Category Archives: General
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 disability 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 »
MOTOR NEURON DISORDERS OTHER THAN ALS
WINNING SSD BENEFITS FOR MOTOR NEURON DISORDERS UNDER LISTING 11.22 Motor neuron disorders are progressive diseases that affect the nerve cells responsible for muscle control. These conditions damage your body’s ability to move, speak, and sometimes even breathe. Most people are familiar with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, there are other serious motor neuron… Read More »
CUSHING’S SYNDROME: IS IT DISABLING?
CUSHING’S SYNDROME AND SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS Cushing’s Syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. Cortisol regulates metabolism, blood sugar, and the immune system. Excess cortisol can damage multiple organs and affects your overall health. People with Cushing’s often experience weight gain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and… Read More »
SHELTERED WORK & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be overwhelming. One of the most difficult concepts in the process is how the SSA treats work and sheltered work. The SSA wants to know if you can still work. But, the SSA does not treat all work the same. Many people with serious health problems try… Read More »
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT BENEFITS
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT & DISABILITY BENEFITS A kidney transplant is often the last option for people with severe kidney disease. When the kidneys can no longer remove waste and fluids, dialysis or transplant is needed to stay alive. A kidney transplant offers a chance for a longer life. However, the surgery and recovery process are… Read More »
PANCREAS TRANSPLANT AND SSD BENEFITS
WINNING SSD BENEFITS AFTER ORGAN TRANSPLANT When a person undergoes a pancreas transplant, it means their pancreas is no longer able to function properly. The pancreas plays a critical role in producing insulin and managing blood sugar levels. When it fails, life threatening complications occur. A pancreas transplant is usually performed to treat severe… Read More »
SIX MYTHS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
DEBUNKING SIX FALSE BELIEFS ABOUT SSD BENEFITS There are many myths about Social Security Disability benefits. We hear them every day. Most people, after filing an application for SSDI or SSI benefits, believe in some of them. Do not fall for myths about SSD benefits. Don’t rely on the opinions of your friends or… Read More »
POLYMYOSITIS: HOW TO PROVE YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM
POLYMYOSITIS, DERMATOMYOSITIS, AND SSD BENEFITS If you have polymyositis and you cannot work, then you should apply for SSD benefits on the SSA’s website. When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you must prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your medical condition prevents you from working. The SSA uses a set… Read More »
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SSA’S DELAYS
WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SSA’S DELAYS? SSA delays can have a number of hidden costs. Most of these delays impact the person who is filing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. First, it isn’t an easy decision. People often wait too long to file for… Read More »
THE APPEALS COUNCIL DENIES MORE THAN 80% OF APPEALS
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO APPEAL IF THE JUDGE DENIES YOUR CASE The Appeals Council denies many cases. If you lose your case at an ALJ hearing, then you have the right to appeal your case to the Appeals Council. An appeal must be written within 60 days of the date of the ALJ’s… Read More »
PULMONARY FIBROSIS & SSD BENEFITS
PULMONARY FIBROSIS AND SSD BENEFITS Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious, progressive lung disease that can make it impossible to continue working. Many people with pulmonary fibrosis struggle with breathing, chronic fatigue, and reduced lung function. Over time, even simple daily activities, like walking across the room or climbing a flight of stairs, become difficult…. Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR LARGE INTESTINE CANCER
Large intestine cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 150,000 new cases of large intestine cancer are diagnosed annually. Almost 50,000 cases result in death. Risk factors include age, as most cases occur in people over 50…. Read More »
DOES HIRING AN ATTORNEY HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS?
HIRING AN ATTORNEY IMPROVES YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING SSD BENEFITS Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is not as simple as filling out a form and sending in your medical records. Many people believe that if they are sick, have a diagnosis, and provide medical records, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will approve… Read More »
WHAT WILL THE JUDGE ASK AT MY ALJ HEARING?
HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ALJ HEARING Be prepared for your ALJ hearing. You should hire an attorney to help you be a good witness. You need to think about the answers to some basic questions before you arrive. The hearing is being held to determine not only if you have a… Read More »
BRAIN ANEURYSM & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS A BRAIN ANEURYSM? A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that bulges out and fills with blood. Many people with a brain aneurysm do not experience symptoms. Therefore, the condition may go unnoticed until it ruptures. A brain aneurysm is a medical… Read More »
HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE? Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland. The body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing damage to the gland. This condition often leads to hypothyroidism, which occurs when where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays… 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 be given greater weight 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… 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 »
ANEURYSM & DISABILITY BENEFITS
DOES AN ANEURYSM QUALIFY FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS? An aneurysm is not just a medical term. It can be a life changing event that alters your ability to work and take care of your family. It can even keep you from doing simple daily tasks. An aneurysm happens when part of an artery wall weakens… Read More »
CHRONIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION ? Chronic pulmonary hypertension (CPH) is a serious condition that can affect every part of your life. It can make walking across a room or carrying groceries tiring. For many people, it leads to shortness of breath, fatigue, and even chest pain. These symptoms can make it nearly impossible… Read More »
SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME & SSD
WHAT IS SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME? Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a medical condition that occurs when the small intestine is unable to absorb enough nutrients and fluids from the food you eat. It usually occurs because doctors have removed a large part of the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from… Read More »
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE & DISABILITY BENEFITS
QUALIFYING FOR SSD BENEFITS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease can make it very difficult to work. If you can’t keep a job due to the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), then you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the serious nature of… Read More »
GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING & DISABILITY
GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE & FILING FOR SSD BENEFITS When a person suffers from gastrointestinal bleeding, they are often dealing with severe symptoms. These symptoms can include vomiting blood, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and chronic fatigue due to blood loss. However, simply having gastrointestinal bleeding does not automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability… 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 throughout the brain tissue, which makes it difficult to treat. It is the most common malignant brain cancer and… Read More »
HIP DYSPLASIA & SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING HIP DYSPLASIA: WHAT IT IS Hip dysplasia is a medical condition that affects the hip joint. When you have hip dysplasia, it means that your hip joint didn’t develop the right way. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The top of your thigh bone (the femoral head) is the “ball.” The… Read More »
DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE & SSDI BENEFITS
Degenerative disc disease is common disability that can impact your ability to work. If you cannot work for over one year, then apply for SSDI benefits. For legal help with your spinal disease case, contact Cannon Disability Law. We offer a free consultation and no attorney fee unless you win benefits. Hire the law firm that has won over 20,000 SSD cases. Put our legal experience to work for you.
TOP 5 DISABILITIES THAT THE SSA APPROVES MOST
If you are filing an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you may wonder what top 5 disabilities the SSA approves most. Understanding this can help you see where your claim fits in. The truth is, there is no single list that guarantees approval. The SSA evaluates… Read More »
IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE A DISABILITY?
If you have high blood pressure—also called hypertension—you’re not alone. Hypertension is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. Almost 50% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. This amounts to about 120 million people who deal with high blood pressure. In 2022, high blood pressure was… Read More »
HOW TO APPEAL A DENIAL OF DISABILITY FROM THE SSA
APPEAL YOUR SSA DENIAL Are you wondering how to appeal a denial from the SSA? Is this what happened? You applied for benefits and you received a denial of your application in the mail. Now, you are wondering how to appeal. The first thing to realize is that you should not give up. You… Read More »
MIXED DEMENTIA & WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS MIXED DEMENTIA & DOES IT QUALIFY FOR BENEFITS? If you or someone you love has mixed dementia, then you may be wondering whether Social Security Disability benefits are available. The answer is yes. But winning SSD benefits requires you to prove the severity of your condition under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA)… Read More »
UNDERSTANDING PRIMARY LATERAL SCLEROSIS (PLS)
If you have Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), then you may be wondering whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The answer is yes. PLS is a serious and progressive neurological disorder and it can form the basis for a successful SSD claim. PLS causes stiff muscles, spasticity, and gradual weakness. It interferes with movement,… Read More »
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS – WHEN TO FILE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME BENEFITS Many people contact our office asking whether they should file an application for SSDI benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Usually they wonder if they qualify for benefits. But they also wonder if they should wait to file for benefits. After all, many people with injuries or… Read More »
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME? Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a systemic disorder whose main symptom is unexplained fatigue. The fatigue is not relieved by rest and can worsen with physical and mental activity. CFS can occur in children, as well as in adults. The CDC defines the syndrome as one of ongoing fatigue… Read More »
How Much Money Is My Monthly Disability Benefit?
FILING FOR SSDI & SSI DISABILITY BENEFITS A monthly disability benefits is available if you cannot work for 12 months or longer. Disability benefits replace your income and Cannon Disability Law can help. Under Social Security rules, if you are unable to work a full time job because of a physical or mental condition,… Read More »
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Neurological disorders can result in winning SSD benefits if they prevent you from working for at least 12 months. In order to win SSDI and SSI benefits, your neurological condition must meet certain rules called the SSA listing. The “listing” is a long list of severe physical and mental conditions that the SSA agrees… Read More »
CAREGIVERS & THE SSD PROCESS
HOW CAREGIVERS CAN HELP THROUGH THE DISABILITY PROCESS If you’re a caregiver for someone with a severe disability, then you already know how challenging daily life can be. But when your loved one can no longer work, the stress of lost income adds another layer of difficulty. You may be looking for answers for… Read More »
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR DISABILITY HEARING?
Are you wondering what questions the judge will ask at your disability hearing? Will you need to explain your medical symptoms in court? Should you bring other witnesses to your ALJ hearing ? How long does the hearing take? Do you know at the end of the hearing if you have won SSD benefits?… Read More »
HOW TO CREATE YOUR MY SSA ACCOUNT
HOW TO CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT A free and secure My SSA account provides personalized 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 »
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. You might need a bone marrow transplant if you have cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Doctors will transplant healthy bone marrow cells into your body…. Read More »
COSTELLO SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS
At Cannon Disability Law, we help families deal with complex process of filing for SSI benefits. When a child has a rare condition like Costello Syndrome, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Costello Syndrome causes a wide range of physical and developmental challenges, many of which can qualify the child for… Read More »
BANKRUPTCY COURT TO HEAR SSA OVERPAYMENT CASE
BANKRUPTCY COURT HAS JURISDICTION TO HEAR OVERPAYMENT CASE Overpayment cases are not normally heard by any judges outside of the Social Security Administration. However, the 5th Circuit, in Benjamin v. United States of America, (5th Circuit 07/26/2019), has ruled that the Bankruptcy Court has jurisdiction to hear a representative payee’s overpayment case. Benjamin was acting as… Read More »
CAN YOU WORK PART-TIME & STILL GET SSD BENEFITS?
PART-TIME WORK AND IT’S IMPACT ON YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS At Cannon Disability Law, many of our clients ask the same important question: Can I work part-time and still keep my Social Security disability benefits? The answer depends on the type of benefits you receive—SSDI or SSI. Each benefit program has different rules, and understanding… Read More »
BULIMIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BULIMIA? If you suffer from bulimia nervosa, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Bulimia is a serious mental health disorder that affects both your mind and your body. It can make it hard to work, keep a job, or even take care of yourself. According to… Read More »
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is 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… Read More »
PERIPHERAL NERVE CANCER & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NERVE CANCER? Peripheral nerve cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the peripheral nerves, which are the vast network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves play a vital role in transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Your… Read More »
MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that develops in the outer layer of the skin. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is most commonly found in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, head, and neck. It can develop on any part of the… 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 »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
UNDERSTANDING LEWY BODY DEMENTIA Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts your cognitive ability, behavior, and movement. It is the second leading cause of dementia in the elderly, following Alzheimer’s disease. This complex medical condition impacts almost 1.4 million individuals in the United States, making it a major cause of… Read More »
MALIGNANT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
UNDERSTANDING MALIGNANT MULTPLE SCLEROSIS Malignant Multiple Sclerosis (Malignant MS) is a rare and severe form of MS. This condition causes intense inflammation and serious damage to myelin, the protective layer that surrounds your nerves. As myelin breaks down, more lesions and plaque form in the brain and spinal cord. This damage makes it harder… Read More »
MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY & SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY (MSA)? Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare and serious neurological disorder that affects the body’s automatic functions. For example, MSA can affect your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control. It also impacts movement and coordination. Multiple System Atrophy has had different names. For instance, past names include… Read More »
