Tag Archives: SSI lawyer
FIVE COMMON LEARNING DISABILITIES
WHAT IS A LEARNING DISABILITY? A learning disability is a brain based condition that affects how you use and understand information. It changes how the brain processes things like words, sounds, or numbers. Each person with a learning disability is different. For example, a person can have a learning disability in reading, writing, listening,… 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 »
HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS DESPITE SSA’S DENIAL RATES
SSA denial rates don’t matter, until they effect you. The SSA denies 40% of initial applications. After that, the denial rate is worse. The chances of the SSA denying your claim at the reconsideration level are 85%. At the hearing level, judges deny 54% of the cases that they review. Find out what steps you can take to beat the SSA’s high denial rates.
SSI BENEFITS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT ARE SSI BENEFITS? SSI benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income program funded by general taxes. SSI benefits do not come from Social Security taxes. The goal of the SSI program is to provide a monthly payment that helps disabled people, those who are blind, and who also have little… 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 »
DISABILITY APPLICATION: TIPS FOR SUCCESS
HOW TO FILL OUT YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION Filling out a Social Security disability application is one of the most important steps you can take when your medical condition prevents you from working. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to do it. Many people assume the process is simple. After they start the application, they… 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 »
COPD DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common COPD diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema destroys air sacs in your lungs and this interferes with outward air flow. Chronic bronchitis, however, causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which allows mucus to build up in the… 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 »
AIDS DISABILITY BENEFITS
AIDS disability benefits are available to you if your condition is keeping you from working. Many individuals with HIV infection have severe symptoms that prevent them from working. If you have severe AIDS symptoms and you will be off work for over 12 months, then the SSA may find you eligible for SSDI benefits…. 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 »
TESTICULAR CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS TESTICULAR CANCER? Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. It is one of the most common types of cancer among men between the ages of 15 and 35. In fact, over 8,000 men will receive the diagnosis of… 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 »
LYMPHOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for the production and circulation of white blood cells. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that spreads throughout your body. Therefore, if you have cancer of the lymphomatic system it… Read More »
TRISOMY 9 & SSI BENEFITS
WHAT IS TRISOMY 9? Trisomy 9 is a chromosomal disorder that occurs when there are extra copies of chromosome 9 in the cells of the body. Chromosomes are structures that contain genetic information. The typical human cell has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. In cases of trisomy 9, individuals have three copies of chromosome… Read More »
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOUR FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOU FOR SSD BENEFITS If you have depression and can’t work, then you need to know if you qualify for SSD benefits. If you have been off work for over 12 months or you can’t work due to disability, then apply for SSDI and SSI benefits? Depression is a common mental… 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 »
HOW TO FILL OUT ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING FORM
Are you wondering how to fill out the SSA’s “Activities of Daily Living Form?” Every person who files an application for SSDI or SSI benefits has to fill out the form. The ADL form is not a questionnaire about your past accomplishments. It is not a resume or a chance for you to tell the SSA how you used to do things. Instead, the activities of daily living form is about the problems you face every day due to your medical condition. The form should tell the SSA that you can no longer cook, clean, or do the laundry without help. If you don’t write about your limitations, then the SSA will use your answers to prove that you can work.
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 »
OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD) & SSI
WHAT IS OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD)? Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a mental condition where a child or teenager has a pattern of hostile, defiant behavior. This behavior targets authority figures such as parents, teachers, and other adults. Children and teens with ODD often display behaviors that are aggressive. Also, they usually have trouble… Read More »
WOMEN & SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Women need to know about Social Security benefits, because they are more likely to need them during their lifetime. Without an understanding of retirement, disability, survivors, and death benefits, women cannot make a financial plan. This article will give you an overview of your options.
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 »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR HEARING LOSS
Disability benefits are available for those with severe hearing loss. For instance, the SSA insurance program offers two types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSDI benefits are awarded if a person is disabled and unable to work for at least one year. You must work… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
CHRONIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION ? Chronic pulmonary hypertension (CPH) is a serious condition that can affect every part of your life. It can make walking across a room or carrying groceries tiring. For many people, it leads to shortness of breath, fatigue, and even chest pain. These symptoms can make it nearly impossible… 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 »
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 »
