Tag Archives: Utah disability attorney
MALIGNANT MELANOMA & SSD
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that threatens your life if you do not treat it. Doctors usually find skin cancer by doing a physical exam. The doctor will then do a biopsy or imaging tests. This type of cancer can cause severe disability and even death. As… Read More »
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 »
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.
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 »
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR FMLA WITH A DISABILITY
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can help you if you need time off work for disability or caregiving reasons. The point of FMLA is to provide unpaid leave for workers facing medical conditions. It also helps you care for a family member with a serious medical condition and deal with matters like… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
STEP FOUR: WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN YOU DO?
Step four of the SSA review process defines your residual functional capacity and your past relevant work. Understanding step four will help you win SSDI benefits. You need to prove that your medical conditions prevent you from performing your past work and any other work. Contact Cannon Disability Law can help you prove you deserve benefits under step four of the disability review process.
DISABLED VETERANS QUALIFY FOR SSA EXPEDITED REVIEW
Did you know that Veterans who are 100% service-connected qualify for expedited review with the Social Security Administration? This means that if you apply for Social Security Disability, you may not have to wait so long for a decision. Because you are a Veteran, the SSA is giving your case faster processing. However, you… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER – LISTING 12.10
WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER? Autism is a spectrum condition. This means that there is range to the condition and some people have greater symptoms than others. For example, some people with this condition do not use spoken language. However, others have excellent spoken language skills, but may have trouble understanding what other people mean… Read More »
THE APPEALS COUNCIL DENIES MORE THAN 80% OF APPEALS
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO APPEAL IF THE JUDGE DENIES YOUR CASE AT A HEARING 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 decision. The Appeals Council… 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 »
COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS FOR YOUR DISABILITY CASE
CAN YOU COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS? Yes, you can collect your own medical records. In fact, the burden to submit your medical records to the SSA is on you. You need to collect your medical records, as they are crucial to winning your SSD benefits. After you apply for SSD benefits, you must collect… 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.
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 »
BONE FRACTURES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR BONE FRACTURES? Bone fractures and broken bones normally heal in a matter of a couple of months. Therefore, it can be difficult to get SSD benefits for bone fractures. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and SSI benefits, you must have a medical condition that… 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 »
DOWN SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome. Usually, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. However, babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21. The medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’ Therefore, another name for Down… 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 »
WHY DOES SSA KEEP DENYING MY CASE?
WHY ISN’T THE SSA GRANTING YOUR BENEFITS? At Cannon Disability Law, we hear a version of this question every day. People look at their neighbors and believe they should not be getting SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, people compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should get benefits… Read More »
KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SSD BENEFITS
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful joint operations. However, 20% or people who have surgery end up with chronic pain. If you have chronic pain, then you may not be able to work and should apply for disability benefits. If knee surgery left you using canes or a walker to ambulate, then apply for SSDI benefits today. Call Cannon Disability Law for a free review of your knee replacement disability claim.
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 »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR DEPRESSION – LISTING 12.04
WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is a mental health condition that brings on chronic feelings of sadness and low mood, loss of interest in activities, and trouble doing your daily activities. A case of depression can be mild or severe and last for a short or long time. For example, you may have a mild… 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 »
LUPUS DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET LUPUS SSD BENEFITS? Lupus disability benefits are available for people with severe lupus symptoms who cannot work for more than 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… 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 »
BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS? Benign brain tumors, or noncancerous brain tumors, are abnormal growths of cells that develop in the brain. Unlike malignant tumors, benign brain tumors do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Although they are not cancerous, they can still cause problems depending on their… Read More »
SMALL INTESTINE CANCER & SSD
WHAT IS CANCER OF THE SMALL INTESTINE? Small intestine cancer qualifies for SSD benefits if it prevents you from working for over 12 months. This article will discuss cancer of the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we consume. It is located between the stomach and the large… 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 »
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 more significant fractures. The fractures can occur in any bone in the body. However, avascular… Read More »
SSA’S INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY LISTING
WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY? Intellectual disability (ID) is a term that is used to describe a person who has limits in their mental ability and in their communication skills, self care skills, and social skills. Children with ID take longer to learn to speak, walk, and take care of themselves. They have trouble learning in… Read More »
SPINAL STENOSIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS? Spinal stenosis is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves that pass through it. Compression of the nerves causes pain and numbness. It can also cause weakness in your back, legs, and arms. There are two main types of spinal stenosis: lumbar and cervical… 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 »
WHAT ARE JOB SKILLS?
WHY ARE JOB SKILLS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SSD CASE? Job skills, as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), 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… Read More »
PICK'S DISEASE QUALIFIES FOR SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA? Pick’s disease or Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the less common forms of dementia. The disease is rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are responsible for managing important functions such as making decisions. It also regulates emotions, speech, and movement…. Read More »
ARE YOU UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE SSA?
HOW DOES AN SSA INVESTIGATION START? How do you know if the SSA is investigating you? Most people who need SSD and SSI benefits are not aware the Social Security Administration can investigate you. However, the SSA does investigate people who apply for benefits. Therefore, you need to know that if you file for… Read More »
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & WINNING SSD
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that damages memory, thinking, and behavior. It progresses over time and makes it hard for you to lead a normal life and to work. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. It accounts for almost 60-70% of all dementia cases. Learn about other… 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 »
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 »
UTAH RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND
UTAH RESOURCES & SSD BENEFITS FOR THE BLIND If you need help with Utah SSD benefits or other resources because you are blind, then you have found the right law firm. Because, our law firm is on your side. We can help you receive monthly SSD payments and also win past due SSDI benefits…. Read More »
SCHIZOPHRENIA AND DISABILITY
WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA? Schizophrenia is a mental illness with severe symptoms that cause a person to seem out of touch with reality. People with schizophrenia may also hear voices or sounds that are not there. Likewise, they may see things that other people cannot see. If someone is seeing things that aren’t really there,… 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 »
CONCURRENT DISABILITY BENEFITS
Concurrent disability benefits are available to you if you have a severe medical condition that keeps you from working more than 12 months. “Concurrent benefits” refers to receiving both SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time. This typically occurs when your SSDI payment is less than the federal SSI benefit amount. With concurrent benefits, you receive coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid. If you are disabled, then make sure to apply for all of the benefits available to you.
WHAT IS A TRIAL WORK PERIOD?
A trial work period is a nine month period of time during a 5 year rolling timeframe. During these 5 years, you can try to “work” while still receiving SSDI benefits. You have 9 months, in a 5 year period, to earn over $1110 and still receive your SSD payments. For 2024, a trial work period begins when you earn more than $1110 in one month. If you are considering going back to work while on SSDI payments, then it is essential to consult an attorney to know your options before you start working. If you don’t, then you could end up with an overpayment of SSDI benefits and you will have to pay them back.
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 »
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR THE HEARING DECISION?
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET A HEARING? In 2023, it took an average wait time of 13 months to get a Social Security hearing. In 2024 wait times are about the same. The wait time starts from the date you file your request for hearing to the date of your hearing. There… Read More »
