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Recent Blog Posts

How State Laws Affect Veterans with SSDI in Texas

 Posted on March 06, 2024 in Social Security Disability

Plano SSDI lawyerAs a veteran residing in Texas and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it is crucial to understand how state laws can impact your benefits and overall well-being. A Texas lawyer can help you explore the various ways legislation interacts with SSDI and the resources available to you.

Understanding SSDI for Veterans

SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who have become disabled and are unable to work. For veterans, SSDI can be a vital lifeline, helping them maintain their quality of life and support their families. To qualify for SSDI, veterans must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and have worked long enough to earn sufficient credits.

Texas’ Support for Veterans with Disabilities

Texas has a long history of supporting its veteran population, and this commitment extends to those receiving SSDI. The state offers various programs and services designed to assist veterans with disabilities, including:

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Getting Social Security Disability Benefits for Lupus

 Posted on February 28, 2024 in Social Security Disability

Plano SSDI lawyerIf you have lupus, you may wonder if you can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The good news is that lupus is on the Social Security Administration’s list of qualifying conditions. However, you still must meet certain criteria to get approved. A Texas lawyer can help you break down what you need to know to get SSDI benefits for lupus.

Documenting Your Lupus Diagnosis

The first step is ensuring you have medical records from a rheumatologist or other specialist confirming your lupus diagnosis. These records should show medical records indicating you have lupus. This proof could be in the form of a lab test or an anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test. You will need to prove your ongoing appointments and treatment for your symptoms.

Meeting the SSA Definition of Disability

The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of disability to qualify for SSDI benefits. You must prove that you cannot work because of a serious medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. You should also show that you are unable to perform work tasks because of your medical disability.

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Submitting Your Appeal for Disability

 Posted on February 14, 2024 in Social Security Disability

Plano disability lawyerWhen you first apply for Social Security disability benefits, there is a good chance your claim may be denied. Nationally, about two-thirds of initial disability claims are denied. If this happens to you, do not give up. You have the right to appeal, and going through the entire appeals process significantly improves your chances of eventually being approved. A Texas disability lawyer can help through the process.

The Reconsideration Process

The first level of appeal after an initial denial is called a Request for Reconsideration. At this stage, a different disability examiner reviews your entire claim and makes a new decision. They take a fresh look at all the documents, medical records, and other evidence you submitted initially when you applied.

While the reconsideration appeal provides another opportunity to get approved, most reconsideration appeals (around 90% nationwide) are still denied again. So, there is a high probability your claim will be sent on to the hearing level of the appeals process.

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Can You Get Disability for Crohn’s Disease?

 Posted on January 25, 2024 in Social Security Disability

Arlington disability lawyerCrohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. It is not uncommon for people to be unable to complete tasks because of this. Crohn’s is considered a disability under Social Security law if severe enough to prevent someone from working. A Texas disability lawyer may be able to help you if your condition prevents you from doing work-related tasks.

What Qualifies as Disabled Under Social Security?

To get Social Security disability benefits for Crohn’s disease, your symptoms must prevent you from working and be expected to last at least one year. Specific criteria the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to evaluate digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease include:

  • Number of bowel movements per day and presence of fecal incontinence
  • Side effects from treatments impacting the ability to work

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Common Reasons for an SSDI Denial That You Can Fight

 Posted on January 10, 2024 in Social Security Disability

Dallas SSDI lawyerGetting denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) feels disheartening. Understanding why you got denied empowers you to fight the decision with an appeal if the grounds seem unreasonable. It helps to understand some frequently cited SSDI denial reasons that disability lawyers can help dispute successfully. A Texas SSDI lawyer can help you figure out what is causing your denial and how you may move forward.

Failing To Meet Stringent Disability Criteria

Social Security administrators deny claims because applicants do not meet strict SSDI criteria. Specifically, you must prove an inability to perform previous work or adjusted occupations because of a severe, long-term disability diagnosed by acceptable medical evidence

Perceived Potential for Other Work

Social Security officers often deny claims because they believe the applicant could theoretically find other types of work. They may look at someone’s age, past job skills, or education and assume there are still jobs out there they could do despite their disability. However, the reality is individuals’ actual prospects for finding and keeping employment are often overestimated.

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What to Do If You Get Denied SSDI When You Have Cancer

 Posted on December 27, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Plano SSDI lawyerCoping with a cancer diagnosis proves physically and emotionally devastating enough without financial constraints compounding hardships. Yet over 60% of initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims from individuals with cancer get denied, jeopardizing income security during treatments. Challenging rejections can often have the potential to appeal. A Texas SSDI lawyer can help with this overwhelming process.

Gather Additional Medical Documentation

SSDI denials for cancer patients frequently cite insufficient evidence confirming diagnoses, treatment regimens showing condition severity, or doctor statements explicitly stating cancer prevents working full-time. Before appealing, request detailed reports from oncologists, surgeons, hospitals, and therapists clearly conveying ongoing care necessity, side effects impairing daily function, and inability to maintain employment during illness battle.

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How to Prepare for Your Social Security Disability Hearing

 Posted on December 06, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Plano social security disability lawyerNavigating the Social Security disability process can be incredibly stressful and confusing. However, thoroughly preparing for your disability hearing is one of the most important things you can do to help your case and improve your chances of being approved for benefits. The hearing is your opportunity to present all the evidence to the judge that shows how your medical condition prevents you from working. A Texas lawyer can help with the hearing process.

Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim

When preparing for your hearing, gathering strong medical evidence to support your claim is vital. This means collecting records from your doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and other providers showing your medical conditions, symptoms, test results, treatments tried, and functional limitations. The judge will use your medical records to evaluate if your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for approval. Also, gather records related to your work history, such as performance reviews, accommodations requested, and personnel documents showing issues like missed time.

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Tips for First-Time SSDI Filers in Texas

 Posted on November 27, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Plano social security disability lawyerNavigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process for the first time can seem confusing and daunting. Knowing what to expect and following tips will help your Texas disability claim get off to the right start. Knowing what to expect can help you get more potential out of your case, and a Texas lawyer can help.

Understand the Process

Be aware that the SSDI process involves multiple steps, including an initial application, reconsideration if denied, and potential hearings before an administrative law judge if appealed. It can take many months to reach a final decision. Have patience and stick through all levels for the best chance of success.

Gather Extensive Medical Records

Social Security needs thorough documentation of your disability, including doctor’s notes, test results, imaging scans, treatment history, prescription lists, and hospitalization records. Get copies of all records related to your conditions from all providers. Complete medical evidence is vital for the success of your case.

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Tips for a Successful Social Security Disability Application in Texas

 Posted on November 06, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Dallas social security disability lawyerApplying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Texas involves extensive record gathering, thorough completion of complex forms, and understanding the program’s stringent disability criteria. A Texas lawyer can help you with improving your odds of approval on an initial SSDI claim.

Understanding SSA’s Strict Disability Standard

The key to eligibility is proving you meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. You must show that you have one or more medical conditions that render you unable to engage in substantial gainful work activity.

Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death. Any symptoms must match Social Security’s detailed listing of qualifying impairments and meet their severity criteria. Thoroughly researching the guidelines, definitions, and qualifying conditions ensures you claim disorders that meet SSA criteria.

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What to Do When Social Security Denies Your Disability Claim

 Posted on October 24, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Plano social security disability lawyerFinding out your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim has been denied can be devastating. However, working with an experienced Texas lawyer to appeal the decision offers real hope. Many initially rejected applicants ultimately get approved for benefits. There are several steps to take.

Understand Your Appeal Options in Texas

You have 60 days from the denial date to request an appeal for reconsideration. You can request a hearing with an administrative law judge if that is denied. If still unsuccessful, the final options are an Appeals Council review and federal court. You should be aware that appeals can take over a year in Texas.

Be Sure to Have Additional Medical Evidence

A top reason for denials is the lack of satisfactory medical documentation of your disability. A lawyer can help obtain detailed records, evaluations, and opinions from your doctors that prove you qualify under Social Security’s criteria. New evidence significantly strengthens appeals, which can help improve your chances.

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