Tag Archives: SSDi benefits
STEP FIVE: THE BURDEN OF PROOF SHIFTS TO THE SSA
SSA’S SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION IS A FIVE STEP PROCESS The SSA uses a five step review process to see if you qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. Each step involves a question. The answer to the question helps the SSA know what to do with your claim. Depending on the answer, the SSA can deny… Read More »
STEP THREE WINS DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS STEP THREE OF THE SSA REVIEW PROCESS? Step three is a crucial step in the SSA review process. That is why it is important for you to understand it. Even though the last thing you need to worry about is one more step in the SSA review process that you have never… Read More »
THE PART C CRITERIA WINS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
UNDERSTAND PART C OF THE MENTAL HEALTH LISTING If you are filing an application for SSDI and SSI benefits because a mental disorder keeps you from working, then you should understand SSA’s Part C criteria. The SSA evaluates mental disorders under the Listing of Impairments. Each mental disorder in the listing contains symptoms and… Read More »
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS & BENEFITS
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune, neuromuscular condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. In fact, the name means “serious muscle weakness,” which is the main symptom of the condition. This weakness tends to get worse the longer the muscles are used and gets better after the muscles are rested. It is caused… 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 »
PULMONARY EMBOLISM & DISABILITY
WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lungs. This can occur when the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs become blocked. First, the blood clot forms in the legs or the pelvic area. Next, the clot travels to your lungs. When a blood… Read More »
IF CLAIMANT DIES CAN FAMILY RECEIVE SSD BENEFITS?
What happens when a claimant dies and there is an SSD application pending? Can a family member still receive SSD benefits on behalf of the deceased? The answer is yes. Cannon Disability Law can help your family after the death of a loved one who filed an application for SSD benefits. Sadly, this happens… Read More »
POLYCHONDRITIS & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING POLYCHONDRITIS Polychondritis, or Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder. If you have this disorder, then you experience repeated episodes of inflammation in the cartilage of the body. This disease can affect multiple organ systems and lead to a wide range of symptoms. Because it is a rare condition it affects… 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.
GETTING MARRIED: WILL I LOSE MY SSI BENEFITS?
MARRIAGE DOESN’T DISQUALIFY YOU FROM SSI BENEFITS – EARNINGS DO! Getting married doesn’t automatically end SSI benefits. What ends SSI benefits is the “INCOME AND ASSETS” of your spouse. If your spouse has a full time job, then some of that income will be counted as yours. That may reduce your SSI benefits. Please… Read More »
ENDOMETRIOSIS & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition that affects women. The condition occurs when the endometrium, which is the lining inside the uterus, begins to grow outside the uterus. The endometrial cells then implant on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvis. This causes pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding,… Read More »
WHEN DO SSDI BENEFITS END?
WHAT ARE THE REASONS THAT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS END? There are a number of reasons why Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can end. This article will discuss the four most common reasons for an end to your Social Security Disability benefits. The first event that usually ends SSDI benefits is an improvement… Read More »
THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY IS ON YOU
YOU HAVE THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY AT YOUR SSA HEARING Most people think it is easy to prove disability to the SSA. Those who apply for benefits think they will win at their hearing, if they simply explain their disabling symptoms to the Judge. But the SSA system doesn’t work like that. The… Read More »
WILL SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS INCREASE?
In order to know if your Social Security benefits will increase, you need to first understand the basics of your benefits. There are Social Security Disability benefits. Also, there are Supplemental Security Income benefits. Finally, there are retirement benefits. All three of these programs are run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This article… Read More »
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS & DISABILITY
WHAT ARE ENDOCRINE DISORDERS? Endocrine disorders are a group of diseases which affect the glands of the endocrine system. Disease can be caused by hormonal imbalance, autoimmune issues, genetic mutations, or environmental factors. The most common endocrine conditions include diabetes, thyroid disease, and obesity. When an endocrine gland is not working properly it produces… 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 thickening and scarring of the colon. Because the colon is damaged it cannot properly absorb water. Also, it cannot absorb electrolytes from the food passing through the organ… Read More »
SICKLE CELL DISORDERS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL ANEMIA? Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a blood disorder that can result in symptoms that prevent you from working. For example, symptoms such as fatigue and pain can keep you from working a 40 hour work week. Our law firm can help you win SSD benefits if you have sickle… Read More »
FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA & SSD BENEFITS
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes progressive problems with balance, muscle weakness, and sensation loss in the legs and arms. If you have Friedreich’s ataxia, then you should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits under SSA listing 11.17. Additionally, Friedreich’s ataxia is a compassionate allowance that provides for an immediate award of benefits if you can prove it prevents you from working.
EWING SARCOMA & SSI BENEFITS
EWING SARCOMA IS A RARE CHILDHOOD CANCER Ewing sarcoma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the bones and soft tissues. Named after Dr. James Ewing, who first described it in the early 20th century, this condition commonly affects children and young adults. One of the most important features of… Read More »
SARCOIDOSIS & PROVING DISABILITY
WHAT IS SARCOIDOSIS? Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to overreact and start attacking the body. The disease does this by forming granulomas. Granulomas are clumps of inflammatory cells. These granulomas, or small clusters of inflamed tissue, start to form throughout the body and imbed themselves in the body’s organs…. Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR AMPUTATION
IS AMPUTATION OF A LIMB AN AUTOMATIC DISABILITY? Disability benefits for amputation of a limb is available from the SSA under certain circumstances. You might believe that the amputation of a limb would automatically qualify you for benefits. But it doesn’t. Only certain types of amputations qualify for benefits. For example, the amputation of… Read More »
NEW MEDICAL CONDITIONS ON SSA’S LIST
NEW MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT ARE COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES Medical conditions which are so severe that you should be paid SSDI and SSI benefits are called Compassionate Allowances. If you have one of these severe medical conditions, then the SSA believes you should automatically qualify for benefits. The Compassionate Allowances program identifies claims that meet Social… Read More »
Procopio, et. al. v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Navy Veterans Lose Expedited Review for Agent Orange Exposure During Vietnam War
NAVY VETERANS SEEK EXPEDITED REVIEW OF AGENT ORANGE CLAIMS The Court of Appeals Federal Circuit, held in Procopio, et al. v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Court of Appeals Federal Circuit 12/08/2019) that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has the authority to stay disability compensation claims until January 1, 2020. This is a disappointing case for Navy… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS: SSI OR SSD?
SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR SSD OR SSI DISABILITY BENEFITS? Social Security Disability benefits are monthly payments that support individuals who cannot work a full-time job and have a disability. There are two different SSA programs that pay disability benefits. Those programs are Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although both programs… Read More »
