Tag Archives: disability benefits
SSD BENEFITS FOR HERNIATED OR BULGING DISCS
A herniated disc occurs when the jelly type filling in between the spinal disc breaks through the outer shell of the disc and presses on the nerves. The pinched nerve can cause severe pain in your back, hips, and legs and make you unable to work. You may need surgery for the herniation. If you can’t work for more than 12 months, then you should apply for disability benefits. The SSA awards SSD benefits under listing 1.15 for a herniated disc that prevent you from working. Disability benefits replace your income until you can work again.
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 »
ADJUSTMENT DISORDER & SSD BENEFITS
An adjustment disorder is similar to depression, but it may not last as long. If your symptoms persist and keep you from working for more than one year, then you may qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. The burden is on you to prove that you meet the SSA’s criteria for disability. For this, you will need ongoing medical treatment and the support of your doctor and a counselor. It can take up to two years to win SSD benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to apply for benefits as soon as you realize you cannot work due to your adjustment disorder. Take proactive steps towards financial security by hiring an attorney and starting the SSD application process.
WHAT YOU NEED FROM YOUR DOCTOR TO PROVE DISABILITY
THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY IS ON YOU Your doctor can help you prove to the SSA that you have a severe medical condition. You need the help of your doctor. Because the burden to prove that you deserve benefits is on you. Submitting medical evidence is important. But statements from your doctor about… 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 »
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 »
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IS A DISABILITY UNDER SSA’S RULES Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease that affects the central nervous system. When an individual suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, the disease damages the covers of the nerve cells in the brain. It also damages nerve cells in the spinal cord and optic nerves. This nerve… Read More »
DOWN SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome. Usually, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. However, babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21. The medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’ Therefore, another name for Down… 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 »
UTAH RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND
UTAH RESOURCES & SSD BENEFITS FOR THE BLIND If you need help with Utah SSD benefits or other resources because you are blind, then you have found the right law firm. Because, our law firm is on your side. We can help you receive monthly SSD payments and also win past due SSDI benefits…. Read More »
TIPS ON CHOOSING YOUR TREATING DOCTOR
WHY IS YOUR TREATING DOCTOR SO IMPORTANT? Your treating doctor plays a central role in your disability claim. The SSA gives great weight to opinions from doctors who treat you regularly. This doctor sees you over a long period of time and understands your symptoms, limitations, and response to treatment. That insight helps explain… Read More »
IS GOUT A DISABILITY?
WHAT IS GOUT? Gout is a serious form of inflammatory arthritis that affects your joints due to high levels of uric acid in your blood. When your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys cannot remove it efficiently, urate crystals form and settle in your joints. These crystals trigger intense inflammation and… Read More »
SSA’S INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY LISTING
WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY? Intellectual disability (ID) is a term that is used to describe a person who has limits in their mental ability and in their communication skills, self care skills, and social skills. Children with ID take longer to learn to speak, walk, and take care of themselves. They have trouble learning in… Read More »
BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS? Benign brain tumors, or noncancerous brain tumors, are abnormal growths of cells that develop in the brain. Unlike malignant tumors, benign brain tumors do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Although they are not cancerous, they can still cause problems depending on their… Read More »
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & WINNING SSD
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that damages memory, thinking, and behavior. It progresses over time and makes it hard for you to lead a normal life and to work. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. It accounts for almost 60-70% of all cases. Learn about other forms… Read More »
SPINAL STENOSIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS? Spinal stenosis is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves that pass through it. Compression of the nerves causes pain and numbness. It can also cause weakness in your back, legs, and arms. There are two main types of spinal stenosis: lumbar and cervical… Read More »
SJOGREN’S SYNDROME BENEFITS
WHAT IS SJOGREN’S SYNDROME? Sjögren’s syndrome is an immune disorder of the exocrine glands. It is named after Swedish doctor Henrik Sjögren who first described it in 1933. The autoimmune disorder occurs when there is dysfunction of certain glands, mostly the salivary and lacrimal glands. This condition affects the body’s moisture producing glands. Therefore,… Read More »
HOW TO WIN NEVADA SSD BENEFITS
THE SSD PROCESS IN NEVADA Nevada SSD benefits are available if you cannot work for 12 months or longer due to your health. Most people who are suffering from a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working should apply for SSD benefits. It is possible for you to have either a disabling… 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 »
SAME SEX MARRIAGE & SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
THE SSA RECOGNIZES SAME SEX MARRIAGES Same sex marriage is now recognized by the SSA. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states. Also, they have the right to have their marriage recognized… Read More »
SSD BENEFITS FOR BRONCHIECTASIS
WHAT IS BRONCHIECTASIS? Bronchiectasis is a condition that occurs when the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs get damaged, causing them to widen and become loose and scarred. These tubes are called airways. Bronchiectasis usually results from an infection or other condition that injures the walls of your airways or… 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 »
MEDICAID BENEFITS INFORMATION
WHAT IS MEDICAID? Medicaid benefits are health insurance for people who have a low income. Medicaid also provides health coverage to some pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and women with breast or cervical cancer. The Medicaid program covers a wide range of health services. For example, it includes paying for hospital stays, doctor visits,… 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 »
HOW TO WIN PRESUMPTIVE DISABILITY BENEFITS
Because filing for SSI benefits can be a long process, it is possible to get temporary benefits in some circumstances. The SSA has made temporary or presumptive disability benefits available for those who claim Supplemental Security Income benefits. These benefits are available for 6 months. You receive these monthly benefits while the Social Security Administration processes… 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 »
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 »
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 »
PREVENT DISABILITY WITH HEALTHY HABITS
HEALTHY HABITS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT DISABILITY Preventing disability is a smart thing to think about. At our law firm, we often meet people who never expected to face health problems that limit their work or daily life. Many health conditions happen without warning. However, some diseases can be prevented. Building healthy habits now… Read More »
UTERINE CANCER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Uterine cancer creates major physical and emotional challenges. Many people cannot continue working due to its symptoms and treatments. When this happens, Social Security Disability benefits can offer financial stability. A skilled Social Security Disability lawyer can guide you through the five step disability review process. This blog explains how to obtain disability benefits… Read More »
HOW THE SSA EVALUATES PAIN
DOES THE SSA EVALUATE PAIN IN YOUR SSD CASE? The SSA evaluates pain when it considers your claim for Social Security disability benefits. How the SSA evaluates pain is probably one of the most important issues in your SSD case. Social Security Regulations have evolved over time from using only objective medial evidence as… Read More »
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 »
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: WIN YOUR SSD CLAIM
WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY? If you have either Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, then you have high blood sugar which can eventually damage small blood vessels. These tiny vessels are in the retina, which is the light sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. That damage to retinal vessels is what… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
BLACK LUNG DISABILITY BENEFITS
BLACK LUNG DISEASE If you have black lung disease or Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis, then you may qualify for benefits under the federal Black Lung program. Black lung disease can be seen on chest X-ray and CT scans. If you have black lung disease, then your chest X-ray or CT scan will show pulmonary nodules… 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 »
TIPS TO WIN FIBROMYALGIA DISABILITY BENEFITS
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS FOR FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia benefits are available from the SSA, if you cannot work for more than 12 months. If you suffer from fibromyalgia and can’t work, then you should apply for SSD benefits. You can apply for SSDI & SSI benefits on the Social Security website…. Read More »
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT BENEFITS
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT & DISABILITY BENEFITS A kidney transplant is often the last option for people with severe kidney disease. When the kidneys can no longer remove waste and fluids, dialysis or transplant is needed to stay alive. A kidney transplant offers a chance for a longer life. However, the surgery and recovery process are… 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 »
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 »
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 »
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SSA’S DELAYS
WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SSA’S DELAYS? SSA delays can have a number of hidden costs. Most of these delays impact the person who is filing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. First, it isn’t an easy decision. People often wait too long to file for… Read More »
