Category Archives: General
THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY IS ON YOU
YOU HAVE THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY AT YOUR SSA HEARING Most people think it is easy to prove their disability to the SSA. Those who apply for benefits think they will win after they file their application. Or, if they don’t win right away, they think they will win if they simply explain… Read More »
PCD & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING PARANEOPLASTIC CEREBELLAR DEGENERATION (PCD) PCD or Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration is a rare neurological condition associated with certain types of cancer. This condition arises due to an immune response triggered by the presence of a tumor. The immune system mistakenly attacks the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for motor control. While… 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.
THE CAL IN 2026: NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES
2026 ADDITIONS TO THE CAL In 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) added fourteen new medical conditions to their Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list. The CAL initiative accelerates the SSD application process for those with serious diseases and medical conditions that meet the statutory standard for SSD benefits. The 14 new conditions became effective August… 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 »
PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOUR SSD CASE If you have a severe physical injury or chronic medical condition, then your doctor may recommend physical therapy (PT). Physical therapy can improve your strength, movement, and balance. It can also help you manage your pain. It can also provide valuable medical evidence when you file… Read More »
HOW MENTAL SYMPTOMS HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that even if your main disability is a physical illness, mental symptoms can still impact your ability to work. Many people believe the SSA looks only at their main medical problem. That is not true. If you have a physical condition and mental symptoms, then the SSA must… Read More »
LIVER TRANSPLANT BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR A LIVER TRANSPLANT? A liver transplant is a life saving procedure that can offer hope to those suffering from liver failure. However, the journey does not end with the surgery. Recovery can be long and complex. Recovering from a liver transplant is one of the most difficult challenges… Read More »
HOW TO WIN A CLOSED PERIOD OF SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS A CLOSED PERIOD OF DISABILITY BENEFITS? A “closed period” of SSD benefits is what it sounds like: it is an award of disability benefits for a period of time. That period of time has a beginning and an end. The beginning date is your onset date of disability. Similarly, the end date… Read More »
HOW THE SSA WEIGHS MEDICAL EVIDENCE
HOW THE SSA WEIGHS MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN YOUR DISABILITY CASE If you file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then your medical evidence will determine whether you receive benefits. Many people believe the SSA only looks at your diagnosis. However, that is not how the five step… Read More »
SERVICE DOGS & WINNING YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM
DOES THE SSA CONSIDER YOUR SERVICE DOG WHEN DECIDING YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM? If you rely on a service dog every day, then you may wonder whether the SSA considers that when deciding your SSDI and SSI claim. Many people believe having a service dog automatically proves they have a severe disability. Others worry that… Read More »
LYMPHEDEMA & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? Lymphedema is a medical condition that occurs when lymph fluid does not move through the body the way it should. Your lymphatic system plays a major role in your immune system. It collects extra fluid, removes waste, and helps protect your body from infection. When your lymph fluid cannot drain, it… Read More »
HOW TO DOCUMENT YOUR FATIGUE & WIN SSD BENEFITS
FATIGUE IS A DISABLING MEDICAL SYMPTOM Documenting your fatigue is one of the most important factors in winning your SSDI and SSI benefits. The reason it is important is that severe fatigue symptoms prove you cannot work a full-time job. Even though fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in SSD claims,… Read More »
DON’T WAIT TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS
DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF WAITING TOO LONG TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS Waiting to apply for your SSDI application is almost always a mistake. You need to file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to protect your income when you can no longer work due to a severe medical condition…. Read More »
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 specific symptoms…. Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PAYMENTS
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
WHAT HAPPENS TO CHILDHOOD SSI BENEFITS AT AGE 18?
UNDERSTANDING SSI BENEFITS WHEN YOU TURN AGE 18 Have you been on childhood SSI benefits and are now reaching age 18? Turning 18 is a major life change, because the law now considers you an adult. For young people who receive Supplemental Security Income, this birthday also triggers an important legal and financial review…. Read More »
