lung transplant must meet strict medical criteria to ensure success. A… Read More »
DISABLED VETERANS QUALIFY FOR SSA EXPEDITED REVIEW
EXPEDITED REVIEW IS AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED VETERANS Are you a disabled veteran? Did you know that Veterans who are 100% service connected qualify for expedited review with the Social Security Administration? This means that if you file an application for SSD benefits, you may not have to wait so long for a decision. Currently,… Read More »
SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS
UNDERSTANDING SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS When you apply for SSD benefits because of a mental health condition, the SSA uses a 5 point rating scale to determine how severe your condition is. The SSA’s 5 point scale focuses on how your symptoms affect your ability to function on a consistent… Read More »
MALIGNANT MELANOMA & SSD
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and threaten your life. Doctors usually find skin cancer by doing a physical exam. The doctor will then do a biopsy or imaging tests. This type of cancer… Read More »
DAILY ACTIVITIES CAN HURT YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM
HOW YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES IS IMPORTANT Some of the most important evidence in your case is your own description of how your medical conditions affect your daily life. SSA asks you to fill out multiple daily activities forms. They do this because they want to understand how your symptoms affect your ability… Read More »
ULCERATIVE COLITIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS? Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that causes ulcers in the large intestine and also the colon. These ulcers or sores cause the colon to become thick and scarred. Because the colon is damaged it cannot properly absorb water. Also, it cannot absorb electrolytes from the food passing through the… Read More »
FEDERAL COURT REVIEW FOR YOUR SSD CASE
CAN YOU APPEAL YOUR SSD CASE TO FEDERAL COURT? It is possible to appeal a denial from the Appeals Council to Federal Court. However, in order to have access to judicial review under the Social Security Act, the decision of the SSA must be final. Also, you must file a Complaint in Federal Court… Read More »
CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE? Chronic liver disease is a medical condition that affects the structure and function of your liver. Over time, inflammation of your liver cells leads to liver damage. There are a number of causes of chronic liver disease. These include viral infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, drinking too… Read More »
HOW TO REQUEST A DISABILITY HEARING
REQUEST A HEARING WITH THE SSA When you receive your second denial from the SSA, it will give you the option to request a hearing. If the SSA denies your case, you still have the right to appeal their decision. Your request for a hearing must be filed within 60 days of the date… Read More »
AGE DIFFERENCES IN SSD CLAIMS: WILL THEY HELP YOU?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUNGER VS. OLDER INDIVIDUALS Age differences are a key factor when the SSA decides your SSD case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses age to define whether or not you are disabled. For example, age categories influence how the SSA assesses your ability to adapt to other work. Younger… Read More »
SLEEP APNEA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs during sleep when you have a pause in breathing or shallow breathing. These pauses can occur multiple times a night and result in fatigue the next day. If so, sleep apnea can interfere with your ability to work. If you have severe sleep apnea and other medical issues, apply for SSD benefits with the help of Cannon Disability Law.
HEART TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
HEART TRANSPLANT & SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS A heart transplant is an operation where surgeons replace a failing or damaged heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. This procedure is usually performed on individuals with end stage heart failure or severe heart conditions. It is an option only after your heart disease… Read More »
HIRE A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER TO WIN BENEFITS
TO WIN BENEFITS YOU NEED A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER If you suffer from mental illness and need SSD benefits, then hire a mental health SSD lawyer. If you cannot work for at least one year at any job due to mental illness, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits…. Read More »
PAST RELEVANT WORK: SSA’S NEW 5 YEAR RULE
For years, SSA’s definition of “past relevant work” has included all the jobs you have done in the last 15 years. But this week, the SSA made a significant change to their rules. On June 22, 2024, the SSA announced that now past relevant work is work done in the last 5 years, instead of the past 15 years. This is a welcome change that benefits the SSA and those who file for SSDI and SSI benefits.
HEART FAILURE & DISABILITY – LISTING 4.02
WHAT IS HEART FAILURE? Heart failure is a significant public health concern in the United States, because it affects 6.7 million adults. This chronic condition, which occurs when the heart cannot properly pump blood to meet the body’s needs, is a leading cause of disability nationwide. Heart failure occurs when your heart does not… Read More »
SPINAL DISORDERS & SSD BENEFITS – LISTING 1.15
SSD BENEFITS FOR SPINAL DISORDERS Spinal disorders can keep you from working and you may need to replace your income with SSD benefits. Do you have a spinal condition that prevents you from working? To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and SSI benefits, the SSA requires you to have a severe medical… Read More »
PSYCHOSIS, DELUSIONS & DISABILITY
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS WITH PSYCHOSIS Psychosis can destroy your ability to work, communicate, and function on your own. Many people with psychotic disorders struggle to maintain a job because these symptoms interfere with concentration, judgment, and social interaction. Hallucinations and delusions often create severe mental issues that make full time work… Read More »
SYRINGOMYELIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS SYRINGOMYELIA? Syringomyelia is a neurological condition where fluid filled cysts form within the spinal cord. As these cysts grow they damage the spinal cord. They can also damage the nerve fibers that carry impulses between your brain and body. If you have syringomyelia, then nerve damage may make it difficult to move… Read More »
STEP THREE WINS DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS STEP THREE OF THE SSA REVIEW PROCESS? Step three is a crucial step in the SSA review process. That is why it is important for you to understand it. Even though the last thing you need to worry about is one more step in the SSA review process that you have never… Read More »
WHAT ARE JOB SKILLS?
WHY ARE JOB SKILLS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SSD CASE? Job skills refer to the ability, knowledge, and expertise a person requires to perform specific tasks or duties on the job. Assessing your job skills helps the SSA make a decision about your ability to work. If you have job skills, then it is likely… Read More »
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND DISABILITY BENEFITS – LISTING 12.02
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its symptoms can prevent you from working. If you cannot work for longer than 12 months due to a TBI, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits. A TBI can occur from a head injury while playing sports. Also, combat veterans may suffer from a… Read More »
WHEN DO SSDI BENEFITS END?
WHAT ARE THE REASONS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS END? There are a number of reasons why Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can end. This article will discuss the four most common reasons for an end to your Social Security Disability benefits. The first event that usually ends SSDI benefits is an improvement in… Read More »
THREE REASONS TO HIRE A DISABILITY ATTORNEY TO WIN YOUR SSD CASE
There are more than three reasons to hire a disability attorney to represent you in your claim for SSDI and SSI benefits. The reason most people don’t hire an attorney is they think it will cost too much money. What most people don’t know is that attorney fees in SSDI and SSI cases are… Read More »
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 »
