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Recent Blog Posts
When Is Vision Loss Considered a Disability by Social Security?
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
Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance?
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?
How Is Mental Residual Functional Capacity Measured in SSD Cases?
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?
How Much Could I Receive in Social Security Disability Benefits?
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.
Will Diabetes Qualify Me for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits?
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.
Can I Receive SSDI Benefits on the Basis of Drug or Alcohol Addiction?
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.
Understanding Crohn’s Disease and How It Affects Those Afflicted
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 You Should Know About Residual Functional Capacity
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.
Finding the Right Social Security Disability Lawyer
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.
Lawsuits Allege Fraud in Social Security Disability Decision-Making Process
It is not uncommon for a person who files a claim for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program to be told that additional medical evidence is required. In many situations, applicants are required to undergo a consultative exam with a medical professional who is approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Generally, there are at least a few approved contractors in a given geographic area who can provide such exams, but according to several lawsuits that were filed recently, some of them may not be providing the level of honest care that applicants should expect. Such was the case, allegedly, for a woman in Kansas City who sought a consultative exam as part of her 2018 SSDI application process.
Questions About the Consultative Exam
According to local news reports and court documents, a Kansas City woman applied for disability benefits in 2018, stating she could not work due to a number of health issues, including neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, hip surgery, arthritis, and constant migraines. As part of the application process, she visited a particular SSA-contracted medical provider in Kansas City.