Tag Archives: Cannon Disability Law
HOW TO GET QUARTERS OF COVERAGE FOR SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE QUARTERS OF COVERAGE FOR SSD BENEFITS? The Social Security Disability system is an insurance program. You pay for your disability insurance benefits by working and paying your taxes. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must have earned enough quarters of coverage—also called work credits—through jobs where you paid… Read More »
HEADACHE DISORDERS & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
Primary headache disorders can be some of the most disabling medical conditions the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews. Migraines, cluster headaches, and other primary headache disorders can cause severe pain, nausea, and vision problems. Obviously, these symptoms create an inability to function in daily life. Additionally, the same headache disorders can make it impossible… Read More »
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY? Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the name for a group of genetic disorders that progressively weakens muscle fibers. While there are several types of muscular dystrophy, they all share the common symptom of muscle dysfunction. The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the specific type of muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy… 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 »
DISABILITY APPLICATION: TIPS FOR SUCCESS
HOW TO FILL OUT YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION Filling out a Social Security disability application is one of the most important steps you can take when your medical condition prevents you from working. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to do it. Many people assume the process is simple. After they start the application, they… Read More »
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 »
AIDS DISABILITY BENEFITS
AIDS disability benefits are available to you if your condition is keeping you from working. Many individuals with HIV infection have severe symptoms that prevent them from working. If you have severe AIDS symptoms and you will be off work for over 12 months, then the SSA may find you eligible for SSDI benefits…. Read More »
GIANT CELL ARTERITIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS GIANT CELL ARTERITIS? Giant cell arteritis is a serious inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the arteries. Specifically, it usually impacts the medium and large arteries of the head and neck. Because it frequently involves the temporal arteries, it is sometimes called temporal arteritis. Inflammation from giant cell arteritis narrows the… Read More »
MENIERE’S DISEASE & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS MENIERE’S DISEASE? Meniere’s disease is a rare disorder of the inner ear. The inner ear controls your balance and hearing. If you have a disorder of your inner ear, then it is likely you will suffer hearing loss. Along with hearing loss, Ménière’s disease also causes vertigo and loss of balance. If… 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 »
TOURETTE SYNDROME & DISABILITY
WINNING SSD BENEFITS FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME Tourette Syndrome is a condition that affects children, teens, and adults across the world. While many people with Tourette’s live full lives, others struggle every day with symptoms that make work or school very difficult. Tourette symptoms can interfere with communication, concentration, social interaction, and the ability to… Read More »
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
WHAT ARE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS? Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of medical conditions that occur during the developmental period, which is age 22 or younger. Possible signs and symptoms of these disorders include problems with cognitive processing. It also includes deficits in attention or impulse control or deficits in social skills. While it is difficult… Read More »
LYMPHOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for the production and circulation of white blood cells. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that spreads throughout your body. Therefore, if you have cancer of the lymphomatic system it… Read More »
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOUR FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOU FOR SSD BENEFITS If you have depression and can’t work, then you need to know if you qualify for SSD benefits. If you have been off work for over 12 months or you can’t work due to disability, then apply for SSDI and SSI benefits? Depression is a common mental… Read More »
SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS? Systemic vasculitis refers to a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Blood vessels inflammation causes the walls of the blood vessels to thicken. Therefore, this reduces the width of the passageway through the blood vessel. If blood flow is restricted, then it… Read More »
BONE CANCER & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING BONE CANCER AND SSD BENEFITS Bone cancer is rare, but it can change your life overnight. Sarcoma of the skeletal system causes pain and weakness. The symptoms and cancer treatments make even simple daily tasks difficult to do. Many people with bone cancer cannot work. If you can’t work for over one year,… Read More »
SMALL INTESTINE TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
SMALL INTESTINE TRANSPLANT AND DISABILITY BENEFITS Many people do not know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) includes small intestine transplant in its Blue Book list of medical conditions. If you have had a small intestine transplant, then the SSA will automatically consider you disabled for one year after surgery. After that first year,… 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 »
OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD) & SSI
WHAT IS OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD)? Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a mental condition where a child or teenager has a pattern of hostile, defiant behavior. This behavior targets authority figures such as parents, teachers, and other adults. Children and teens with ODD often display behaviors that are aggressive. Also, they usually have trouble… 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 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 »
KIDNEY DISEASE IN CHILDREN
WHAT IS CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN CHILDREN? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is a medical condition that affects the kidneys and their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. CKD is a long term condition that can progress over time and lead to kidney failure. If your child has… 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 »
THE DATE LAST INSURED AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT DOES THE “DLI” STAND FOR? The “Date Last Insured” is the last day you were insured for SSDI benefits. You may wonder what that means. After all, you probably didn’t realize that the SSD program is an insurance program. But, it is. For example, you pay your insurance “premiums” by paying your taxes… Read More »
CHILDHOOD CEREBRAL PALSY & SSI BENEFITS
Childhood cerebral palsy SSI benefits are available for children through the Social Security Administration. In order to receive SSI benefits, you child’s cerebral palsy symptoms must be severe. For example, their cerebral palsy would effect them physically, but may also give them trouble doing things that other children can do with ease. Perhaps they… 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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
HEPATITIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS HEPATITIS? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, it can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. The most common types of hepatitis are A, B, and C. However, there are other types… Read More »
BLINDNESS AND SSD BENEFITS
Blindness or visual loss can impact your daily life and ability to work. If you cannot work due to blindness and visual loss, then you should file for SSDI benefits. Visual loss refers to a significant reduction in the visual acuity or field of vision. Total blindness means a complete loss of vision or… 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 »
DIABETES TYPE 1 & CHILDHOOD DISABILITY
WHAT IS DIABETES TYPE 1? Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This leads to a lack of insulin in the body, which is necessary to control blood glucose levels. Type 1 Diabetes is… 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 »
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
WHY YOU NEED A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN It is that time of year again. The time for open enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private companies and Medicare is run by the federal government. However, both provide health insurance coverage. Everyone needs health insurance and this article should help… 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 »
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 »
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 »
IQ AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS
A low IQ can lead to being unable to work and winning disability benefits. For instance, if you have a low IQ, it may prevent you from working. You might know if you have a low IQ because it is hard to learn new things. Or, maybe you cannot keep a job, because you… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL RECORDS IN YOUR DISABILITY CASE
THE SSA NEEDS MEDICAL RECORDS AT EVERY LEVEL OF YOUR SSD CASE You must understand the importance of collecting your medical records when you file for SSD benefits. You can apply for SSDI and SSI benefits on the Social Security’s website. When you first apply for benefits, you should include a copy of your… 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 »
