Helping People With Disabilities Nationwide
Many of the disability cases I see involve back or leg pain.In these cases, x-rays and MRIs can go a long way toward getting a favorable decision, but when a claimant appears to be in more pain than imaging would indicate, an administrative law judge (ALJ) will...
Anyone who has gone through the process of applying for disability benefits knows that it is not quick or easy.In addition to multiple denials in the course of an application, it's not unusual for many claimants to have at least one prior application denied before...
Social Security Disability (SSD) is supposed to be there for those who are unable to work due to their injuries or because of preexisting health conditions. Sadly, by 2027, it's the current presidential administration's plan to cut the funding of Social Security...
It is very important to comply with prescribed treatment for your conditions. SSA will agree that your conditions or symptoms are worse when you are not doing the things your treating providers recommend; however, it is harder to be approved if you are not compliant...
Many applicants for Social Security Disability benefits find the application process to be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when they are initially denied. If you have filed a claim for benefits, you have the right to counsel under the Administrative Procedure...
In an adversarial system, two advocates represent the interests of competing parties before a judge or impartial tribunal. The tribunal observes the dispute from above the fray to remain impartial. The process traces back to the medieval mode of trial by combat, and...
Many people think that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that only affects veterans who have seen combat. While PTSD rates are generally higher for veterans, the fact is that anyone who has suffered a serious trauma can have PTSD and may be eligible...
One of the more frustrating quirks of disability law for both attorneys and our clients is the five-month waiting period in Social Security Disability Insurance cases.The rule states that disability benefits, regardless of the condition involved, will not be paid out...
One thing that always confuses clients about disability hearings is the role of vocational experts. When you attend a disability hearing, the judge and your attorney will ask you a variety of questions about your past work, your symptoms, and what you now do on a...
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most common question clients ask me is how soon they'll get a decision following a hearing. Unfortunately, the best answer I can offer is "It depends." Most Social Security offices are severely backlogged with claims. On average, it takes...
The right to privacy refers to the concept that personal information should be protected from public scrutiny. While not explicitly stated in the Constitution, the Fourth Amendment alludes to individual privacy rights in granting the people's right "to be secure in...
Obtaining disability benefits is only half the battle for many clients.Even after a claim has been approved, there's still the matter of paying for doctor's visits, prescriptions, and other health care needs.Thankfully, Medicare covers those who receive Social...
Everyone copes with stress in their lives, but not everyone must deal with a disabling impairment. According to a 2010 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a disability (Americans with Disabilities, 2010). More than half of the...
When you first file for disability benefits, you will need to choose an alleged onset date.Typically, this is the date that you stopped working due to a medical condition. If the Social Security Administration issues a favorable decision in your case, your back...
Whether you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), benefits are paid out monthly, and you may be entitled to a substantial amount of back pay based your application date and the date you are found to be disabled....
Find out if you can collect Work Comp benefits too