Tag Archives: ssd attorney
MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
WHAT IS MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE? Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder. It shares symptoms with several other connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Because it shares symptoms with so many other disorders, it is sometimes referred to as an overlap syndrome. Some of these… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
CAN YOU RETIRE EARLY AND COLLECT SSD BENEFITS?
SHOULD YOU RETIRE EARLY OR COLLECT SSDI BENEFITS? Retire early or seek SSDI benefits? This is an important question for many people. Especially when they are in their sixties and may not have good health. Unfortunately, you cannot do both. Many people who can no longer work due to medical conditions experience confusion about… 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 United States almost 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer. Statistics indicate that… 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 »
BLINDNESS AND EARNING WORK CREDITS FOR SSD BENEFITS
SSDI and SSI benefits for the blind are available under SSA’s laws. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits due to blindness, you will need to provide evidence that shows you meet the visual listing. Learn about SSDI and SSI benefits for blindness. The visual listing includes people who have been blind since… Read More »
SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME & SSD
WHAT IS SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME? Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a medical condition that occurs when the small intestine is unable to absorb enough nutrients and fluids from the food you eat. It usually occurs because doctors have removed a large part of the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from… 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 »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR NECK PAIN
WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN? Neck pain has many causes, including nerve compression, neck injury, muscle spasms and degenerative disc disease of the neck. Most people, at one time or another, experience neck pain. But, with time and treatment, neck pain usually doesn’t interfere with our ability to work. Obviously, the Social Security Administration doesn’t… Read More »
CROHN’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE? Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which can affect the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, Crohn’s disease occurs in the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms often include pain, diarrhea, and fever. Additionally, you may also experience distention of your abdomen and weight loss. Other complications from… 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 »
COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME & SSDI
WHAT IS COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME? Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. The condition causes severe pain and swelling in the affected area of the body. The cause of CRPS is not known, but doctors believe it is caused by an abnormal reaction… Read More »
MULTIPLE MYELOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Multiple myeloma is a rare, but serious, form of blood cancer. Find out how multiple myeloma affects the bones and organs, and learn about available treatment options. Also, learn about how you can win disability benefits if you have multiple myeloma and you cannot work.
SSD BENEFITS FOR SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD & NECK
WHAT IS SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK? Soft tissue cancer of the head and neck refers to cancers that develop in the soft tissues of this region. For example, these cancers can occur in the muscles, connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves in the head and neck area. The definition excludes… Read More »
HOW TO GET BOTH VETERAN BENEFITS & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT ARE VETERAN DISABILITY BENEFITS? VA benefits are for veterans who were on active duty in the military and were injured or disabled during their service. Additionally, you can also win benefits if your post service medical condition relates to your time in service. This is true, even if your medical condition arose after… 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.
HOW FREE MEDICAL RECORDS HELP YOU WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS
YOU MUST HAVE MEDICAL RECORDS TO WIN YOUR SSD BENEFITS If you are like most people who apply for SSDI and SSI benefits, then you need free medical records in order to win your case. You need free records, because it usually costs money to get a copy of your records. And, you don’t… Read More »
DIABETES AND SSD BENEFITS
DIABETES AND WINNING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Diabetes is a disease with severe symptoms that affects 34.2 million Americans. That is 10.5% of the U.S. population. The CDC reports in the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report that over 88 million U.S. citizens, approximately 1 in 3, have prediabetes. Additionally, 1.4 million adults 20 years or… 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 »
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
WHAT IS BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER? Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a medical condition for which SSD benefits are available if you cannot work for longer than 12 months due to your condition. To determine if the SSA can pay you benefits for BPD, the SSA will look at all of your symptoms. They will… Read More »
ASTHMA DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS ASTHMA? Asthma is a type of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) where your lung’s bronchial tubes are inflamed. When you have asthma, muscles in your bronchial tubes constrict due to irritation. Additionally, the inflammation causes excess mucus which narrows the tubes. The muscle constriction and the inflammation in your lungs makes it… 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 »
THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROGRAM IS GROWING The Social Security Disability program has seen significant growth in both costs and the number of beneficiaries in the last 25 years. Since 1990, the percentage of the working population getting Social Security disability benefits has doubled—from about 1 in 40 individuals to about 1 in 20…. 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 »
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS – WHEN TO FILE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME BENEFITS Many people contact our office asking whether they should file an application for SSDI benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Usually they wonder if they qualify for benefits. But they also wonder if they should wait to file for benefits. After all, many people with injuries or… 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 »
How Much Money Is My Monthly Disability Benefit?
FILING FOR SSDI & SSI DISABILITY BENEFITS A monthly disability benefits is available if you cannot work for 12 months or longer. Disability benefits replace your income and Cannon Disability Law can help. Under Social Security rules, if you are unable to work a full time job because of a physical or mental condition,… 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 »
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 »
ADHD DISABILITY BENEFITS
ADHD STANDS FOR ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER ADHD benefits may be available to replace your income if you cannot work for at least 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 »
FIVE SECRETS TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS
Secret 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 »
AUTISM BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN
WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN CHILDREN? Autism benefits are available for children who have Autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a medical condition that affects a child’s nervous system, growth and development. Parents usually notice the symptoms of ASD during their child’s first 3 years of life. For example, some children… Read More »



