Category Archives: Social Security Disability
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 »
REOPEN YOUR PRIOR APPLICATION & GET ALL YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU REOPEN A PRIOR APPLICATION? Reopening a prior application is sometimes possible in SSDI cases. However, it is not easy to reopen a prior application. If you let an old application lapse and did not appeal it within the proper time frame, then you may not be able to reopen it. Additionally, there… Read More »
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
KIDNEY DISEASE IS A DISABILITY Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious, progressive condition that affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluids from the blood. As the disease advances, you may experience severe fatigue and swelling. You may also experience problems like high blood pressure and anemia. These issues can make it… Read More »
BLADDER CANCER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Bladder Cancer begins in the cells of the bladder. Your bladder is the organ in the pelvic area that stores urine. There are several types of bladder cancer, but the most common type is transitional cell carcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Other types of cancer… 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 »
ACUTE LEUKEMIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS LEUKEMIA? Acute Leukemia is a form of cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Your bone marrow is where your blood cells are produced. Leukemia affects white blood cells, which are crucial to your immune system. Acute leukemia starts when a cell changes and becomes a leukemia cell. Because it no longer… 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 »
LIVER CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS LIVER CANCER? Liver cancer occurs when your liver cells divide aggressively and multiply, creating tumors. If these tumors are in your liver, then you have liver cancer. In the United States, each year more than 40,000 people are found to have liver cancer. Worldwide, more than 800,000 people each year are diagnosed with… Read More »
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS WINS BENEFITS
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disorder and it is also an inflammatory arthritic disorder. Ankylosing spondylitis is a severe condition that can affect the heart, the eyes, the lungs, and kidneys. However, AS usually causes inflammation in the spinal joints and the joints between the pelvis and the spine, called the sacroiliac (SI) joints.
The most painful symptom of AS is that it can cause “ankylosis.” This occurs when new bone forms at the site of inflammation. The new bone formation can lead to a fusion of the spinal joints. Therefore, if you have AS you may lack mobility and be unable to work. Social Security Disability benefits are available to replace your income if you can no longer work due to ankylosing spondylitis.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS GUIDE TO SSD BENEFITS
APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU HAVE CYSTIC FIBROSIS Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects almost 40,000 adults and children in the United States. It is a defect in a protein that results in the buildup of mucus in organs throughout the body. This can lead to blockages, tissue damage, and infections…. 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 »
ENDOMETRIOSIS & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition that affects women. The condition occurs when the endometrium, which is the lining inside the uterus, begins to grow outside the uterus. The endometrial cells then implant on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvis. This causes pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding,… Read More »
SICKLE CELL DISORDERS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL ANEMIA? Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a blood disorder that can result in symptoms that prevent you from working. For example, symptoms such as fatigue and pain can keep you from working a 40 hour work week. Our law firm can help you win SSD benefits if you have sickle… Read More »
WORK CREDITS & SSDI BENEFITS
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need to accumulate work credits through regular contributions to the SSDI program. Your contributions are made through FICA taxes if you are employed. Or, through SECA taxes if you’re self-employed. Typically, you need a minimum of 10 years of work to be insured for benefits. However, the number of work credits can vary based upon your age at the time of disability onset. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last decade preceding your inability to work. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year.
FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA & SSD BENEFITS
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes progressive problems with balance, muscle weakness, and sensation loss in the legs and arms. If you have Friedreich’s ataxia, then you should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits under SSA listing 11.17. Additionally, Friedreich’s ataxia is a compassionate allowance that provides for an immediate award of benefits if you can prove it prevents you from working.
ADDISON’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
Addison’s disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency. The disease can cause many severe symptoms that can prevent you from working. Addison’s disease is under the SSA listing for endocrine disorders because it’s a type of adrenal gland disorder. The SSA will look at how your health is impacted to determine if you should be paid Social Security Disability benefits. For example, the SSA will look at heart symptoms, anxiety disorder, and weight loss. All of your symptoms will be considered. If you cannot work for more than 12 months, then you should be paid SSDI benefits.
NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES
In 2022 and 2021 there were new Compassionate Allowances. 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 soon as possible. For example, fatal conditions like ALS… Read More »
