Tag Archives: SSA
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 »
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 »
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 »
PANCREAS TRANSPLANT AND SSD BENEFITS
WINNING SSD BENEFITS AFTER ORGAN TRANSPLANT When a person undergoes a pancreas transplant, it means their pancreas is no longer able to function properly. The pancreas plays a critical role in producing insulin and managing blood sugar levels. When it fails, life threatening complications occur. A pancreas transplant is usually performed to treat severe… Read More »
LUPUS DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET LUPUS SSD BENEFITS? Lupus disability benefits are available for people with severe lupus symptoms who cannot work for over one year. Are you a worker who pays your taxes? Did you stop working for over 12 months due to lupus? If so, then you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits… Read More »
SIX MYTHS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
DEBUNKING SIX FALSE BELIEFS ABOUT SSD BENEFITS There are many myths about Social Security Disability benefits. We hear them every day. Most people, after filing an application for SSDI or SSI benefits, believe in some of them. Do not fall for myths about SSD benefits. Don’t rely on the opinions of your friends or… 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 »
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 »
PULMONARY FIBROSIS & SSD BENEFITS
PULMONARY FIBROSIS AND SSD BENEFITS Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious, progressive lung disease that can make it impossible to continue working. Many people with pulmonary fibrosis struggle with breathing, chronic fatigue, and reduced lung function. Over time, even simple daily activities, like walking across the room or climbing a flight of stairs, become difficult…. 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 »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR LARGE INTESTINE CANCER
Large intestine cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 150,000 new cases of large intestine cancer are diagnosed annually. Almost 50,000 cases result in death. Risk factors include age, as most cases occur in people over 50…. Read More »
ALCOHOLISM, DRUGS, AND DISABILITY
CAN YOU RECEIVE SSD BENEFITS IF YOU ARE AN ALCOHOLIC OR DRUG ADDICT? Alcoholism and drug addiction are problems for many people. These addictions can result in mental or physical disability. But, it can be difficult to win benefits unless you quit drinking or using drugs. To file an application for Social Security disability… 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 »
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 »
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 »
WILL MY CHILDREN GET BENEFITS IF I’M ON DISABILITY?
If you win Social Security disability benefits, then you may wonder if your children can receive benefits too. The answer depends on whether you’re receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. Only SSDI benefits are available to a child if a parent is getting SSDI benefits. SSI does not… 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 »
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 »
GLIOBLASTOMA & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS GLIOBLASTOMA? Glioblastoma is an aggressive and highly malignant brain tumor that forms from glial tissue of the brain and spinal cord. The cells that look very different from normal cells. The cells spread throughout the brain tissue, which makes it difficult to treat. It is the most common malignant brain cancer and… Read More »
HIP DYSPLASIA & SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING HIP DYSPLASIA: WHAT IT IS Hip dysplasia is a medical condition that affects the hip joint. When you have hip dysplasia, it means that your hip joint didn’t develop the right way. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The top of your thigh bone (the femoral head) is the “ball.” The… Read More »
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 »
DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE & SSDI BENEFITS
Degenerative disc disease is common disability that can impact your ability to work. If you cannot work for over one year, then apply for SSDI benefits. For legal help with your spinal disease case, contact Cannon Disability Law. We offer a free consultation and no attorney fee unless you win benefits. Hire the law firm that has won over 20,000 SSD cases. Put our legal experience to work for you.
HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME (HLHS) & SSD
WHAT IS HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME? Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a rare congenital heart defect. When a baby is born with HLHS, the left side of the heart is severely under developed. The affected structures of the heart can include the mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and the aorta. Because the… 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.
SSA USES SIX DOMAINS TO DESCRIBE CHILDHOOD DISABILITY
WHAT ARE THE SIX CHILDHOOD DISABILITY DOMAINS ? In order to win SSI or childhood disability benefits, you must be familiar with the six domains the SSA uses to describe childhood medical conditions. The six domains are listed below. If your child’s mental or physical condition does not meet a listing, then you can… Read More »
IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE A DISABILITY?
If you have high blood pressure—also called hypertension—you’re not alone. Hypertension is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. Almost 50% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. This amounts to about 120 million people who deal with high blood pressure. In 2022, high blood pressure was… Read More »
HOW TO APPEAL A DENIAL OF DISABILITY FROM THE SSA
APPEAL YOUR SSA DENIAL Are you wondering how to appeal a denial from the SSA? Is this what happened? You applied for benefits and you received a denial of your application in the mail. Now, you are wondering how to appeal. The first thing to realize is that you should not give up. You… Read More »
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY? Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage to the nerves outside of the brain and the spinal column. People who experience neuropathy feel pain. They also feel that their hands and feet are numb and weak. Many individuals describe tingling sensations in their hands and feet. They will often state the sensation… Read More »
MIXED DEMENTIA & WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS MIXED DEMENTIA & DOES IT QUALIFY FOR BENEFITS? If you or someone you love has mixed dementia, then you may be wondering whether Social Security Disability benefits are available. The answer is yes. But winning SSD benefits requires you to prove the severity of your condition under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA)… Read More »
UNDERSTANDING PRIMARY LATERAL SCLEROSIS (PLS)
If you have Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), then you may be wondering whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The answer is yes. PLS is a serious and progressive neurological disorder and it can form the basis for a successful SSD claim. PLS causes stiff muscles, spasticity, and gradual weakness. It interferes with movement,… Read More »
WHAT QUESTIONS WILL THE JUDGE ASK AT MY DISABILITY HEARING?
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SSA HEARING Are you wondering what questions the judge will ask at your SSA hearing? Don’t worry, an SSA hearing is nothing like a criminal hearing. You are the main witness. But, you will not be grilled with questions like they do to witnesses on television. Also, the judge… 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 »
VOCATIONAL EXPERT TESTIMONY MUST BE BASED ON EVIDENCE
VOCATIONAL EXPERT TESTIMONY Vocational expert (VE) testimony requires evidence at an ALJ hearing. If you already had a hearing before an SSA judge, a VE probably gave testimony during your hearing. VEs are often called by the judge to testify about the number of jobs that are available to a person seeking benefits. The… Read More »
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME? Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a systemic disorder whose main symptom is unexplained fatigue. The fatigue is not relieved by rest and can worsen with physical and mental activity. CFS can occur in children, as well as in adults. The CDC defines the syndrome as one of ongoing fatigue… 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 »
FIBROMYALGIA AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
SSD BENEFITS AND FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia is a medical condition for which the Social Security Administration will pay SSD benefits. You can obtain Social Security benefits from the SSA if you have fibromyalgia and are unable to work. However, you must show that your illness meets certain rules and will last longer than 12 months…. Read More »
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Neurological disorders can result in winning SSD benefits if they prevent you from working for at least 12 months. In order to win SSDI and SSI benefits, your neurological condition must meet certain rules called the SSA listing. The “listing” is a long list of severe physical and mental conditions that the SSA agrees… Read More »
