Category Archives: Social Security Disability
CAN SOCIAL SECURITY TAKE AWAY YOUR BENEFITS?
CAN THE SSA TAKE AWAY YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS? This is one of the most common questions we hear at our SSD law firm. And the short answer is “yes.” Even if you win benefits, the SSA can cease or take away your benefits. This is true whether you receive SSDI benefits or SSI benefits…. Read More »
SPINAL ARACHNOIDITIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS SPINAL ARACHNOIDITIS? Spinal arachnoiditis is a painful condition that occurs from inflammation of the arachnoid membrane. This membrane surrounds the spinal cord nerves. It can become inflamed from various causes such as back surgery and infections. Additionally, inflammation can be caused by herniated discs, nerve damage, or spinal injuries. Most cases of… Read More »
TRICK QUESTIONS THE SSA JUDGE MIGHT ASK
WILL THE JUDGE ASK TRICK QUESTIONS DURING THE SSA HEARING? Trick questions are not the norm in Social Security hearings. So, you don’t really need to worry about it. Most judges are not out to confuse, upset, or undermine you during your SSD hearing. However, there are some questions that can cause problems for… Read More »
WOMEN & SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Women need to know about Social Security benefits, because they are more likely to need them during their lifetime. Without an understanding of retirement, disability, survivors, and death benefits, women cannot make a financial plan. This article will give you an overview of your options.
CONSULTATIVE EXAM TIPS – Medical Evidence Wins Your Benefits
WHAT IS A CONSULTATIVE EXAM? After you apply for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you may receive a notice in the mail. This notice schedules you for a Consultative Exam. The SSA usually schedules an exam with one of their doctors during the first six months of the appeals process…. 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 for at least one year. You must work… 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 »
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION & SSD BENEFITS
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to those who suffer an on the job injury. Benefits include medical treatment for work related conditions. Benefits also include cash payments that partially replace lost wages. Workers’ compensation pays temporary total disability benefits benefits while you recover from your injury. If the condition has lasting consequences, then the program… Read More »
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, symptoms differ for each person. If you need SSDI benefits due to your EDS, then contact our law firm today. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is… Read More »
TOP 10 SIGNS YOU WILL WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS
Looking for the top 10 signs you will win your SSD benefits? We have the answers. Do you have enough work credits to qualify for benefits? Have you submitted all of your medical records to prove your disability? Are you over 50 years and you can prove you cannot do your past job? Can you prove you can’t do a seated job? Can you prove that you can’t do skilled work? Additionally, can you prove that you cannot sustain a 40 hour work week? Have you hired an experienced attorney to help you win your hearing and prepare your for court? If you can answer yes to these questions, then that is a sign that you are likely to win your SSD benefits.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR RETROACTIVE SSD BENEFITS?
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF DISABILITY BENEFITS – SSDI & SSI BENEFITS Retroactive SSDI benefits may be available to you. However, it depends on what kind of benefits you are seeking. There are two kinds of Social Security benefits that one can apply for. The first benefit is Social Security Disability or Title II…. 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 »
HOW TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR DISABILITY CASE
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR CASE If you need to check the status of your case, then you have come to the right place. It can take up to two years to receive benefits after you file your application for SSDI and SSI benefits. Have two or three months… Read More »
PLEURAL CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS PLEURAL CANCER? Pleural cancer or cancer of the pleura is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The pleura is a thin, protective membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. The main cause of pleural cancer is exposure to asbestos, a… Read More »
BURN INJURIES & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE BURN INJURIES? Burn injuries are damage to the skin or other tissues caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burn injuries can vary from minor burns to more severe burns that penetrate deeper layers of skin tissue. Severe burns can cause physical and emotional trauma. One of the main… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR CEREBRAL PALSY
Disability benefits for cerebral palsy are available through the Social Security Administration. In order to receive SSDI and SSI benefits, your cerebral palsy symptoms must be so severe that you cannot work for at least 12 months. This article is about how to win SSDI and SSI benefits for cerebral palsy. In order to… Read More »
APPEALS COUNCIL REVIEW
APPEALS COUNCIL REVIEW – SHOULD YOU APPEAL? Appeals Council review is the next step after an ALJ hearing. If the ALJ sent you an Unfavorable Decision after your hearing, then you might want to seek Appeals Council review. The Appeals Council reviews ALJ decisions from all over the country. If you lost your hearing,… Read More »
CAN YOU RETIRE EARLY AND COLLECT SSD BENEFITS?
SHOULD YOU RETIRE EARLY OR COLLECT SSDI BENEFITS? Retire early or seek SSDI benefits? This is an important question for many people. Especially when they are in their sixties and may not have good health. Unfortunately, you cannot do both. Many people who can no longer work due to medical conditions experience confusion about… Read More »
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Breast Cancer awareness is important in order to cure the disease. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We think it is important to raise awareness about this type of cancer because knowledge saves lives. In the United States almost 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer. Statistics indicate that… 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 »
PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE? Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also called peripheral arterial disease, is a common circulatory condition in which fatty deposits build up in the artery walls and block blood flow. Your arteries supply blood flow to your arms and legs. If the blood flow is blocked, then you have PAD. When your… Read More »
THYROID CANCER & SSDI BENEFITS
DOES THYROID CANCER QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Thyroid cancer is a serious illness that can have a major impact on your life. For example, if you have thyroid cancer it may require expensive treatments and you may be unable to work. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration provides Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security… 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 »
IS THE DISABILITY TRUST FUND IN JEOPARDY?
WILL THE DISABILITY TRUST FUND RUN OUT OF MONEY? Most people don’t understand the Social Security and Disability trust funds and how they work. Headlines are constantly stating the Disability Trust Fund is going to run out of money. Therefore, people with disabilities who cannot work will not receive their payments. Let’s examine the… Read More »
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE AND LISTING 4.06
WHAT IS CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE? Congenital Heart Disease meets SSA’s listing 4.06. The term “congenital” means that it occurs at the time of birth. Congenital heart defects are one of the most common types of birth defects. However, not all heart defects are disabling, because medical treatment may fix the symptoms. If you have… Read More »
BRAIN CANCER AND DISABILITY
DOES BRAIN CANCER QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Brain cancer is a serious condition that can cause severe physical and mental symptoms. It can have a significant impact on your ability to work and make it difficult for you to support yourself. Fortunately, there are several ways for a person with brain cancer to obtain… Read More »
POST-POLIO SYNDROME & SSDI BENEFITS
IS POST-POLIO SYNDROME A DISABILITY? Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a medical condition that affects people who had polio earlier in their lives. PPS can occur decades after the initial polio infection and it can cause disability. If you cannot work for one year or more due to your symptoms, then you can apply for… Read More »
MULTIPLE MYELOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Multiple myeloma is a rare, but serious, form of blood cancer. Find out how multiple myeloma affects the bones and organs, and learn about available treatment options. Also, learn about how you can win disability benefits if you have multiple myeloma and you cannot work.
WORST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE AT DISABILITY HEARING
DON’T MAKE THIS BIG MISTAKE Waiting for a hearing with a judge from the Social Security Administration can take years. From filing an application for SSD benefits to the date of your hearing can be a two year wait. You would think that such a long wait, most people would be eager to have… Read More »
REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE & YOUR BENEFITS
WHAT IS A REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE? A representative payee is a friend, relative, or other interested party that the SSA appoints to protect the interests of the person who is being paid Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. More than eight million people, who get monthly SSDI and SSI payments, need… 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 »
SSD BENEFITS FOR SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD & NECK
WHAT IS SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK? Soft tissue cancer of the head and neck refers to cancers that develop in the soft tissues of this region. For example, these cancers can occur in the muscles, connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves in the head and neck area. The definition excludes… Read More »
HEMOPHILIA DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS HEMOPHILIA? Hemophilia is a medical condition that causes excessive bleeding due to a deficiency of clotting agents in the blood. Because the blood doesn’t clot normally, people with hemophilia who have a minor cut or bruise can lose a lot of blood. Hemophilia can also cause nosebleeds and bleeding in the gums… Read More »
HOW TO GET BOTH VETERAN BENEFITS & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT ARE VETERAN DISABILITY BENEFITS? 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 arose after… Read More »
EATING DISORDERS & ANOREXIA CAN BE DISABLING
Eating disorders qualify for SSD and SSI benefits, if they keep you from working for over one year. You must have medical evidence to present to the SSA about your condition. This medical evidence should be from your treating doctor. It should discuss how your symptoms result in disability.
COPD DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common COPD diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema destroys air sacs in your lungs and this interferes with outward air flow. Chronic bronchitis, however, causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which allows mucus to build up in the… Read More »
DIABETES AND SSD BENEFITS
DIABETES AND WINNING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Diabetes is a disease with severe symptoms that affects 34.2 million Americans. That is 10.5% of the U.S. population. The CDC reports in the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report that over 88 million U.S. citizens, approximately 1 in 3, have prediabetes. Additionally, 1.4 million adults 20 years or… 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 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 called pacemaker… Read More »
STROKE DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR A STROKE? If you are suffering severe stroke symptoms and cannot work, then you can apply for stroke disability benefits. However, you must be unable to work for over 12 months for the SSA to pay you SSD benefits. You can apply for SSDI benefits and Supplemental Security… Read More »
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in response to a wide range of traumatic experiences. For example, it can occur due combat, sexual or physical assault, natural disasters, accidents,… 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 »
THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROGRAM IS GROWING The Social Security Disability program has seen significant growth in both costs and the number of beneficiaries in the last 25 years. Since 1990, the percentage of the working population getting Social Security disability benefits has doubled—from about 1 in 40 individuals to about 1 in 20…. Read More »
GRID RULES AND WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE THE GRID RULES? GRID Rules are regulations the SSA uses to award SSD benefits if you are over 50 years old. The GRID Rules are actually known as the Medical Vocational Guidelines. These guidelines apply to you if your medical condition does not meet or equal an SSA listing. These special rules… 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 »
ADHD DISABILITY BENEFITS
ADHD STANDS FOR ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER ADHD benefits may be available to replace your income if you cannot work for at least 12 months. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental condition that usually affects children. However, ADHD also impacts the life of many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include not being able to pay attention or… 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 »
ATTORNEY FEES IN DISABILITY CASES
Attorney fees may be on your mind if you need to apply for SSD benefits. The SSA controls the amount of the attorney fee in SSD cases. You only pay an attorney fee if you win your case and it comes out of your back benefit.
INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS – LISTING 14.09
SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS FOR INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS Inflammatory Arthritis, under the SSA’s listing, is meant to cover a number of physical conditions. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, inflammation of your major joints is the main sign of arthritis. Major joints include… 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 »
UNDERSTANDING SSA’S LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS
WHAT IS SSA’S LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS? The Listing of Impairments is a list of medical conditions that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine whether you have a severe medical condition. If the medical condition is severe and you prevents you from working for 12 months or more, then you should be paid… Read More »
