Category Archives: Social Security Disability
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 »
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 »
FIVE SECRETS TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS
Secrets 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 »
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 »
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR RETROACTIVE SSD BENEFITS?
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF DISABILITY BENEFITS – SSD & SSI BENEFITS Retroactive SSD 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 »
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
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 behavior… 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 »
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 »
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 U.S., almost 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer. Statistics indicate that in… 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 (CKD) can result in symptoms which prevent you from working. If you have CKD 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 from working for over 12 months. SSD… Read More »
REOPEN YOUR PRIOR APPLICATION & GET ALL OF YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS
Reopening a prior application is sometimes possible in SSDI cases. It is not easy to reopen a prior application. However, if you let an old application lapse and did not appeal it within the proper time frame, you may be able to reopen your old application. There are limits on reopening prior applications. But,… Read More »
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND DISABILITY BENEFITS – LISTING 12.02
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its symptoms can prevent you from working. If you cannot work for more than 12 months due to a TBI, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits. A TBI can occur from a head injury while playing sports. Also, combat veterans may suffer from a… 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 »
CAN YOU RETIRE EARLY AND COLLECT SSD BENEFITS?
SHOULD YOU RETIRE EARLY OR COLLECT SSD BENEFITS? Should you retire early or seek SSDI benefits? You cannot do both. Many people who can no longer work due to medical conditions experience confusion about whether to retire early or file for SSD benefits. What option you chose can have serious consequences for your income… 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 »
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 »
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 »
OSTEOPOROSIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS? Osteoporosis is a medical condition that occurs because bone resorption exceeds the rate of bone formation. Bone is living tissue. In order for it to be healthy, it needs to undergo a renewal process. When a person has healthy bone tissue, there is a balance when old bone is broken down… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN
YOU CAN WIN SSDI & SSI BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN If you suffer from back pain and cannot work, then you may win Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI benefits. If you have worked and paid taxes, then the SSA can pay you monthly… Read More »
MARFAN SYNDROME AND SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS MARFAN SYNDROME? Marfan syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder that can cause severe physical issues. For example, the condition affects multiple body systems, including the skeleton, eyes, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. If your symptoms are severe and prevent you from working, then you can obtain SSDI and SSI… 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 or not 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… Read More »
DIVORCE & DISABILITY BENEFITS
DOES DIVORCE EFFECT YOUR SSD BENEFITS? Divorce can effect your Social Security benefits, but it depends on what kind of benefits the SSA is paying you. For example, you could be getting paid SSD benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits, or you could also be getting disability benefits on your spouse’s earnings record (dependent benefits)…. Read More »
NARCOLEPSY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS NARCOLEPSY? Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that impacts the brain’s ability to control your sleep and wake cycles. People with narcolepsy experience extreme daytime sleepiness and may fall asleep suddenly during the day. This can happen at work or even in dangerous situations. For example, you could fall asleep while driving. In a normal… Read More »
STROKE DISABILITY BENEFITS
Stroke SSDI and SSI benefits are available, if you are suffering severe stroke symptoms and you cannot work. You must be unable to work for over 12 months in order to win Social Security benefits. You can apply for SSDI benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. The two benefits are have different rules. For… Read More »
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION EXPLAINED The ALJ hearing decision is important to understand because it will tell you if you won benefits. If not, then it will tell you why you didn’t win. Finally, if you lost, it also tells you what to do next. Most people who apply for SSDI and SSI benefits… Read More »
ARE YOU UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE SSA?
HOW DO SSA INVESTIGATIONS 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 SSDI… 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 more than 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 »
CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE? Chronic liver disease is a medical condition that affects the structure and function of your liver. Over time, damage and inflammation of your liver cells leads to liver damage. There are a number of causes of chronic liver disease. These include viral infections, such as Hepatitis B and C,… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
COPD DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases. However, it is different than asthma. If you need to know more about asthma, then read here to learn about asthma benefits. The most common COPD diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema destroys air sacs in your lungs and… 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 SSD and SSI benefits. If you can prove that your RFC prevents you from… 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 »
CONVERSION DISORDER
WHAT IS 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 describe the… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR CEREBRAL PALSY
Disability benefits for cerebral palsy are available through the Social Security Administration. In order to receive SSD and SSI benefits, your cerebral palsy symptoms must be so severe that you cannot work for more than 12 months. This article is about cerebral palsy and how to win SSDI and SSI benefits from the Social Security… 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 »
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 recuperate from your injury. If the condition has lasting consequences, then the program… Read More »
TAXING SSDI & SSI BENEFITS
Taxing SSDI and SSI benefits doesn’t seem right. Especially when you consider that SSD benefits are for those who cannot work and you only earned the right to get the benefits by paying taxes. However, they say that there are only two things that you can count on in this life: death and taxes…. 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 »
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 paid SSDI and SSI benefits. People compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should get benefits… Read More »
TESTICULAR CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS TESTICULAR CANCER? Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. It is one of the most common types of cancer among men between the ages of 15 and 35. In fact, over 8,000 men will receive the diagnosis of… 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 SSDI and SSI benefits. Don’t wait to appeal. You can file your appeal online. You don’t have to fill out forms by hand or go to the post office… 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 »
