Author Archives: Dianna Cannon
THE DATE LAST INSURED AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT DOES THE “DLI” STAND FOR? The “Date Last Insured” is the last day you were insured for SSDI benefits. You may wonder what that means. After all, you probably didn’t realize that the SSD program is an insurance program. But, it is. For example, you pay your insurance “premiums” by paying your taxes… Read More »
COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES IN 2023
SSA’S NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES FOR 2023 In 2023 there were several new Compassionate Allowances added to SSA’s list. The Compassionate Allowances initiative allows Social Security to quickly identify severe medical conditions that meet the criteria for SSD benefits. Because the diseases on the list are so severe, the SSA wants to pay benefits as… Read More »
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
DOES A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? A bone marrow transplant is one of the most complex medical procedures that a person can have. The reason you might need a bone marrow transplant is if you have cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Doctors will transplant healthy bone marrow cells… Read More »
KIDNEY CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER? Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs located on each side of the spine, below the ribcage. They play an important role in removing waste products from your blood and keeping an overall fluid balance… Read More »
ARE YOU WORKING? IF SO, ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS?
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF “WORK” FOR THE SSA? If you are working, according to how the SSA defines work, then you cannot be paid SSDI or SSI benefits. However, work has a very specific meaning under SSA’s rules. Work is defined by the SSA as “substantial gainful activity“(SGA). A person who is earning… Read More »
MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
WHAT IS MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE? Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder. It shares symptoms with several other connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Because it shares symptoms with so many other disorders, it is sometimes referred to as an overlap syndrome. Some of these… Read More »
IQ AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS
A low IQ can lead to winning SSD and SSI benefits. For instance, if you have a low IQ, it may prevent you from working. You might know if you have a low IQ because it is hard to learn new things. Or, maybe you cannot keep a job, because you keep getting fired…. Read More »
HOW TO FILL OUT SSA’S WORK HISTORY FORM
WHAT IS SSA’S WORK HISTORY REPORT FORM? Do you know how to fill out SSA’s Work History form? If you are asking yourself this question, then that is good! You should worry about what you write on the forms that you send to Social Security. Believe it or not, the work history form is… Read More »
DEMENTIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, dementia is a group of conditions that effect your brain’s neurological health. For example, you may have dementia if you have ongoing memory loss and poor judgment. Additionally, dementia usually involves a progressive decline in your cognitive function, memory, and language skills. Dementia interferes… Read More »
HOW TO WIN NEVADA SSD BENEFITS
THE SSD PROCESS IN NEVADA Nevada SSD benefits are available if you cannot work for 12 months or more due to your health. Most people who are suffering from a physical or mental condition and who can no longer work should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits. It is possible for you to have… Read More »
SSD BENEFITS FOR BRONCHIECTASIS
WHAT IS BRONCHIECTASIS? Bronchiectasis is a condition that occurs when the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs get damaged, causing them to widen and become loose and scarred. These tubes are called airways. Bronchiectasis usually results from an infection or other condition that injures the walls of your airways or… Read More »
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that can occur in some people who have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. The common symptoms of the disease are red, scaly patches on the skin caused by the accelerated growth of skin cells. You can see this type of skin issue in the… Read More »
SPINAL CORD INJURY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS A SPINAL CORD INJURY? A spinal cord injury refers to damage to the spinal cord. Your spinal cord is a long tube of nerve tissue that runs from the brain down through the center of your back. The spinal cord contains nerve fibers that transmit messages between the brain and the rest… Read More »
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
WHAT ARE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS? Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of medical conditions that occur during the developmental period, which is age 22 or younger. Possible signs and symptoms of these disorders include problems with cognitive processing. It also includes deficits in attention or impulse control, low frustration tolerance, or deficits in social skills. While… 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 »
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY? Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the name for a group of genetic disorders that progressively weakens muscle fibers. While there are several types of muscular dystrophy, they all share the common symptom of muscle dysfunction. The symptoms of the disease and the muscles that are affected vary depending on the specific… Read More »
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a fairly common condition. It comes from overuse of the hand while doing repetitive movements. The carpal tunnel is an opening in your wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the carpal ligament at the top of the wrist. The… Read More »
SSI BENEFITS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT ARE SSI BENEFITS? SSI benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general taxes. SSI benefits do not come from Social Security taxes. The goal of the SSI program is to provide a monthly payment that helps disabled people, those who are blind, and who also have… Read More »
HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME (HLHS) & SSD
WHAT IS HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME? Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a rare congenital heart defect. When a baby is born with HLHS, the left side of the heart is severely under developed. The affected structures of the heart can include the mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and the aorta. Because the… Read More »
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 »
SSD BENEFITS FOR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS
RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS: HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE HEART? Recurrent arrhythmias is a condition that affects the normal beating of the heart. The heart has a natural rhythm that is created by the sinoatrial node or the SA node. This rhythm is created by a group of cells in the right atrium of the heart… Read More »
MALIGNANT MELANOMA & SSD
WHAT IS MALIGNANT MELANOMA? Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that threatens your life if you leave it untreated. Skin cancer is usually found by your doctor through a physical exam. The doctor will then do a biopsy or imaging tests. This type of cancer can cause severe disability and even death… Read More »
HEART FAILURE & DISABILITY – LISTING 4.02
WHAT IS HEART FAILURE? Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough oxygenated blood into your body. Another term for heart disease is cardiovascular disease. Or, diseases which affect the cardiovascular system. This system includes the heart and its arteries, veins and capillaries. Heart failure has certain symptoms and signs. Those… Read More »
YOU HAD A HEART ATTACK? CAN YOU GET DISABILITY?
HEART ATTACK AND WINNING SSDI BENEFITS You had a heart attack and also had severe problems following the attack. For example, you get chest pain when you exert yourself and you need to sleep for two hours every afternoon. Due to your problems, you can’t work and you want to know if you qualify… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR HEARING LOSS
Disability benefits are available for those with severe hearing loss. For instance, the SSA insurance program offers two types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSDI benefits are awarded if a person is disabled and unable to work. One must work first a certain number of… Read More »
TIPS ON WINNING YOUR NEVADA MENTAL HEALTH CASE
WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN NEVADA Nevada mental health SSD benefits are available for you. Cannon Disability Law can help you win SSDI and SSI benefits for your mental condition. In order to win benefits for mental health from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you need treatment. There are many low cost and sliding… Read More »
PARKINSON’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
PARKINSON’S DISEASE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Every year, around 60,000 Americans get Parkinson’s disease. Around the world, there are more than 10 million people living with the condition. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the nervous system. It also affects the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Parkinson’s disease… Read More »
VARICOSE VEINS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS? Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen and twisted. They are usually found in your legs. However, they can also occur in other parts of the body. They develop because of a blockage in the vein. As you can see from the illustration below, a normal vein has healthy… Read More »
SCLERODERMA & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS SCLERODERMA OR SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS? Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue. This leads to hard and tight skin and it can also affect internal organs and blood vessels. The exact cause of scleroderma is not fully understood. However, the disease is a subject of ongoing medical… Read More »
ANXIETY DISORDER AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER AND SSD BENEFITS Anxiety Disorder is a mental condition that can result in being unable to work. If you cannot work for over 12 months due to anxiety, then you may be able to win SSD benefits. Having some anxiety is normal. Anxiety is normal because it is a normal coping… Read More »
SUBSTANCE ABUSE & SSD BENEFITS
Substance abuse could prevent you from winning SSDI and SSI benefits. This is because the SSA has rules that prevent you from winning SSD benefits if your disability is due to the abuse of alcohol or drugs. Abuse of alcohol is not having a drink at a party or having a drink with dinner…. Read More »
MEDICARE BENEFITS INFORMATION
WHAT IS MEDICARE? Medicare is the United States health insurance program for people who are 65 years or older. However, if you receive Social Security Disability benefits, then you also get Medicare benefits after a waiting period. In order to obtain SSD benefits, you must apply. You can apply online at the Social Security… Read More »
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
WHAT ARE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS AND MEDICARE BENEFITS? It is that time of year again. The time for open enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private companies and Medicare is run by the federal government. However, both provide health insurance coverage. Everyone needs health insurance and this article should… Read More »
ALCOHOLISM, DRUGS, AND DISABILITY
CAN YOU RECEIVE SSD BENEFITS IF YOU ARE AN ALCOHOLIC OR DRUG ADDICT? Alcoholism and drug addiction are problems for many people. These addictions can result in mental or physical disability, but it can be difficult to win benefits unless you quit drinking or using drugs. To apply for Social Security benefits, go to… 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 SSD 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 »
WHAT IS THE FIVE MONTH WAITING PERIOD?
WHAT IS THE FIVE MONTH WAITING PERIOD FOR SSD BENEFITS? There is a five month waiting period in every Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) case. It applies to everyone with very few exceptions. Even if you file for SSDI benefits on the same day you became unable to work and the SSA granted your… Read More »
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IS A DISABILITY Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can result in symptoms which prevent you from working. If you have CKD, then you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In order to win SSD benefits, you must have a medical condition that keeps you… Read More »
MENTAL IMPAIRMENTS THE JUDGE MUST CONSIDER
HOW DOES THE JUDGE RATE MENTAL CONDITIONS AT SOCIAL SECURITY HEARINGS? Mental Impairments are crucial to whether you can be paid benefits. At Social Security hearings, the ALJ must weigh the medical evidence. By “weigh” the evidence, he or she must determine which evidence to give the most credence too. For example, most SSA… Read More »
RAISE THE SSI ASSET LIMITS
SSI ASSET LIMITS NEED TO BE RAISED For years, the SSI savings and asset limits have kept people with severe medical conditions in poverty. SSI or Supplemental Security Income is a benefit for those who have a disability that keeps them from working. However, in order to receive it you must have a severe… Read More »
SOMATIC DISORDER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS A SOMATIC DISORDER? A somatic disorder can prevent you from working a full time job. A somatic disorder requires you to have physical symptoms that are not explained by another medical condition. However, your doctor will not diagnose a somatic disorder only because a medical cause can’t be found for a physical… Read More »
PANCREATIC CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
TYPES OF PANCREATIC CANCER Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas, which is an organ in your abdomen behind the stomach. There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer and Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer. You can obtain SSDI and SSI benefits for both types of cancer. However, you can only be paid benefits… Read More »
ACUTE LEUKEMIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS LEUKEMIA? Acute Leukemia is a form of cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where your blood cells are produced. It affects white blood cells, which are crucial for the body’s immune system. Acute leukemia starts when a cell changes and becomes a leukemia cell. Because it no longer matures the way it should,… Read More »
MIGRAINES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT ARE MIGRAINE HEADACHES? Migraines are not just a headache. Migraines are a severe headache that often comes with nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. However, migraine symptoms are different for everyone. But, they are known to be vascular headaches that create serious head pain. The head pain is caused by the activation of nerve… Read More »
THE MEDICAL OPINION OF YOUR DOCTOR
HOW DOES THE SSA WEIGH THE MEDICAL OPINION OF YOUR DOCTOR? The medical opinion of your doctor should matter more than the opinion of SSA’s doctors. Most people submit a letter or progress notes from their doctor that states they cannot work. Sometimes, they even file for SSD benefits on the advice of their… Read More »
SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY
THE SSA AND SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY (SGA) Substantial gainful activity are the words the SSA uses for “work.” If you file a claim for SSD benefits and you are still working, then you are going to hear the term “substantial gainful activity.” But what is SGA? SGA means “work” over a certain amount of… Read More »
SPINAL DISORDERS & SSD BENEFITS – LISTING 1.15
SSD BENEFITS FOR SPINAL DISORDERS Spinal disorders can keep you from working and result in 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 condition that lasts for at least… Read More »
PART B CRITERIA WINS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
SSA’S PART B LISTINGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS Part B of the SSA’s listing is a requirement that you need to prove if you have a mental health condition. The SSA’s Blue Book listing for mental conditions is arranged in 11 categories. And, all of them contain Part B. That is why Part B… Read More »
TURNER SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS TURNER SYNDROME? Turner syndrome (TS), also called Monosomy X, is a genetic condition that impacts females. It occurs when a girl is born with one of their two X chromosomes completely or partly absent. Normally, a child is born with 46 chromosomes in each cell (23 pairs). However, in TS, the child… Read More »
FIVE MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN APPLYING FOR DISABILITY
Mistakes are made every day by thousands of people who file for Social Security benefits. Below you will find a discussion of five common mistakes that you should NOT make when filing for benefits. If you listen to this advice, it will help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. If you cannot work, then… Read More »
HOW TO BUILD MEDICAL RECORD EVIDENCE FOR YOUR DISABILITY CASE
Medical records are the single most important thing in your SSD case. Building that medical evidence is the best thing you can do to help yourself win SSD and SSI benefits. At Cannon Disability Law, we can help you build your medical records and win your benefits. Unfortunately, many people who apply for SSDI… Read More »
