tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-364186842023-11-15T10:55:23.938-08:00Ultimate Social Security Disability GuideIn this blog I will try to provide useful information to help those trying to get Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income Benefits. I am an attorney who handles these types of claims and I will attempt to provide helpful tips in your pursuit of disability benefits. The information is intended to be correct but not guaranteed. It does not substitute for direct conversation with a lawyer. This should not be construed as legal advice. Call me at 1-877-527-5529.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-76755157004605378112017-03-05T18:52:00.000-08:002017-03-05T18:52:09.993-08:00Veteran's IU and Social Security DisabilityIf you can't work due to your service connected disabilities then in most cases you should be trying to get both Social Security Disability (SSDI) and VA Individual Unemployability (IU). You can get both of these benefits. When trying to get SSDI, the Social Security Administration will look at all your medical conditions to determine if you are unable to work under their rules.  Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-90805217441993747312017-01-16T06:14:00.004-08:002017-01-16T06:14:58.624-08:00Camp Lejeune New Law for VeteransThe VA announced on January 13, 2017 that they will now recognize 8 medical conditions as presumptively service connected due to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. If a veteran served a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and was diagnosed with one of the following conditions: Parkinson's, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, liver cancer, kidney Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-2811704502490537842015-12-14T18:42:00.000-08:002015-12-14T18:42:10.882-08:00Getting SSDI for Vision DisordersIf your main disabling medical condition is a vision disorder the best way to get found disabled is if you meet or equal the SSA Medical Listing of Impairments for vision disorders. So if you are applying for SSDI based on a vision disorder, the first thing you should do is read the medical listing for vision. If your doctor feels you meet one of these listing it is important to try Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-55093173879847236142015-12-01T15:32:00.003-08:002015-12-01T15:32:29.516-08:00Social Security Disability and SSI What is the Difference?Social Security Disability, also called SSDI, is a program that allows those who are unable to work due to medical conditions receive monthly benefits based on the individuals payment of Social Security taxes when they worked. To be eligible for these benefits you must have enough work credits and recent enough work credits. The amount of money you get per month is based on how much Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-26275531431758168912015-11-29T17:50:00.000-08:002015-11-29T17:50:02.863-08:00Applying for Veterans Disability BenefitsIf you are applying for VA disability benefits it is a good idea to try and list all the medical conditions you are trying to get service connected in one application if possible. I say this because many veterans apply for some of their medical conditions in one application and then make another application later with more medical conditions listed later. Although there is nothing Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-80674469249080480112015-08-04T16:08:00.000-07:002015-08-04T16:08:03.174-07:00How to Get RFC Forms Completed by Your DoctorIf you spent any time online researching how to win your Social Security disability claim than you know the importance of getting RFC forms completed by your treating doctors. RFC forms are also called residual functional capacity forms and when filled out show a doctors opinion of your limitations from your medical conditions. Having a good and long term relationship with your Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-30095828018203891992015-07-13T13:29:00.002-07:002015-07-13T13:29:42.736-07:00Prior Work in a Social Security Disability ClaimWhy is prior work important in SSDI claim? Whether or not one can perform prior work is decided at the 4th step of the Social Security disability test. If SSA finds you can perform past work you will be found not disabled. If they determine you cannot perform past work you then move on to the 5th step of the test which is whether or not you can perform any work that exist in Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-24905499393233481762015-07-08T12:06:00.000-07:002015-07-08T12:06:05.758-07:00Social Security Disability and Back ConditionsOne of the most common medical conditions listed on SSDI claims is back conditions. Some common examples are herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, facet arthritis, vertebral fracture, and spinal arachnoiditis. It is very important if you are claiming a back condition in your SSDI claim that you get regular medical Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-78300736323052446692015-07-03T16:54:00.000-07:002015-07-03T16:54:21.760-07:00Fireworks and Combat VeteransThis post is just a reminder to everyone who plans to set off their own fireworks this weekend to celebrate the holiday. Please be aware of any combat veterans in your area. Many combat veterans who suffer from PTSD are extremely sensitive to fireworks so please keep this in mind. I represent veterans in VA disability claims and veterans with PTSD often say fireworks causes a Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-63808220466269087052015-06-30T12:39:00.003-07:002015-06-30T12:39:51.685-07:00How Long Does VA Disability Claim Take?How long a VA disability claim takes is a very difficult question to answer. I have been handling VA compensation claims since 2007 and what I can tell you is it depends on so many things that it is almost impossible to answer for any given case. For some, it may be a matter of months and others it may be years until you are satisfied with the result. If all the records are in Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-49300418245263834502015-06-28T15:37:00.001-07:002015-06-28T15:37:11.338-07:00Medical Treatment and Disability ClaimsSo why is it important to have a good history of medical treatment and recent treatment. Whether it is an SSDI claim or VA compensation it is important to be able to show past and present treatment. One reason is that many decision makers on disability claims wrongly will assume that someone who is not being treated regularly does not suffer from a severe medical condition because if Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-44247849012787563622015-06-22T12:57:00.001-07:002015-06-22T12:57:42.355-07:00Veterans IU and SSDII speak to veterans all the time who are not able to work and are trying to get VA IU (Individual Unemployability) and who are not also applying for SSDI. In most cases, If you have a claim for IU you should also have a claim for SSDI. The reverse is true as well if you are applying for SSDI then in many cases you should also have a claim in for VA IU. Yes, in most cases you canAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-12987560578517503212015-06-03T20:47:00.002-07:002015-06-03T20:47:51.073-07:00The Importance of Getting Your C file in a VA Disability ClaimIf you have a veteran's disability claim pending at the VA you should be sure to get your C-file as soon as possible. There are many reasons for this. If you have your file you will be able to see what the VA is looking at to determine your claim. This will allow you to make sure everything you need to win your disability claim is in the file before a decision is made. In Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-28100777420227816192015-03-27T13:57:00.000-07:002015-03-27T13:57:32.350-07:00VA IU and Social Security DisabilityWhat is the difference between VA IU and Social Security Disability? Many veterans ask this question and I will try and give a basic explanation. The main difference is that Social Security will look at all your medical conditions to determine if you are unable to work. With veteran's IU the VA will only look at your service connected disabilities to determine if you are Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-61043656117169355492015-03-23T15:06:00.000-07:002015-03-23T15:06:08.996-07:00Social Security Medical Listing of ImpairmentsThe medical listing of impairments comes into play at the third step of Social Security's 5 step process for determining disability. If your medical condition meets or equals a listing you will be found disabled. If you do not meet or equal a listed impairment then you would move on to next step of the process. To meet or equal a listed impairment it takes a doctor saying you doAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-88964952143933820832015-03-19T15:02:00.001-07:002015-03-19T15:02:42.865-07:00Veterans Disability Claims and The Long Wait TimesMost Veteran Disability claims take an extremely long time before they are resolved. There are many reasons for this. The Veterans Administration is underfunded, under staffed and has a huge case load. This can be very frustrating for veterans trying to get their VA disability benefits. Changes are being made at the VA that I think will start to help with this but I do notAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-77715210881399777922014-12-18T11:33:00.002-08:002014-12-18T11:33:13.235-08:00Veterans and Social Security DisabilityIn November, the Nation celebrated Veterans Day, honoring all those who served in the military. Social Security doesn’t just honor these dedicated men and women on one day of the year—we have made it our daily mission to help service members who have defended our country.
Through the Wounded Warrior program, Social Security expedites processing of disability applications of current military Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-8490660376704473332014-12-01T10:07:00.001-08:002014-12-01T10:07:22.051-08:00VA Expands Eligibility for VA Health Care Related to Military Sexual TraumaVA Expands Eligibility for VA Health Care Related to Military Sexual Trauma
Expansion closes a gap in health care eligibility
Washington, DC – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), under authority from the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (“VACAA”), today announced expanded eligibility for Veterans in need of mental health care due to sexual assault or sexual Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-16409327642231094242014-09-29T16:08:00.002-07:002014-09-29T16:08:43.047-07:00Agency Resumes Mailing Social Security Statements
Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the agency will resume the periodic mailing of Social Security Statements—once every five years for most workers-- while encouraging everyone to create a secure my Social Security account to immediately access their Statement online, anytime. The Statement is a valuable financial planning tool providing workers age 18 andAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-88169636069131168782014-09-02T09:48:00.001-07:002014-09-02T09:48:40.597-07:00Social Security Board of Trustees: No Change in Projected Year of Trust Fund Reserve DepletionThe Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2033, unchanged from last year, with 77 percent of benefits still payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-13957629530127073702014-08-08T13:20:00.003-07:002014-08-08T13:20:42.355-07:00VA Proposes Removal of Employees Who Manipulated DataJuly 29, 2014 – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today proposed a series of disciplinary actions against six employees at Department facilities in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Fort Collins, Colo. These actions are a part of VA’s effort to rebuild the trust of America’s Veterans.
“Employees who have been found to have manipulated data, withheld accurate information from their supervisors,Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-225819948302739602014-07-15T11:50:00.001-07:002014-07-15T11:50:09.238-07:00Veterans Benefits Administration Processes One Millionth Claim in FY 2014
July 14, 2014
Agency Expects to Process 1.3 Million by Year’s End
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has completed its one millionth disability claim in fiscal year 2014, and is on track to complete more than 1.3 million claims this year – ensuring that nearly 200,000 more Veterans will receive decisions on their Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-7596716001547805852014-06-10T11:50:00.000-07:002014-06-10T11:50:56.417-07:00June 10, 2014
VA Meets With Healthcare Industry to Discuss Best Scheduling Practices
Kaiser, Gartner, Mayo Clinic to Share Insights on Access Innovation, Modernization
WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will meet with private healthcare industry leaders to discuss best practices and policies for Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-8048572186043282482014-04-29T13:46:00.001-07:002014-04-29T13:46:20.179-07:00Disability Claims Backlog Reduced by 44 PercentWASHINGTON – One year after the backlog of pending disability compensation claims peaked at over 611,000 in March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reduced that number by approximately 44 percent to 344,000 claims – a reduction of more than 267,000 – while at the same time improving the accuracy of the decisions being made on Veterans’ disability claims. Additionally, on Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36418684.post-36265215901375293082014-03-25T13:53:00.003-07:002014-03-25T13:53:24.720-07:00VA Removes Annual Income Reporting RequirementMarch 24, 2014 – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is eliminating the annual requirement for most Veterans enrolled in VA’s health care system to report income information beginning in March 2014. Instead, VA will automatically match income information obtained from the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.
“Eliminating the requirement for annual income reporting Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839649679524991913noreply@blogger.com