Author Archives: Dianna Cannon
PROSTATE CANCER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
FACTS ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, after skin cancer. This year, 268,490 men in the United States will be found to have prostate cancer. Worldwide, almost 1.5 million men had prostate cancer in 2020. Most of those men were older than 60 years old. Doctors… Read More »
WILL MY CHILDREN GET BENEFITS IF I’M ON DISABILITY?
If you win Social Security disability benefits, then you may wonder if your children can receive benefits too. The answer depends on whether you’re receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. Only SSDI benefits are available to a child if a parent is getting SSDI benefits. SSI does not… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR NECK PAIN
WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN? Neck pain has many causes, including nerve compression, neck injury, muscle spasms and degenerative disc disease of the neck. Most people, at one time or another, experience neck pain. But, with time and treatment, neck pain usually doesn’t interfere with our ability to work. Obviously, the Social Security Administration doesn’t… Read More »
COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS FOR YOUR DISABILITY CASE
CAN YOU COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS? Yes, you can collect your own medical records. In fact, the burden to submit your medical records to the SSA is on you. You need to collect your medical records, as they are crucial to winning your SSD benefits. After you apply for SSD benefits, you must collect… 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.
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.
THE PART C CRITERIA WINS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
UNDERSTAND PART C OF THE MENTAL HEALTH LISTING If you are filing an application for SSDI and SSI benefits because a mental disorder keeps you from working, then you should understand SSA’s Part C criteria. The SSA evaluates mental disorders under the Listing of Impairments. Each mental disorder in the listing contains symptoms and… Read More »
BONE FRACTURES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR BONE FRACTURES? Bone fractures and broken bones normally heal in a matter of a couple of months. Therefore, it can be difficult to get SSD benefits for bone fractures. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and SSI benefits, you must have a medical condition that… 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 disabling and fatal disease. Very few people survive more than a handful of years after their ALS diagnosis. For the following reasons, ALS is also… Read More »
CONVERSION DISORDER
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR CONVERSION DISORDER Conversion disorder is a mental condition in which people experience neurological symptoms, but doctors cannot find the reason for the symptoms. The symptoms often present as physical problems. For example, you could have issues with motor function, sensory perception, or even seizures. The term “conversion” is used to… 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 »
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS & BENEFITS
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune, neuromuscular condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. In fact, the name means “serious muscle weakness,” which is the main symptom of the condition. This weakness tends to get worse the longer the muscles are used and gets better after the muscles are rested. It is caused… Read More »
DOWN SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome. Usually, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. However, babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21. The medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’ Therefore, another name for Down… 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 »
PULMONARY EMBOLISM & DISABILITY
WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lungs. This can occur when the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs become blocked. First, the blood clot forms in the legs or the pelvic area. Next, the clot travels to your lungs. When a blood… Read More »
WHY DOES SSA KEEP DENYING MY CASE?
WHY ISN’T THE SSA GRANTING YOUR BENEFITS? At Cannon Disability Law, we hear a version of this question every day. People look at their neighbors and believe they should not be getting SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, people compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should get benefits… Read More »
KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SSD BENEFITS
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful joint operations. However, 20% or people who have surgery end up with chronic pain. If you have chronic pain, then you may not be able to work and should apply for disability benefits. If knee surgery left you using canes or a walker to ambulate, then apply for SSDI benefits today. Call Cannon Disability Law for a free review of your knee replacement disability claim.
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.
THE FIVE STEP PROCESS TO QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS THE FIVE STEP PROCESS TO WIN SSD BENEFITS? INTRODUCTION TO SSA’S SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION PROCESS The SSA has a five step review process that they use to see if you qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. Each step is a question that helps the SSA know what to do with your claim. Depending… Read More »
IF CLAIMANT DIES CAN FAMILY RECEIVE SSD BENEFITS?
What happens when a claimant dies and there is an SSD application pending? Can a family member still receive SSD benefits on behalf of the deceased? The answer is yes. Cannon Disability Law can help your family after the death of a loved one who filed an application for SSD benefits. Sadly, this happens… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR DEPRESSION – LISTING 12.04
WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is a mental health condition that brings on chronic feelings of sadness and low mood, loss of interest in activities, and trouble doing your daily activities. A case of depression can be mild or severe and last for a short or long time. For example, you may have a mild… Read More »
POLYCHONDRITIS & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING POLYCHONDRITIS Polychondritis, or Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder. If you have this disorder, then you experience repeated episodes of inflammation in the cartilage of the body. This disease can affect multiple organ systems and lead to a wide range of symptoms. Because it is a rare condition it affects… Read More »
LUPUS DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET LUPUS SSD BENEFITS? Lupus disability benefits are available for people with severe lupus symptoms who cannot work for more than one year. Are you a worker who pays your taxes? Did you stop working for over 12 months due to lupus? If so, then you can apply for Social Security Disability… Read More »
RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY & SSD
WHAT IS RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY? Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is one of the most important concepts in your Social Security benefits case. The reason it is so important is your RFC can make the difference between winning or losing your SSDI and SSI benefits. If you can prove that your RFC prevents you from… Read More »
HIRE A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER TO WIN BENEFITS
TO WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS YOU NEED A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER If you suffer from mental illness and need disability benefits, then you should hire a mental health SSD lawyer. If you cannot work at any job for more than one year due to mental illness, then you should file an application for SSDI… 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 »
GLIOBLASTOMA & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS GLIOBLASTOMA? Glioblastoma is an aggressive and highly malignant brain tumor that forms from glial tissue of the brain and spinal cord. The cells that look very different from normal cells. The cells spread aggressively throughout the brain tissue, which makes it difficult to treat. It is the most common malignant brain cancer… Read More »
BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS? Benign brain tumors, or noncancerous brain tumors, are abnormal growths of cells that develop in the brain. Unlike malignant tumors, benign brain tumors do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Although they are not cancerous, they can still cause problems depending on their… Read More »
SMALL INTESTINE CANCER & SSD
WHAT IS CANCER OF THE SMALL INTESTINE? Small intestine cancer qualifies for SSD benefits if it prevents you from working for over 12 months. This article will discuss cancer of the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we consume. It is located between the stomach and the large… Read More »
WHAT QUESTIONS WILL THE JUDGE ASK AT MY DISABILITY HEARING?
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SSA HEARING Are you wondering what questions the judge will ask at your SSA hearing? Don’t worry, an SSA hearing is nothing like a criminal hearing. You are the main witness. But, you will not be grilled with questions like they do to witnesses on television. Also, the judge… Read More »
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 more significant fractures. The fractures can occur in any bone in the body. However, avascular… Read More »
SSA’S INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY LISTING
WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY? Intellectual disability (ID) is a term that is used to describe a person who has limits in their mental ability and in their communication skills, self care skills, and social skills. Children with ID take longer to learn to speak, walk, and take care of themselves. They have trouble learning in… Read More »
SPINAL STENOSIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS? Spinal stenosis is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves that pass through it. Compression of the nerves causes pain and numbness. It can also cause weakness in your back, legs, and arms. There are two main types of spinal stenosis: lumbar and cervical… 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.
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 »
PICK'S DISEASE QUALIFIES FOR SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA? Pick’s disease or Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the less common forms of dementia. The disease is rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are responsible for managing important functions such as making decisions. It also regulates emotions, speech, and movement…. Read More »
ARE YOU UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE SSA?
HOW DOES AN SSA INVESTIGATION START? How do you know if the SSA is investigating you? Most people who need SSD and SSI benefits are not aware the Social Security Administration can investigate you. However, the SSA does investigate people who apply for benefits. Therefore, you need to know that if you file for… Read More »
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & WINNING SSD
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that damages memory, thinking, and behavior. It progresses over time and makes it hard for you to lead a normal life and to work. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. It accounts for almost 60-70% of all dementia cases. Learn about other… 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.
GETTING MARRIED: WILL I LOSE MY SSI BENEFITS?
MARRIAGE DOESN’T DISQUALIFY YOU FROM SSI BENEFITS – EARNINGS DO! Getting married doesn’t automatically end SSI benefits. What ends SSI benefits is the “INCOME AND ASSETS” of your spouse. If your spouse has a full time job, then some of that income will be counted as yours. That may reduce your SSI benefits. Please… Read More »
SCOLIOSIS & PROVING DISABILITY
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that if your scoliosis symptoms and back pain are severe, you may not be able to work a full time job. If you are unable to work full time for at least 12 months due to your scoliosis, then it is possible for you to qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits
UTAH RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND
UTAH RESOURCES & SSD BENEFITS FOR THE BLIND If you need help with Utah SSD benefits or other resources because you are blind, then you have found the right law firm. Because, our law firm is on your side. We can help you receive monthly SSD payments and also win past due SSDI benefits…. Read More »
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE SOFT TISSUE INJURIES? A soft tissue injury occurs when there is damage to your muscles, ligaments, or tendons . These injuries usually occur due to sudden trauma or overuse. For example, you could have a bike accident and fall onto your shoulder, tearing your shoulder tendons. Or, you could play a lot… Read More »
FIVE SECRETS TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS
Secret really isn’t the right word to describe what this article is about. However, some of the issues we are going to discuss are not well known, even though they are important to winning SSD benefits. Therefore, perhaps you could call them secrets. The following five “secrets” will help you file your application for… Read More »
WHY IS A VOCATIONAL EXPERT COMING TO MY HEARING?
A vocational expert is attending your hearing to provide testimony about your work history. They will also testify about any transferable skills you may have that you could use in other types of employment, despite your medical conditions. Most cases are won or lost based on the VE’s testimony at the hearing. That is why you need to hire an experienced SSD lawyer to question the VE and win your Social Security disability benefits.
THE WAIS IV & INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
DOES THE SSA USE THE WAIS IV TO TEST FOR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY? The WAIS-IV is a test that the SSA uses to measure your intelligence. Normally, the SSA will set up a Psychological Evaluation for you to attend. They will send you to one of their doctors for the exam. Learn how to prepare… Read More »
SCHIZOPHRENIA AND DISABILITY
WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA? Schizophrenia is a mental illness with severe symptoms that cause a person to seem out of touch with reality. People with schizophrenia may also hear voices or sounds that are not there. Likewise, they may see things that other people cannot see. If someone is seeing things that aren’t really there,… Read More »
HOW TO FILE A REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
DID THE SSA DENY YOUR APPLICATION FOR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS? Request reconsideration online at the SSA’s website if the SSA denied your application for SSD benefits. Don’t wait to appeal your SSI or SSDI initial denial. You can file your appeal online. You don’t have to fill out forms by hand or go… Read More »
ENDOMETRIOSIS & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition that affects women. The condition occurs when the endometrium, which is the lining inside the uterus, begins to grow outside the uterus. The endometrial cells then implant on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvis. This causes pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding,… Read More »
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 »
