Tag Archives: SSD law firm
DAILY ACTIVITIES CAN HURT YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM
HOW YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES IS IMPORTANT Some of the most important evidence in your case is your own description of how your medical conditions affect your daily life. SSA asks you to fill out multiple daily activities forms. They do this because they want to understand how your symptoms affect your ability… Read More »
ULCERATIVE COLITIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS? Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that causes ulcers in the large intestine and also the colon. These ulcers or sores cause the colon to become thick and scarred. Because the colon is damaged it cannot properly absorb water. Also, it cannot absorb electrolytes from the food passing through the… Read More »
FEDERAL COURT REVIEW FOR YOUR SSD CASE
CAN YOU APPEAL YOUR SSD CASE TO FEDERAL COURT? It is possible to appeal a denial from the Appeals Council to Federal Court. However, in order to have access to judicial review under the Social Security Act, the decision of the SSA must be final. Also, you must file a Complaint in Federal Court… Read More »
CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE? Chronic liver disease is a medical condition that affects the structure and function of your liver. Over time, inflammation of your liver cells leads to liver damage. There are a number of causes of chronic liver disease. These include viral infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, drinking too… 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 SSD 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 »
SLEEP APNEA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs during sleep when you have a pause in breathing or shallow breathing. These pauses can occur multiple times a night and result in fatigue the next day. If so, sleep apnea can interfere with your ability to work. If you have severe sleep apnea and other medical issues, apply for SSD benefits with the help of Cannon Disability Law.
HEART TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
HEART TRANSPLANT & SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS A heart transplant is an operation where surgeons replace a failing or damaged heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. This procedure is usually performed on individuals with end stage heart failure or severe heart conditions. It is an option only after your heart disease… Read More »
HIRE A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER TO WIN BENEFITS
TO WIN BENEFITS YOU NEED A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER If you suffer from mental illness and need SSD benefits, then hire a mental health SSD lawyer. If you cannot work for at least one year at any job due to mental illness, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits…. Read More »
PAST RELEVANT WORK: SSA’S NEW 5 YEAR RULE
For years, SSA’s definition of “past relevant work” has included all the jobs you have done in the last 15 years. But this week, the SSA made a significant change to their rules. On June 22, 2024, the SSA announced that now past relevant work is work done in the last 5 years, instead of the past 15 years. This is a welcome change that benefits the SSA and those who file for SSDI and SSI benefits.
HEART FAILURE & DISABILITY – LISTING 4.02
WHAT IS HEART FAILURE? Heart failure is a significant public health concern in the United States, because it affects 6.7 million adults. This chronic condition, which occurs when the heart cannot properly pump blood to meet the body’s needs, is a leading cause of disability nationwide. Heart failure occurs when your heart does not… Read More »
SPINAL DISORDERS & SSD BENEFITS – LISTING 1.15
SSD BENEFITS FOR SPINAL DISORDERS Spinal disorders can keep you from working and you may need to replace your income with SSD benefits. Do you have a spinal condition that prevents you from working? To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and SSI benefits, the SSA requires you to have a severe medical… Read More »
PSYCHOSIS, DELUSIONS & DISABILITY
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS WITH PSYCHOSIS Psychosis can destroy your ability to work, communicate, and function on your own. Many people with psychotic disorders struggle to maintain a job because these symptoms interfere with concentration, judgment, and social interaction. Hallucinations and delusions often create severe mental issues that make full time work… Read More »
SYRINGOMYELIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS SYRINGOMYELIA? Syringomyelia is a neurological condition where fluid filled cysts form within the spinal cord. As these cysts grow they damage the spinal cord. They can also damage the nerve fibers that carry impulses between your brain and body. If you have syringomyelia, then nerve damage may make it difficult to move… Read More »
WHAT ARE JOB SKILLS?
WHY ARE JOB SKILLS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SSD CASE? Job skills refer to the ability, knowledge, and expertise a person requires to perform specific tasks or duties on the job. Assessing your job skills helps the SSA make a decision about your ability to work. If you have job skills, then it is likely… 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 longer 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 »
THREE REASONS TO HIRE A DISABILITY ATTORNEY TO WIN YOUR SSD CASE
There are more than three reasons to hire a disability attorney to represent you in your claim for SSDI and SSI benefits. The reason most people don’t hire an attorney is they think it will cost too much money. What most people don’t know is that attorney fees in SSDI and SSI cases are… Read More »
FIVE MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN APPLYING FOR DISABILITY
Mistakes are made every day by thousands of people who file for Social Security disability benefits. In this blog you will find a discussion of five common mistakes that you should NOT make when filing for benefits. If you listen to this advice, then it will help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. If… 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 »
BIPOLAR DISORDER AND SSD BENEFITS
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER? Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can qualify for Social Security benefits. If your mental health symptoms are severe enough that they keep you from working, then you might be able to win SSDI and SSI benefits. In order to… Read More »
OVER 50? The “GRID” Rules Help Older Workers Win Disability Benefits
OLDER WORKERS CAN WIN SSDI BENEFITS Older workers have a better chance of winning benefits because of the way Social Security law works. The SSA knows that it is difficult for older workers to change jobs and learn new skills. Additionally, it is challenging to find a job. Most employers don’t want to hire… Read More »
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS Applying for disability benefits, or SSDI and SSI benefits, can be frustrating because you may not know what you need to do. Likewise, you may not know what questions the SSA will ask you when you apply. The most important thing you can do is begin your application…. Read More »
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR THE HEARING DECISION?
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET AN SSD HEARING? The wait time to get a hearing depends on the location where you live. Currently, in 2026, the wait time for a hearing has gone down. It is possible to have a hearing within 7-10 months after filing for one. However, the wait time… Read More »
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is PTSD is a mental health condition that can qualify a person for SSDI if it prevents them from working. Usually, PTSD develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in response to a wide range of traumatic… Read More »
SSA MENTAL EXAM: HOW TO DESCRIBE DEPRESSION
WHY THE SSA MENTAL EXAM MATTERS FOR DEPRESSION CLAIMS If you have a Social Security disability claim based on depression, then the SSA mental exam plays a key role in your case. The SSA calls the psychological exam a Consultative Exam. If you allege a mental condition when you file your application for disability benefits,… Read More »
TIPS ON SURVIVING THE WAIT FOR SSD BENEFITS
Here are seven tips on how to survive the long wait for SSD benefits. You can apply for other benefits, like Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF. Health insurance options are also available. Other tips require you to save money and cut expenses. Hiring a lawyer to help you win SSD benefits is also a useful tip.
EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME (EDS)? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic conditions. These conditions affect the connective tissues in your body. Because there are different forms of the syndrome, the symptoms differ for each person. In order to win disability benefits, you must be unable to work at any job for longer… Read More »
CHECK YOUR EARNINGS TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PAYMENTS AND RETIREMENT The monthly amount of your Social Security Disability payments and your future retirement benefits is based upon your earnings. You are responsible to check your earnings statement every year. Therefore, you must check your earnings to make sure they are properly reported to the SSA and IRS. When you… Read More »
WHAT IS AN UNSUCCESSFUL WORK ATTEMPT?
SSA’S UNSUCCESSFUL WORK ATTEMPT An unsuccessful work attempt occurs when you try to work while you are waiting for benefits. But, even though your try, you simply fail because of your severe medical condition. Many people call us, while they are waiting for the SSA to make a decision, and ask if they can… Read More »
WHY DOES SSA KEEP DENYING MY CASE?
WHY ISN’T THE SSA GRANTING YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS? At our disability law firm we hear a version of this question every day. People look at their neighbors and cannot understand why they are getting SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, people compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should… Read More »
OBESITY & DISABILITY – SOCIAL SECURITY RULING 19-2P
Obesity is a medical condition that can prevent you from working. If you are off work for more than 12 months, then you can apply for SSD benefits. However, the SSA eliminated the listing for obesity, which means you cannot meet a listing for obesity. Instead, obesity needs to combine with another medical impairment to prevent you from working. If you can prove that your symptoms of obesity and another medical condition disable you, then you can win SSD and SSI benefits. Hire an experience law firm, like Cannon Disability Law, to help you win your Social Security benefits.
When the SSA took obesity out of the listing, they thought the change would produce financial savings.
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION EXPLAINED It is important to understand your ALJ hearing decision because it will tell you if you won SSD benefits. If you didn’t win benefits, then the ALJ decision will tell you why you didn’t win. Finally, if you lost your case, it also tells you what to do next…. Read More »
ALS DISABILITY BENEFITS: LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE
WHAT IS LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE OR ALS? ALS disability benefits are available for you if you have Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a fatal disease that gradually robs you of your ability to move, speak, and care for yourself. As the condition progresses, daily life can become increasingly… Read More »
CAN YOU WORK PART-TIME & STILL GET SSD BENEFITS?
PART-TIME WORK AND IT’S IMPACT ON YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS Can you work part-time and still keep your Social Security disability benefits? The answer depends on the type of benefits you receive—SSDI or SSI. Each benefit program has different rules. Understanding those rules is key to protecting your income and your health. Our SSD law… Read More »
REVERSE DIABETES THROUGH DIET & EXERCISE
CAN DIABETES TYPE 2 BE REVERSED? Diabetes is Type 2 is the most common form of the three types of Diabetes. It is also known as adult onset diabetes. This condition can be genetic. However, it is usually brought on by a poor lifestyle choices. For example, if you are overweight, don’t exercise, and… Read More »
Dianna Cannon, J.D. – Social Security Disability Attorney – Attorney at Law Magazine
DIANNA CANNON, SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY Featured in Attorney at Law Magazine, Dianna Cannon has been practicing Social Security Disability Law for more than 30 years. “I help people get their Social Security Disability benefits,” she explains. “I handle Veteran’s Disability cases and Black Lung Disability claims as well. But mostly, I handle Social Security… Read More »
AVASCULAR NECROSIS AND SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS AVASCULAR NECROSIS? Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. As the bone dies, small fractures in the bone occur, eventually leading to additional larger fractures. The fractures can occur in any bone in the body. However, avascular… Read More »
STOMACH CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
FACTS ABOUT GASTRIC OR STOMACH CANCER Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the cells that line the stomach walls. It is one of the most common types of cancer and can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to its lack of symptoms. However, with proper screening and early… Read More »
THE MEDICAL EXPERT AT THE SSA HEARING
Medical Experts commonly called by the ALJ to testify at SSD hearings. They explain your medical conditions to the judge and testify about whether your condition meets or equals an SSA listing. You need a lawyer to question the ME and prove the ME wrong if they give unfavorable testimony.
WILLIAMS SYNDROME DISABILITY BENEFITS
WILLIAMS SYNDROME AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects your heart, brain, and physical development. The condition is rare and affects about one in 7,500 to 10,000 people. Williams syndrome creates medical and cognitive challenges that may prevent you from working. Many people with Williams syndrome require continuous… Read More »
DIGEORGE SYNDROME DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING DIGEORGE SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS DiGeorge Syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a genetic condition that leads to a wide range of health problems. For example, if you have DiGeorge Syndrome then you may have heart defects, problems with your immune system, and developmental delays. DiGeorge Syndrome has many symptoms which… Read More »
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 »
ATTORNEY FEES IN DISABILITY CASES
Attorney fees may be on your mind if you need to apply for SSD benefits. The SSA controls the amount of the attorney fee in SSD cases. You only pay an attorney fee if you win your case and it comes out of your back benefit.
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 »
ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER
Antisocial personality disorder is a serious mental health condition that can keep you from working. If you cannot work due to ASPD, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, you should hire a law firm who handles SSD benefit cases exclusively. A lawyer with years of legal experience can help you win past due and ongoing disability benefits for your antisocial personality disorder.
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 »
WHAT’S HIDDEN INSIDE YOUR SSA CASE FILE?
WHAT DOES SSA’S CASE FILE SAY ABOUT YOU? When you file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you expect the SSA to review your medical records. You also expect them to review your work history and read the forms that you complete. Additionally, you expect your disability case to be based on… Read More »
