Many people wonder if hiring a disability attorney is necessary for applying and qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Texas. Technically, anyone can apply for and potentially receive SSDI in Texas themselves without legal representation. However, having an experienced Social Security disability lawyer assisting your case is almost always highly advantageous and is especially crucial if your initial disability application gets denied.

Guidance Navigating the Initial Application Process

While it is possible for claimants to try completing the SSDI application forms and process themselves, the application procedure is notoriously complicated. An attorney well-versed in Social Security procedures can provide invaluable assistance in properly completing all needed paperwork, providing adequate medical records, getting physician statements, and describing how your condition prevents you from working. Having strong legal guidance from the very start of an application makes being approved on the initial application much more likely.

Building Your Disability Case

Beyond just helping with application basics, a Social Security disability lawyer can craft your case from the beginning by collecting medical evidence, getting opinions from doctors supporting disability, carefully coordinating all treatment records, and thoroughly profiling how your condition impairs your capacity to function in any type of employment on a daily basis.

If you suffer a back injury that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Texas. However, you will need to meet specific medical criteria. Working with a lawyer can help you know which steps you should take to make the most out of your case.

Documenting Your Condition

To start an SSDI claim for a back injury in Texas, you must submit full medical records from all your doctors documenting your condition. These must provide objective evidence like MRI scans, x-rays, EMGs, and nerve conduction studies proving you have a serious back disorder.

Establishing Severity Under SSA Listings

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has Listings of Impairments that outline the severity criteria needed for approval based on each medical condition. For back injuries, you must prove :

Dealing with a chronic illness like Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging and impact a person’s ability to work and support themselves. But did you know that you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) if you have MS? Today, we will explore what you need to know about MS and whether the condition qualifies for SSDI. For legal matters related to SSDI, contact an attorney to guide you through this critical process, which can provide immense relief for those suffering from specific ailments. 

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis 

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, cognitive impairment, and paralysis. However, the severity and progression of MS can vary notably, depending on the person.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits

The primary purpose of SSDI benefits is to provide financial support to individuals with a medical condition that prevents them from working. To qualify for SSDI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has set certain criteria that must be met. 

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be tricky. Individuals with mental health conditions have an even harder time applying. Why? Because mental illnesses are often hidden. The most important part of this claim is proof. Let's take a deep dive into these unique obstacles and what we can do to strengthen the claims. 

Can I Get Disability for Anxiety and Depression in Texas?

The Social Security Administration recognizes anxiety as a disability. But you must verify that this condition interferes with your ability to work full-time. The same goes for depression. You must provide evidence that your mental illness impairs your ability to work full-time. Since these disabilities are not readily visible, applicants may face skepticism. Demonstrating the severity of mental health conditions with detailed documentation and legal representation can improve the outcome and ensure that your rights are protected. 

Obtaining social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits can be grueling, with a significant number of initial claims being denied. Understanding the common reasons behind these denials is crucial for those seeking SSDI benefits. Today, we will delve into why SSDI claims are often rejected and explore the ways in which an attorney can provide invaluable assistance to applicants. If your claim has been denied or you have just begun pursuing SSDI, contact a lawyer to give yourself the legal support you need during this time.

Insufficient Medical Evidence 

One of the most common reasons for SSDI claim denials is insufficient medical evidence to support the disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires extensive medical documentation proving the severity and ongoing nature of the condition. An attorney can play a vital role in working with medical professionals and ensuring that all necessary and relevant medical records and reports are provided. They can also help gather additional evidence, such as professional opinions and testimonies, to strengthen the claim.

Failure to Follow Treatment Plans

Non-compliance with prescribed treatment and therapy adversely affects SSDI claims. The SSA expects applicants to adhere to recommended medical treatments unless there are valid reasons for not doing so. However, circumstances may exist where individuals cannot afford medical treatment or face other barriers. An attorney can assist by gathering evidence that supports the claimant’s inability to follow the treatment plan, effectively advocating for reasonable exceptions to treatment compliance. 

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a highly complex and poorly understood illness involving autonomic dysfunction. Its primary symptom is having a heart rate much higher than normal relative to the activity being performed. Symptoms worsen upon standing. When a POTS patient stands up or performs even light physical activity, their heart rate can drastically increase and their blood pressure can plummet, causing dizziness, severe headaches, and syncope. POTS often develops after the patient has a viral illness. Many post-COVID patients develop POTS. Living with this syndrome can make it extremely difficult to maintain a job. Many POTS patients are largely housebound, or have “bad days” where they cannot leave their bed. Even those who are generally higher-functioning can experience difficulty trying to work, as they will likely need to take more sick days than their employer allows. In many cases, people with POTS qualify for Social Security Disability payments. If you are living with POTS, an attorney may be able to help you secure the benefits you need. 

How Disability is Defined by the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration’s operational definition of a disability may differ from what we as a society generally consider a disability. A person can be considered disabled for purposes of receiving Social Security Disability payments if they are unable to “engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.” The medically-identified condition must either be expected to result in death or to last more than one year. 

While POTS is not generally considered a life-threatening illness, it is a chronic condition, meaning it may affect the patient for many years or even the rest of their life. This generally meets the “expected to last more than 12 months” requirement. 

Update: For those who are seeking Social Security disability benefits because of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important to understand the factors that may be considered when determining whether a condition qualifies as a disability. Social Security will evaluate a person's residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine whether a condition will limit the types of work they can perform. During medical examinations, there are multiple types of tests that may be used to determine how carpal tunnel syndrome has affected a person's ability to use their arms, wrists, and hands, including:

• Tinel's sign test - When the skin over a nerve is tapped in a certain way, this may cause a tingling feeling, which is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. This test may be used to determine whether carpal tunnel syndrome has affected the ability of nerves to transmit signals to the wrists and hands.

• Phalen's maneuver - In this test, a person will press the backs of their hands together with their fingers pointed down, and they will hold that position for around one to two minutes. If they begin to experience numbness or tingling in the fingers, this is an indication that they have carpal tunnel syndrome that may affect their ability to perform tasks with their hands.

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There are numerous reasons why people seek disability benefits. Serious injuries, illnesses, or mental health issues can affect a person's ability to work, and if long-term disabilities will limit their ability to earn an income and support themselves, public benefits may be an essential form of financial support that will allow them to meet their ongoing needs. While Social Security disability benefits can be invaluable in these situations, many people with disabilities struggle to have their claims approved.

Issues Affecting Social Security Disability Applicants

Every year, around two million people apply for disability benefits through Social Security. These cases are supposed to be evaluated based on specific criteria used to determine whether a person has experienced a serious condition that has limited their ability to maintain gainful employment. However, a large number of disability claims are improperly denied, and in many cases, applicants will need to pursue appeals in federal courts and demonstrate that they meet the qualifications to receive disability benefits.

In recent years, concerns have been raised about the number of cases in which federal judges have overturned the decisions made by Social Security. In 2021 and 2022, federal judges found fault with nearly 60 percent of the decisions that resulted in Social Security disability appeals. In most cases, new hearings were ordered to ensure that all evidence in a case would be considered correctly, although there have been some situations where federal judges have overturned the decisions made by Social Security and ordered benefits to be paid.

There are many different types of disabilities, and they can range from minor inconveniences to huge setbacks that affect nearly every aspect of a person's life. For those with significant disabilities, Social Security disability benefits can provide essential assistance in the form of monthly payments that may be used to cover the necessities of life. Those who are disabled may believe that these benefits are necessary, but they may also be concerned about whether their disabilities are severe enough or will last long enough to qualify for Social Security benefits. By understanding the definitions Social Security uses regarding the severity of disabilities and the ways a person may be affected, people with partial or temporary disabilities can determine whether they qualify for assistance.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security has specified that it only provides benefits for people with total disabilities rather than partial disabilities or conditions that will only affect someone for a short period of time. A condition may be considered a disability if it prevents a person from being able to earn enough to address their minimum needs. While a person who is currently working may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, they must be earning less than an amount known as substantial gainful activity (SGA).

The SGA figures are adjusted each year based on inflation and changes in the cost of living. In 2023, SGA is $1,470 per month for most people. For those who are legally blind, SGA is $2,460. If a person's average monthly earnings are below the applicable SGA limit, they may still qualify for disability benefits.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness, fatigue, coordination problems, and a variety of other symptoms. It can be a debilitating condition that can greatly impact a person's ability to work and carry out daily activities. As a result, many MS patients apply for Social Security disability benefits to help support themselves and their families. However, navigating the Social Security disability application process can be daunting, and those who are seeking benefits will need to understand the criteria considered by Social Security in order to maximize their chances of being approved for disability benefits.

Factors Considered by Social Security for People With MS

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, an applicant must demonstrate that they have a medically determinable impairment that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. This means that their condition must be severe enough to significantly limit their ability to work and earn an income. When it comes to MS, the Social Security Administration (SSA) includes this condition in its Listing of Impairments, and if certain criteria are met, a person will be considered to be disabled, allowing them to qualify for disability benefits.

The Listing of Impairments categorizes multiple sclerosis as a neurological disorder, and a person will be considered disabled if they have an interference in the ability to move at least two extremities, including the legs, feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, or fingers. These issues must cause extreme limitations in the ability to move from sitting to standing or to maintain balance while standing or walking without the assistance of items such as crutches or a walker. Extreme limitations may also affect the ability to perform movements with the arms and hands and complete work-related tasks, such as an inability to grip, pinch, handle objects, reach in different directions, push and pull, or lift and carry items.

Social Security is one of the most critical aspects of the American social safety net. In addition to providing benefits for people who have reached retirement age, it also provides essential financial support to many people with disabilities. Numerous physical and mental health conditions can affect people's ability to maintain employment and make enough money to support themselves and their families, and Social Security disability benefits address this by providing assistance to those who are considered to be totally disabled.

In many cases, those who apply for disability benefits will do so through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which may be available based on the number of years a person has worked, their age, and other factors. However, applying for SSDI benefits can be a long and complicated process, and unfortunately, many applicants are denied. In these situations, it is important to remember that denial is not the end of the road. In fact, there are several options for appealing a denied Social Security disability claim. By understanding your rights and the procedures that will be followed, you can increase your chances of success.

The Social Security Disability Appeals Process

If you believe that your SSDI claim has been incorrectly denied, you can do the following:

Visual impairment or vision loss is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, about 36 million people are either blind or have severe vision problems. Vision loss can be caused by many different factors, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, or glaucoma, to name a few.

For many individuals suffering from vision loss, the condition can be debilitating, impacting daily activities such as reading, driving, navigating a person's home and community, and performing work-related tasks. Fortunately, Social Security disability benefits are available to help those affected individuals who are unable to work due to vision impairments. However, it is important to understand when vision loss qualifies for these benefits.

How Social Security Measures Vision Loss to Determine Whether a Person Is Disabled

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits due to vision loss, a person must meet specific criteria. Social Security defines legal blindness as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in their better eye with correction or a field of vision that is less than 20 degrees in the better eye. If a person's vision meets either of these requirements, they are considered legally blind, and they may be automatically eligible for disability benefits.

No matter how carefully you plan for the future, sometimes life gets in the way. If you have recently become badly injured or otherwise disabled, you may understandably feel worried and have many questions. How will you provide for yourself and your family? Will you be able to retire? Is there any work you can still do? Read on to learn more about one option that could be available to you - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - and then contact an SSDI attorney who can help you determine whether this might be a good option for you. 

Who Can Get SSDI? 

SSDI is intended to provide help to disabled individuals who meet the requirements of the SSDI program. Not everyone is considered “insured” under SSDI - adults must have worked recently and have paid Social Security taxes on their income. If you apply, you must provide extensive documentation about your work history and the condition that leaves you fully disabled. 

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a daunting task, especially for those who are dealing with mental health conditions. During the application process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will follow a five-step procedure to determine whether an applicant is currently working, whether they have a disabling condition that prevents them from working full-time, and whether they have the capacity to work in jobs they have held in the past or other jobs that are available. During this process, the person's residual functional capacity (RFC) will be determined, which will provide an idea of what types of activities they can perform. For those who have mental health conditions that have led them to apply for disability benefits, understanding how mental RFC is measured can be crucial.

What Is Mental RFC?

Mental RFC is the SSA’s way of determining the extent to which a mental impairment affects a person's ability to work. RFC describes the extent of work a person can perform under the limitations placed on them by a health condition. In cases involving mental health conditions, the SSA will look at several factors to get an idea of whether a person can perform work-related activities on a regular and sustained basis.

If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be wondering if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the condition from which you suffer and how it has affected your ability to maintain gainful employment. If you are approved for SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must then determine the amount you will receive in monthly payments. An experienced disability attorney can help you understand how much you could potentially receive in Social Security disability benefits.

What Types of Medical Conditions Qualify for SSDI Benefits?

There are many medical conditions that may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, including those caused by physical, mental, or emotional issues. Those suffering from a medical disorder such as muscular dystrophy, a severe cardiovascular condition, lupus, diabetes, and certain types of cancers are likely to be eligible if the medical issue prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 consecutive months.

Medical impairments that are not listed by the Social Security Administration could still qualify if they are deemed to be the equivalent of an impairment listed under the guidelines. To determine whether or not you may qualify for SSDI benefits due to a medical condition, it is highly recommended that you seek help from an experienced disability attorney who can assess your disability situation and assist you in filing your claim.

For those who are living with diabetes, gaining access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can make a huge difference in their quality of life. But is diabetes alone enough to qualify you for SSDI benefits? The answer is yes and no. While it is possible to qualify for disability benefits based on diabetes alone, the reality is that most people who have diabetes must also have additional serious medical complications in order to be approved for SSDI benefits. An experienced disability attorney can help you better understand these requirements.

Complications That Could Qualify You for Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers several different types of complications that can be associated with diabetes when determining whether or not an individual should receive SSDI benefits. In general, these conditions include nerve damage, cardiovascular issues, kidney disorders, and vision problems. If a person has any of these complications as the result of their diabetes, they may qualify for SSDI benefits.

The biggest factor in determining whether a person with diabetes qualifies for disability benefits is how the person’s condition affects their ability to work. In many cases, diabetes can be controlled to the point that the person is able to maintain gainful employment. Sometimes, however, the condition—especially if there are complications—cannot be easily controlled, and the person may not be able to support themselves.

Many individuals who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction are unable to keep a steady job due to their addiction. But does this mean that you can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on your addiction? The short answer is no, you cannot. However, it is possible to obtain SSDI benefits for other conditions—even if you have an addiction. Let’s look at what you need to prove in order to get disability benefits for a condition other than substance abuse or addiction.

What Does the SSA Consider a Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, an individual must prove that the impairments that prevent them from working were not caused by their own drug or alcohol abuse.

If Your Condition Is Linked With Addiction

In some cases, however, individuals with an addiction may still be eligible for SSDI benefits if they are able to show that their condition is linked with another medical issue, such as cancer or severe depression. In such instances, it is important for applicants to provide evidence—such as doctor's notes and medical records—that proves the connection between their addiction and the other medical conditions.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and diarrhea. It is a chronic condition with no known cure, and it can severely affect the quality of life for those who have it. If Crohn’s disease is preventing you from working and supporting yourself, we can also help you apply for Social Security disability benefits. If you think you may have Crohn’s disease or are just curious about what it is and how to recognize its signs and symptoms, today’s post will help you understand the basics.

How Does One Get Crohn's Disease?

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unknown. However, research suggests that genetics play a role in determining one’s predisposition to developing the condition. It is likely caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers (such as smoking), and possibly dietary habits (such as eating foods high in saturated fat).

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

The most common symptom associated with Crohn’s disease is persistent abdominal pain. Other common symptoms include bloody stools or diarrhea, fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or chills, anemia (low red blood cell count), and mouth sores or ulcers on the lips or inside the cheeks near the gums. Additionally, people with Crohn's disease can experience nutritional deficiencies due to inadequate absorption of vitamins and minerals from food.

If you are disabled and filing for Social Security disability benefits, you may have heard the term “residual functional capacity.” But what does this mean? Residual functional capacity (RFC) is an important factor used to determine whether an individual is eligible for disability benefits. Understanding how RFC works can help you prepare your case and make sure that all relevant evidence is considered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What Is Residual Functional Capacity?

Residual functional capacity (RFC) measures an individual’s ability to perform work-related activities, such as lifting, carrying, walking, standing, sitting, pushing, and pulling. The SSA uses these measurements to assess how well a person is able to handle tasks related to their job, if they were still employed. It also considers any activity limitations due to mental health or physical ailments. For example, someone with fibromyalgia might not be able to lift heavy objects or stand for extended periods of time.

When evaluating RFC, the SSA takes into account both physical and mental impairments, as well as any associated symptoms such as pain or fatigue. It also considers any medications taken and their demonstrable effects on a person’s ability to work. Additionally, it evaluates an individual’s past relevant work experience and education level when assessing their RFC.

If you are suffering from a disability that prevents you from working and providing for yourself, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The process of obtaining your benefits, however, can be very difficult, and it is advisable to work closely with an experienced disability attorney. Finding the right attorney can also be a challenge, so here are a few tips that can help you make an informed decision about your disability attorney.

Research Your Options

There are thousands of lawyers in the Greater Dallas area, and it is important to research and compare different lawyers or firms before deciding on one. Keep in mind that some attorneys focus their practices on different areas of law, such as personal injury, family law, or criminal defense. You want to ensure that your attorney has specific and meaningful experience dealing with Social Security disability cases. Ask questions about their experience and success rate with prior clients who were facing similar issues as you are facing.

Seek Referrals

Another way to get a good lead on a reputable disability lawyer is by asking friends, family, or acquaintances if they have ever used one in the past or if they know someone who has used one recently. This will give you an idea of which attorneys are experienced and successful at handling Social Security disability cases. Ask about their experiences with the attorney and the law firm, as well as what kind of results were achieved in the case.